The Mama Mode Podcast

Former university professor Kelly George had a routine familiar to many, with early mornings, school runs, full work days, and then a scramble to get the family fed and off to bed. When a struggle with long COVID brought to light a chronic illness, life changed dramatically and Kelly found herself reliant on her support system in many areas of her life. Kelly’s experience and recovery journey insp...

We promise, we’re not trying to make you feel old! We’re on the road this week visiting family and friends and I’m so excited to be catching up with Riley. She’s schooling us on slang and answering some of my questions about growing up as a teen today, including her thoughts on friendships, family life, and what her perfect day looks like at 13. It’s such a joy to chat with Riley, and get a peek i...

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Mary Fusillo, RN, BSN, MS to discuss her paths in business and motherhood as the founder and CEO of Family Solutions International and an IVF mom to twins. After working as a registered nurse and manager of different IVF clinics, Mary started her own business as a matchmaker for intended parents in need of third party parenting. Today, her kids are all grown up...

Be honest- how often do you actually look at all of the videos and photos in your camera roll? If you’re like us, those memories in your phone are collecting a lot of digital dust. Kalee Isbell of Isbell Family Films has been creating modern archives for families since 2019, curating, creating, editing, and polishing heirloom films designed to be treasured for years to come. Her custom films allow...

Ready to focus less on perfection and embrace more of the messy, mundane, and in-between parts of motherhood, too? Today we’re joined by psychologist Dr. Amy Young, owner of the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD and a mom of 3 big kids (teenagers!) to discuss what it means to be a “fellow traveler” to her clients and the ways we can approach the whole enchilada of parenting. We’re digging into common...

After a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Danielle Chesney was overjoyed to welcome a “COVID miracle” baby with her husband. A few years later, they hoped to grow their family again through fertility treatment and were optimistic when their first transfer was successful. When her 20 week scan revealed a serious and life-limiting diagnosis, however, they faced...

For parents of newly diagnosed neurodivergent kids, finding the proper support is often vital- and overwhelming. Founder and CEO of Beyond Autism Services Jacquie Godwin joins us on the Mama Mode podcast today to share more about her work as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst specializing in young children and life as a mother of two. Jacquie’s experience in studying the science of behavior and de...

Whether you’re newly postpartum or well beyond, understanding your own emotions and helping your kids to navigate their own plays a major role in your family’s wellbeing. Today’s conversation with perinatal therapist Lauren Fischer helps us to identify emotional needs and recognize the wide-ranging impact of childhood emotional neglect across generations. Lauren is here to share more about her own...

Ever wonder how the pros navigate parenthood? First-time mom and full-time pediatric occupational therapist Kasey Dwyer sits down with Emily on the Mama Mode podcast to recap her introduction to motherhood and how her training shapes her experience as a parent and practitioner. Join us on Spotify to learn more about the balance she strikes between clinical and realistic expectations, her unexpecte...

Art therapy provides a unique opportunity for clients to explore emotion in creative ways. For kids, what looks like messy play can help children to better regulate and understand their feelings through artistic exploration. Today on the Mama Mode podcast, art therapist Emily Thompson breaks down the ins and outs of art therapy with school aged children. Tune in to learn more about how she creates...

A 24 hour stomach bug or a week long cold- what would you choose? Emily and Laura are checking in again today to catch up on mom life, Mama Mode, and our latest parenting hang ups. We’re sharing some of the adorable catchphrases our kids have coined and laughing about our latest motherhood misses as we try to raise good humans. Join us for a conversation on parenting in the digital age and finding...

As a mom and family connection coach, Jessica Brittani knows that both children and adults can thrive with the right coping skills and tools for connection. Her Calm and Colorful workbooks and coaching sessions help clients discover mindful and effective methods to support their wellbeing as individuals and families. Today on the Mama Mode podcast, she’s filling us in on her life as a coach, mothe...

Life and leadership coach Jessi Sheridan knows her purpose in life is to help others realize their potential. When motherhood changed her perspective on the course of her professional life, Jessi began interviewing women in her community about their individual stories and experiences. These conversations became the foundation for Habituelle Life and Leadership Coaching, her own company dedicated t...

When a surprise baby postponed her plans for after high school, Juli’s priorities shifted while raising her family. The next decade brought two more babies and different job opportunities, but it wasn’t until her kids were grown that she found her calling in studying Yoga. Today on the Mama Mode podcast, Juli is sharing her story of growth as a mom and individual and what pursuing her goals has lo...

The postpartum fog was lifting for Nikki after the birth of her second baby. As she started scheduling her regular doctor visits and settling into the new rhythm as a family of four, a lingering spot on her leg became cause for concern. Life changed quickly after receiving her diagnosis: Melanoma. Today on the podcast, Nikki is sharing her story of strength and vulnerability as a mom navigating ca...

Jenna always knew she wanted to be a stay at home mom and was overjoyed to welcome her first baby. When she learned to crochet using a craft kit, she never expected her newfound hobby would become a business of its own. Now Jenna’s sharing her story of motherhood and entrepreneurship and how a postpartum Shark Tank marathon started it all. Join Emily and Jenna for a chat about the highs and lows o...

As moms, we put a lot of effort into understanding how our kids are feeling, but we’re not always so quick to address our own emotional state. Gloria Shepard, an educator with decades of experience in working with children and adults, joins us on the podcast today to share more about confronting our feelings as adults to help get “unstuck” in guiding our children through their own. With extensive...

In this unedited bonus episode, Emily sits down with her husband Rob for a candid (and tipsy) chat about their wildly different birth experiences with each of their kids. Labor with their first born was a marathon, with their second, a sprint, and finally with their third, a redemptive experience. They’re reflecting on the details and emotions that defined their children’s birth stories and sharin...

With two successful careers and four kids between them, close friends Meagan and Kwinn have years of experience in juggling professional and personal lives. And when a psychic reading alluded to a joint venture on the horizon? It was just the push they needed to try something new. Join us for a conversation about finding fulfillment at work, at home, and in motherhood as they share their plans for...

In the early days of motherhood and the trenches of raising kids, maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t come easy for everyone. For some it’s second nature, but for many moms, fitness falls low on the list of priorities. Today, Kate, or “Fly Philly Female” for any Peloton riders, takes us through her fitness journey as she looks back on over a decade as a mom. Kate reflects on her efforts to mak...

Ever had to get a rush passport for a newborn who won’t open her eyes for a photo? Itching for realistic travel tips from a seasoned pro? As a military spouse and mother of two, middle school teacher Shea has adventures to spare. Shea fell in love with her now husband, Tucker, when she was in college near his duty station. 10 years, 2 kids, and a few moves later, she’s sharing the highs and lows o...

Today we’re catching up with Shelly, founder and CEO of Nolia Roots and mama of two as she recounts her path to entrepreneurship with a young family. Tune in for Shelly’s take on work/ life balance, adapting to changing needs in personal and professional life, and finding the upside to hitting rock bottom. Whether your workday is spent at a desk or with a baby on your hip (or a combination of the...

We’re so grateful for Lauren’s candor in today’s episode as she shares the ins and outs of her fertility journey to baby Jordan. Although she had stopped birth control, Lauren’s gut feeling told her that something else was complicating her attempts to get pregnant. Her quest for answers led her to a fertility clinic and PCOS diagnosis - just the start of a long road to her baby boy. Join us for an...

When Allison and Liza decided they wanted to have a baby, there were a lot of decisions to make about their future family. Allison is breaking down her journey to motherhood and all of the adventures that come with being a first time parent. From navigating IVF to balancing parental leave and work schedules, Allison shares her perspective as we dive into finding connection, creating inclusive comm...

Today we’re chatting with Paige to hear more about her journey through motherhood and the perspective that comes with four unique birth experiences. After feeling overwhelmed and hurt by the unexpected challenges of her first pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period, Paige found healing through self-advocacy and preparing for childbirth with an emphasis on her own mental well-being. Her courage...