The Alicia Ortman Podcast

I use homemade hamburger buns to show how “fun” is a real sign of emotional capacity and a stronger foundation. We move from hustle and burnout toward small, doable ways to create joy so we can show up better in every role we carry.  • why a “silly” win can reveal real growth  • fun as part of your foundation, not an extra  • how burnout and mental clutter build from avoidance  • questions to find...

We talk about why goals do not fix your life if you are building on exhaustion, avoidance, and burnout, and how a simple return to the basics strengthens your foundation. We also dig into the ripple effects of how you lead yourself, especially for your kids and anyone who is watching what you model.  • building a life within your capacity by starting where you are  • strengthening your foundation...

We hold space for the grief that can surface after Mother’s Day when you’re the mother you wish you had, yet you still feel the quiet heaviness of what you didn’t receive.  I share what helps me move through motherhood wounds with honesty, self-compassion, and practical tools you can use right now.  • inner child visualization to offer comfort and safety  • journaling to process sadness, anger, an...

I’m sharing Mother’s Day gifts that feel like real relief, not more clutter, by focusing on experiences and thoughtful effort. The goal is to help you feel seen and celebrated by taking decisions and planning off your plate. • why the mental load creates decision overwhelm for moms • asking what you want to feel, then building the day around that • experience gift ideas like boat day, spa day, din...

I share the quiet desire I have carried for years to find deeper, real-life conversations with high-achieving women. I tell the story of one coffee chat that led to a bold ask, a surprising response, and a new space for women who want to do the inner work together.  • craving deeper conversations beyond surface-level check-ins  • noticing how personal development can feel lonely without real conne...

We talk about burnout as a sign of misalignment, not just a sign of being too busy. We unpack avoidance, resentment, and control so you can lead your life with more ease, joy, and follow-through.  • burnout as doing the wrong things for your season  • why silent misalignment grows into internal burnout  • letting go of control and delegating work that drains you  • avoidance as a backpack you keep...

Apply for the Focused Women Collective here! We wrap the final part of our miniseries on building a business in the margins of motherhood by getting honest about what real growth requires.  We talk identity, capacity, and the practical systems that help you raise your standard without adding chaos to your life. • why true business growth starts with identity and personal growth  • raising your sta...

I’m continuing part two of my mini-series on building your business in the margins of motherhood, and I’m bringing some tough love about implementation. We don’t need more hustle or more platforms, we need focused action that fits our real capacity so we can build trust and momentum.  • honoring capacity as the starting point for execution  • naming the mental load that makes routines fragile  • w...

We kick off a foundation mini series on building a business in the margins of motherhood and name the real reason so many moms feel stuck.  We reframe “not doing enough” into a season of building and share two questions that help you choose consistency without burning out.  • why building in motherhood feels like the messy middle  • the idea rush and how it turns into overwhelm  • why “consistency...

Loss and grief reshape how I see my time, my relationships, and the way I have been building my work. I share why I’m pivoting away from hustle culture and toward intentional living that prioritizes peace, presence, and purpose. • grieving two family deaths and facing the mirror they hold up • noticing the real cost of trading time for constant building • having hard conversations and choosing to...

We explore how “do it ugly” can free you from perfection so you can be present, stop chasing approval, and grow your business with simple action.  • conference spark and the “do it ugly” theme  • presence as the top desire among high achievers  • detailed 24-hour gratitude practice for grounding  • separating goals from to-dos to protect energy  • project versus task thinking to reduce overwhelm ...

We trace the hidden cost of comparison, trade scarcity for abundance, and map simple steps to protect attention and ship the work that matters. Clear tactics help you audit inputs, reset expectations, and act before doubt grows roots. • naming the time and energy cost of comparison • focusing on unique gifts instead of lack • swapping someone else’s timeline for season-appropriate goals • deciding...

We dig into why ambitious women feel “not confident” and reframe confidence as the result of aligned action and self-trust. We share a personal story about fear of being seen, the cost of waiting, and practical steps to move forward without perfect conditions. • confidence as a byproduct of action and self-trust • releasing attachment to outcomes to reduce overthinking • the cost of waiting on con...

We challenge the myth that boundaries are mean, and show how clarity protects your energy, values and relationships. We outline two camps of people, simple scripts for saying no, and how to manage anxiety when others push back. • defining boundaries as clarity and mutual respect • two camps: people with boundaries vs without • energy checks to spot boundary breakdowns • bucket fillers vs bucket di...

We explore legacy as the emotional imprint we leave through daily choices, from breaking cycles to building simple systems that make care repeatable. A personal story guides practical tools to live with intention, heal patterns, and help others feel seen and safe. • redefining legacy as everyday influence, not fame • linking intentions, systems, and mini habits to identity • a friend’s lasting imp...

Big goals don’t fail because you’re lazy; they fail because the plan demands a brand-new you by Friday.  We dig into practical examples for health and business. These micro-moves are tiny by design, but they compound into meaningful outcomes. Instead of overhauling your life, you’ll learn to choose one shift, make it convenient, and let time do the heavy lifting.  To ground it, we share a running...

What if you swapped a dozen scattered goals for one clear intention that quietly organizes your entire year? We walk through a practical framework that turns a single intention into a plan you can live with: aligned goals, a monthly map, weekly focus themes, and daily habits that support who you’re becoming, not just what you’re doing. You’ll leave with a path to move from intention to action: cho...

New year hype is loud, but the truth is quieter—and more powerful: one clear intention can reshape your entire year without the burnout of a bloated goal list.  We explore how to move from chasing outcomes to becoming the kind of person who naturally creates them. Instead of stacking resolutions that collapse by February, we break down why the brain clings to comfort, how misaligned goals drain yo...

If you have checked all your boxes and are wondering why you still feel that nudge for wanting more—this podcast is for you.  I am creating a space for genuine conversations among high-achieving women about emotional well-being, the pressure of trying to do it all, and the mindset shifts required to unlearn, discover, and become who we’re meant to be. Each week, I’ll bring you short, powerful epis...