Mom Who Works: Redefining what it means to be a working mom (in a world without working dads...)

Y'all need to let me know if this works...but today, I'm taking Closing Time by Semisonic to guide us to choose our personal path to walk to the end of 2025. If you're like me, you remember this song from the roller skating rink, and it's been in my head on repeat lately. The lyrics are more impactful than I remember (duh, I was 12), and I think it gives us a perfect, yet unconventional, guide to thinking through how we want to finish 2025.Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. Yeah.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Vilona Michael - marketing strategist, connector, and founder of V.Marketing. What unfolded was one of those life-giving conversations that felt both intentional and organic in the most beautiful way.We dive into the power of friendship, the slow and steady work of building a business, and the very real tension of mom-guilt. Vilona shares honestly about making time for connection, self-care, and the relationships that sustain us; reminding us that growth (in business and life) takes time, intention, and community.I left this conversation feeling like I could do anything, and it all starts with simply putting yourself out there. I think you’ll leave feeling the same.About Vilona Michael:For 15 years, Vilona has led V.Marketing, a full-service agency specializing in helping brands connect with their audiences through innovative, cost-effective strategies. From influencer marketing to social media to PR, her “connection magic” has amplified districts, businesses, and communities alike. Known for her white-glove approach, Vilona believes deeply in the power of storytelling and would love to hear yours—whether over coffee or happy hour.You can find Vilona online at: vilonamarketing.com Instagram: @VMarketing LinkedIn: Vilona Michael Facebook: Vilona Michael Marketing

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Lisa Zwikl—CSO at SmartAcre and a marketing leader who’s built her career in spaces as diverse as the Department of Defense and high-growth SaaS startups.Lisa shares how owning your agency as a business owner isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about reclaiming power in your personal and professional life. We explore how AI has become her go-to thought partner, offering practical benefits in both work and home life, and discuss the importance of using tech to create breathing room—not more pressure.Lisa opens up about her journey through infertility and how that season reshaped her view on time, work, and family. Now a working mom, she brings honesty and clarity to the ever-shifting juggle of career and motherhood, including how she practices ruthless prioritization—a perfect companion to our Summer of Intentional Discomfort series.If you’re navigating motherhood, leadership, or life transitions and want real talk on how to stay focused on what matters most, this episode is for you.You can find Lisa online at LinkedIn & her Website.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with muralist and artist Hayley Owen—and leave the conversation feeling both grounded and inspired. Hayley shares what it looks like to build a counter-cultural life by design, not default. One where values come first, business second.We talk about making decisions that honor what truly lasts, even when it means stepping into intentional discomfort. From choosing a slower pace to crafting a creative career that aligns with her vision for family and future, Hayley reminds us that peace is often found not in ease, but in alignment.This one is for anyone rethinking success and craving a life that feels as beautiful on the inside as it looks from the outside.@byhayleyowen or her website hayleyowen.com.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Stacy Scalfaro—teacher, counselor, wife, daughter, and proudly, mom. While the conversation was unexpectedly riddled with interruptions, it only added to our summer challenge theme of intentional discomfort and the growth that comes with it.Stacy shares thoughtful wisdom on parenting through transition—supporting our kids as they grow into independence and learning to loosen our grip with grace. With honesty and heart Stacey invites us into the tender and transformational season of becoming an empty nester.Whether you’re approaching that season or just feeling the early hints of it, this episode offers perspective, peace, and the reminder that letting go can be just as meaningful as holding on.You can follow Stacy on instagram at @stacygwen262.You can order the Task Keeper pad that connected Stacy & Jenna HERE.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kendy Cox—a wife, mom of three, and Vice President at Public Strategies, where she’s spent over 25 years leading impactful human services projects. But beyond her impressive resume, Kendy shares her most personal role yet: warrior mom.When her teenage daughter began battling an eating disorder in the wake of the pandemic, Kendy’s world shifted. What followed was a journey marked by fear, learning, resilience, and deep love. She opens up about navigating her daughter’s illness and recovery, the emotional toll it took, and the surprising ways it transformed her perspectives.Now known online as ED Warrior Mom, Kendy is using her family’s story to support others—mentoring parents, advocating for mental health, and building a community of hope on TikTok and Instagram. Follow her for more info and resources for eating disorders. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that motherhood is not always about having the answers, but about showing up, checking in, and walking through the hard things with courage and compassion.If you’ve ever felt helpless, guilty, or overwhelmed as a mom—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Elizabeth Collura joins us from a place of strength in progress—confident in her decision to relocate across the country, yet still doing the hard and strategic work of rebuilding relationships and routines in a brand-new place. She speaks with clarity, authenticity, and a powerful presence that reminds us: you can be sure of your direction and still be stretched by the journey. We talk about what it means to delegate decisions based on expertise, the quiet leadership that comes with trusting others, and how intentional discomfort is often where the best kind of You can follow Elizabeth on LinkedIn & Instagram.

We’re halfway through the year—and with 9 weeks until Labor Day, there’s still so much time to make intentional progress on your 2025 goals.In this special bonus episode, I walk you through a quick mid-year check-in:Revisit your whyRecommit to your whatRededicate to your whenI’m also sharing the details of a vision board girls night I hosted with my friends that was an absolute dream. and it was an absolute dream. It was such a powerful exercise because we each shared our goals, our dreams, and left more connected and motivated than ever. Whether you’re craving a reset or just some summer inspiration, this episode is for you.Let’s finish this summer strong—together.