Mama Making Podcast

What if birth wasn't something to be afraid of — but something to be prepared for?  In this episode, Jessica sits down with Emily Encinosa, certified professional midwife, hypnobirthing instructor, and founder of Birds and Bees Maternity Center in Annapolis, Maryland, to talk about the modern home birth movement, the maternity care ecosystem she's building, and why continuity of care cha...

Sometimes life just doesn't ask permission.  In this solo episode, Jessica gets real about the last two weeks — a broken arm, a late-night ER visit with her son, a hard decision to miss a conference she was really looking forward to, and a full dental surgery under general anesthesia the following week. She talks about what it looks and feels like to go into survival mode, why the emotional w...

What does it look like when a business-owning mom hits rock bottom — physically, emotionally, and hormonally — and finds her way back?  In this episode, Jessica sits down with Terry Tateossian, founder of Thor (The House of Rose), a health coaching practice built for midlife women ready to reclaim their vitality. At 42, Terry lost over 80 pounds, overcame emotional eating, and discovered she had b...

What if the key to less defiance, fewer tantrums, and a deeper connection with your kids wasn't another parenting strategy — but play?  In this episode, Jessica sits down with Dr. Kim Van Dusen, licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist, and founder of The Parentologist, to talk about why play is one of the most powerful and underused tools in a parent's toolkit....

Second pregnancies are supposed to be easier, right? Not always.  In this episode, Jessica sits down with returning guest Mariela De Santiago for a candid, practical, and deeply relatable conversation about what it actually looks like to prepare for baby number two. From a harder pregnancy than expected to a planned C-section, from sibling prep to postpartum non-negotiables, Mariela shares exactly...

What if the hardest parts of motherhood weren't signs that you're failing — but invitations to finally understand yourself?  In this episode, Jessica sits down with Dr. Angele Close, clinical psychologist, motherhood coach, and author of Unburdening Motherhood , for a deeply honest conversation about matrescence, the Internal Family Systems model, and what it really means to heal inside...

Sometimes the universe pushes you before you're ready.  In this solo episode, Jessica gets honest about her business ownership journey — from a career she loved in nonprofit fundraising, to a corporate pivot, to an unexpected layoff that became the unlikely catalyst for everything. She talks about the messy middle of entrepreneurial growth, the imposter syndrome that comes with it, the therap...

What happens when the feeding journey you planned isn't the one you get? In this episode, Jessica sits down with Mallory Whitmore — founder of The Formula Mom, infant feeding technician, and author of Bottle Service — for an honest, judgment-free conversation about formula feeding. From debunking the biggest formula myths to navigating the guilt and grief that can come with changing course, M...

What happens when you launch a business two weeks before giving birth? In this episode of The Mama Making Podcast , I sit down with pharmacist, functional medicine consultant, podcast host, and new mom Dr. Kelly Moline to talk about building a business in the early days of motherhood — and redefining success along the way. Kelly shares how her curiosity inside traditional pharmacy practice led her...

It’s been a minute since I’ve done a solo episode — and there’s a lot happening. In this honest check-in, I’m sharing podcast updates, business growth, big pivots for the next season, and some personal reflections on alignment, ambition, and expanding our family. After five years of podcasting, this past year brought the most growth The Mama Making Podcast has ever seen — and it’s pushing me to th...

What if the life you planned doesn’t unfold the way you imagined — but something equally powerful emerges in its place? In this episode of The Mama Making Podcast , I sit down with author, speaker, and founder of Cheri’s Choice, Cheri Bergeron, to talk about infertility, IVF after 40, egg donation, and ultimately choosing solo motherhood. Cheri shares her journey from building a successful career...

What if success didn’t mean more — but meant peace? In this episode of The Mama Making Podcast , Jessica sits down with Kate Scholtes — founder of Your Behind-the-Scenes BFF — to talk about building businesses that support motherhood instead of competing with it. Kate shares her journey from classroom teacher to network marketing to virtual assistant mentor — and how becoming a mom completely resh...

What happens when the career you worked your entire life for suddenly disappears — right in the middle of pregnancy? In this episode of The Mama Making Podcast , Jessica sits down with email marketing strategist and mom of two Allison Hardy to talk about building a multi-six-figure business that actually supports motherhood — not one that drains it. Allison shares her journey from college art prof...

What if preparing for another baby started with preparing you ? In this thoughtful conversation, Ayurvedic doctor and functional hormone specialist Madison Waggoner shares her personal journey through motherhood, healing, and surrender—and how it’s shaped the way she supports women preparing for pregnancy. From digestive fire to emotional digestion, Madison offers a fresh perspective on preconcept...

What happens when two moms decide the world needs a better system for breastfeeding support? You get Mamava —the startup turning the simple act of pumping milk into a dignified, accessible experience. In this episode, Jessica sits down with Sascha Mayer , co-founder of Mamava, to talk about the origin story of the brand, how they’re changing public spaces for lactating parents, and why innovation...

What exactly is placenta encapsulation—and why are more moms considering it? In this episode, Samantha Davis , founder of NuHealth Placenta Encapsulation , shares the story of starting a business in the thick of postpartum while advocating for better recovery options for new moms. From the science and safety behind placenta encapsulation to navigating stigma and consent, this episode is packed wit...

Episode Description As the year winds down and the holiday buzz peaks, it’s easy to lose yourself in the noise. This special meditation episode—guided by Madison Waggoner of Shri Wellness—is your invitation to pause, breathe, and reset. Whether you're navigating family dynamics, managing holiday stress, or simply craving a moment of calm, Madison offers a grounding, compassionate meditation t...

Episode Description In this episode of The Mama Making Podcast , host Jessica Lamb sits down with Taylor Johnson, the founder of The Mompreneur Paper Company —a lifestyle brand offering planners, journals, and paper goods designed specifically for ambitious moms balancing business and motherhood. Taylor shares how her own need for a functional planner sparked the idea behind her business, how she’...

Episode Description: Ever wonder if that extra pair of baby shoes or outdated kitchen gadget sitting in your cabinet is worth anything? Spoiler alert: It is. In this episode of The Mama Making Podcast , Jessica sits down with Olivia —also known as The Marketplace Mom —to talk about the wild world of Facebook Marketplace. From turning clutter into cash to managing no-shows with grace, Olivia is her...

Episode Description: What if the same resilience it takes to run a marathon is the exact strength you need to navigate infertility, pregnancy complications, and surrogacy? In this episode, Jessica sits down with Alison Beder Solway—author of The Miles We Run , fitness expert, and founder of ABS Fitness—to explore her deeply personal journey through high-risk pregnancy, genetic diagnosis, and surro...

Episode Description What if the care you actually needed wasn’t covered by insurance—and what if there was a better way? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Samantha O’Brien of The Hive Wellness Center and Dr. Amy Fetch of Chicago Mama PT to talk about the game-changing potential of cash-based healthcare for women and families. We unpack how this model empowers providers to offer deeper, more hol...

Episode Description What happens when your child is sick and you need to be close—but also need a place to sleep, eat, and breathe? In this powerful episode, Jessica sits down with Holly Buckendahl , CEO of Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, to talk about the critical (and often misunderstood) work of Ronald McDonald House (RMH) . As both a nonprofit leader and a mom, Holly...

Episode Description Ever wonder why music class makes such a big impact on your little one? In this episode, Jessica talks with Esther Bertram , CMO of Mini Maestros Australia , to explore how music helps babies and toddlers build stronger brains, regulate emotions, and connect more deeply with caregivers. From her days touring the world as a professional musician to leading one of the most truste...

Episode Description In this tender, wise, and radically honest episode, Jessica welcomes Dr. Margo Lowy , psychotherapist and author of Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments and Bitter Truths of Motherhood . Together, they explore what it really means to love your children deeply and feel conflicting emotions—without shame or guilt. This conversation is a balm for any mother who has ever whispe...

Episode Description What if your prenatal education came with a built-in village? In this episode, Jessica talks with Georgia Kastaris , founder of Expecting Together , a prenatal social club that blends expert-led education with real community. Based in Chicago and inspired by European models of group care, Expecting Together creates small, curated cohorts of expecting parents—matched by due date...