Mommywood

In this episode of Mommy Wood, host Emily speaks with Jackie Volney, an actress, singer, and entrepreneur, about her journey through motherhood, pregnancy, and the challenges of balancing family life with a career. Jackie shares her experiences of moving from New York City to Austin while pregnant with her second child, the importance of community support for mothers, and how she navigates her entrepreneurial journey with her Amazon business, SolaWell. The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of motherhood, the significance of trusting one's intuition, and the excitement of preparing for a new addition to the family. Jackie reflects on her identity as a mother and the creative outlets she pursues, emphasizing the importance of finding a rhythm in a new environment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Jackie Volney02:49 Navigating Pregnancy and Motherhood05:54 The Move to Austin: A New Chapter08:43 Balancing Career and Family Life11:48 The Journey of Entrepreneurship14:57 Finding Creative Outlets as a Mom17:50 The Importance of Community and Support20:47 Preparing for Baby Number Two23:39 Reflections on Motherhood and Intuition26:56 The Impact of Motherhood on Identity29:54 Closing Thoughts and Future AspirationsTakeawaysJackie shares her experience of moving to Austin while pregnant.The importance of community support for new mothers is emphasized.Jackie discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood and career.She highlights the significance of trusting one's intuition as a parent.The conversation touches on the entrepreneurial journey during the pandemic.Jackie reflects on the differences between her first and second pregnancies.The role of creativity in motherhood is explored.Jackie talks about the importance of finding a rhythm in a new environment.The discussion includes the emotional aspects of preparing for a second child.Jackie expresses excitement about the bond between her daughters.

In this week's episode, we explore the multifaceted journey of parenting, and personal growth. We discuss the challenges of self-taping in acting, the fleeting nature of childhood, and the importance of being present with children. The conversation also delves into mental health, postpartum experiences, and the evolution of Silly Miss Lily as a brand that aims to support parents and children through creative play and learning. We reflect on our own childhoods, the impact of community, and the pursuit of creative fulfillment in a rapidly changing world.00:00 Introduction to Silly Miss Lily03:03 The Challenges of Acting and Self-Taping05:52 The Importance of Time with Children08:41 Navigating Postpartum and Mental Health12:01 The Birth of a New Family Member14:40 The Evolution of Silly Miss Lily17:31 The Role of Play in Learning20:53 Balancing Personal Identity and Parenting23:37 The Growth of Silly Miss Lily's Brand26:26 The Impact of Social Media on Parenting29:19 The Pursuit of Acting and Creative Fulfillment32:23 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing35:25 The Influence of Childhood on Parenting38:02 The Importance of Community and Support40:45 The Future of Silly Miss Lily43:24 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTakeawaysThe importance of being present with children during their formative years.Self-taping can be a challenging aspect of acting, especially without feedback.Mental health and postpartum experiences can significantly impact parenting.Creative play is essential for children's learning and development.Building a supportive community is crucial for parents.The evolution of personal identity is intertwined with parenting.Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing parenting experiences.Consistency in pursuing creative passions is key to growth.Reflecting on childhood can help shape parenting styles.It's important to model self-care and relaxation for children.

In this episode of Mommywood, Emily sits down with Selah Victor, a talented actor and comedian, who shares her experiences as a mother of three boys and how she balances her creative career with the chaos of motherhood. They discuss the challenges of parenting, the importance of humor, and the impact of social media on modern parenting. Selah reflects on her journey in the entertainment industry, her voiceover work, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the significance of staying present with children and the value of seeking help when needed.TakeawaysComedy has been a through line in Selah's life.Motherhood can be unexpectedly challenging, even for experienced caregivers.Having children can enhance creativity and productivity in one's career.It's important to prioritize mental health and self-care as a parent.Social media can be a valuable platform for sharing motherhood experiences.Hiring help can alleviate the pressures of parenting multiple children.Balancing work and family requires intentionality and flexibility.Voiceover work can be a rewarding but competitive field.Staying present with children is crucial for meaningful parenting.It's never too late to start a family, and it can enrich your life.00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Selah Victor02:03 The Chaos of Boy Mom Life04:52 Expectations vs. Reality of Motherhood10:20 Navigating Career and Family Planning15:23 The Rise of Social Media in Motherhood21:29 Hiring Help: The Nanny Dilemma25:44 Balancing Work and Family Life29:50 Creative Outlets and Content Creation35:32 Voiceover Career Journey39:13 Finding Balance in Parenting48:02 Advice for Young Parents in the Industry51:38 Life Savers and Staying Present

Sigi (Yes, like the yogurt...) is a bicoastal and bilingual Swiss-Israeli-American triple citizen. (Did you follow?) You almost saw her on Unprisoned, This Is Us, Henry Danger, and Jessie, but those roles ended up on the cutting room floor. You can, however, still catch her on Call Your Mother, Girl Meets World, The Middle, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and the hit Apple+ series Lessons in Chemistry. Sigi has created lots of digital content and won Best Actress for her film Optimistic Realist at the Portland Comedy Film Festival for playing an aspiring actress slash Hebrew school teacher. It was a real stretch. Sigi is a member of Theatre of NOTE and has performed on stages all over LA. Favorite critically-acclaimed productions include The Diary of Anne Frank (Best Leading Actress), Bad Jews, The Immigrant, and Askance (Outstanding Understudy in a Drama). Aside from making people laugh, Sigi can often be seen carrying seven beverages at once and an overpriced diaper bag that conveniently has no beverage holders.On this episode of Mommywood, Sigi shares her experience navigating the complexities of motherhood, from the transition of having one child to two, to the challenges of balancing personal identity with parenting. We discuss the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy, the dynamics between siblings, and the societal pressures surrounding maternal instinct. The conversation also touches on the realities of being a working mom in the creative industry, the importance of support systems, and the joy found in small moments with children. Ultimately, we emphasize the value of connection, creativity, and the unique journey of motherhood.00:00 The Journey of Motherhood Begins02:49 Navigating the Transition from One to Two05:53 Sibling Dynamics and Playtime08:51 Pregnancy Experiences: The Same Yet Different11:26 The Myth of Maternal Instinct14:28 Balancing Identity: Mom, Actor, and Comedian17:15 The Decision to Start a Family20:10 The Reality of Working Moms22:59 The Challenges of Returning to Work26:01 Finding Joy in the Chaos29:02 The Role of Support Systems31:53 The Impact of Pets on Family Life34:35 Creative Pursuits Amidst Motherhood37:18 Advice for Aspiring Actor Moms40:29 Finding Balance and Fulfillment43:16 The Importance of Connection and Joy

Marta, an actress and filmmaker, shares her experiences balancing motherhood and a career in the entertainment industry, discussing the challenges and opportunities she's encountered. She reflects on her journey from acting to creating her own content, including a feature film and web series, while navigating the complexities of pregnancy and parenting in Hollywood. Throughout the conversation, Marta emphasizes the importance of support networks, self-reflection, and pursuing personal goals as a parent, while also touching on industry changes and her evolving definition of success.00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges02:12 Life as a Parent in LA06:03 Journey into Acting and Early Career09:53 Navigating Motherhood and Career16:58 The Impact of Motherhood on Career24:11 Creating Opportunities in a Changing Industry31:28 The Journey of Filmmaking as a Mother34:51 Balancing Family and Creative Pursuits38:32 The Importance of Support Systems42:29 Navigating Anxiety and Success45:41 Redefining Success in Motherhood49:53 Embracing New Opportunities54:54 The Power of Connection and Mentorship58:16 Debunking Myths About Actor Moms01:03:16 Children and the Acting Industry01:03:45 Current Life Savers and Self-Care

In this conversation, we discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing parenting with a career in casting. We explore the evolution of the industry, the importance of authenticity in auditions, and the impact of motherhood on professional choices. The discussion also touches on setting boundaries, the significance of lived experiences in shaping characters, and advice for actors returning to the industry after a break.The journey into casting often starts with a passion for acting and collaboration.Internships in casting have evolved, making it more equitable for newcomers.Parenthood changes perspectives on storytelling and the types of projects one is drawn to.Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a work-life balance in a demanding career.The industry has become more flexible, allowing for remote work and diverse living situations.Authenticity in auditions is more valuable than technical perfection.Actors should embrace their unique perspectives and experiences in their performances.Returning to acting after a break should be celebrated, not apologized for.The casting process is collaborative, with casting directors rooting for actors.The rewards of casting include witnessing the transformation of actors into their roles.

Aimee is an actress/writer living in Los Angeles. As a kid, she would tell stories to anyone that would listen- most of them not true. Instead of accepting that she was a pesky, lying little child, she did some soul searching at the ripe age of 10 and realized it was her future to be a storyteller!Fast forwarding to today, she has momentum with her acting career, and has developed her voice as a writer. She's ready to tell her tall tales to executives who pay her for them! Aimee writes features that are led by interesting, dynamic and funny female characters, and loves to find levity even in dark moments of life… like cancer! Her current WIP, Breasties, is about her personal experience making friends while undergoing treatment for breast cancer.Favorite things: breakfast burritos, dogs, Taylor Swift, low maintenance plants, and therapy.You can catch Aimee as an actress in the upcoming A24 film, Opus (in theaters March 14th), and in Season 3 (Episode 4) of AMC’s Dark Winds. ..........Interview with actress Aimee McGuire about her cancer journey, surrogacy experience, and return to acting.Key Takeaways- Aimee was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 in 2022, underwent treatment, and is now cancer-free- She and her husband are pursuing surrogacy to have children, facing both emotional and financial challenges- Aimee's experience has given her a renewed appreciation for acting and a fresh perspective on her career- She emphasizes the importance of community support and maintaining hope throughout difficult journeysTopicsCancer Diagnosis and Treatment- Diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2022 at age 33- No family history or genetic markers for breast cancer- Treatment included chemotherapy, double mastectomy, lymph node removal, and radiation- Underwent fertility preservation before treatment, resulting in two viable embryos- Currently cancer-free but in medically-induced menopause to prevent hormone-related recurrenceSurrogacy Journey- Pursuing surrogacy due to inability to carry children post-cancer treatment- Working with a family member as surrogate to reduce costs and maintain a personal connection- Facing financial challenges, redirecting funds from other areas of life to support the process- Managing the surrogacy process independently without an agency, which is time-consuming but cost-effective- Experienced one unsuccessful embryo transfer, preparing for the next attemptReturn to Acting- Excited to return to auditioning after cancer treatment- Faced challenges with changing appearance due to hair regrowth, requiring multiple headshot sessions- Found a renewed appreciation for acting and the audition process- Believes life experiences, including cancer, have informed and deepened her acting abilities- More organized in managing the business side of actingEmotional and Mental Impact- Uses humor as a coping mechanism throughout her journey- Emphasizes the importance of community support, both in-person and online- Struggles with unsolicited opinions and judgments about surrogacy and fertility choices- Maintains hope as a primary source of strength during difficult timesFinancial Considerations- Cancer treatment was expensive even with good insurance- Some necessary treatments and therapies not covered by insurance- Surrogacy process is costly, requiring careful financial planning and sacrifices- Pursuing independent surrogacy journey to reduce agency fees and overall costs

Key Takeaways - Vanessa recently returned to acting after a 2-3 year break to focus on motherhood - Both emphasize the importance of intentional parenting and maintaining a sense of self - Vanessa finds strength and identity in motherhood, contrary to the common narrative of "losing oneself" - Both are balancing motherhood with pursuing acting careers, facing industry challengesTopicsCurrent Events and Personal Reflections - Discussed emotional impacts of recent world events - Vanessa shared her family's immigrant background and current societal parallels - Both expressed gratitude for their families' well-being amid global challengesParenting Philosophies and Experiences - Emphasized importance of play and reading in child development - Vanessa's approach: intentional parenting, fostering grit and strong sense of self in daughter - Discussed challenges of balancing personal identity with motherhood - Shared experiences of children's growth and milestones (e.g., Scarlett turning 3 soon)Acting Careers and Motherhood - Vanessa's return to acting: signed with new agency (ARPA) 2 months ago - Current opportunities: on avail for ABC's "Dr." show and two national commercials (Lowe's and Home Depot) - Discussed challenges of re-entering industry as a mother - Both aim for roles in "horrible" but popular TV shows for stabilityPersonal Care and Coping Strategies - Vanessa's lifesaver: Epsom salt baths (eucalyptus and lavender scent) - Other strategies: heating pads, good sleep, alkaline water

Podcast interview with dancer/actress Tyne Stecklein about balancing motherhood and career in the entertainment industry.Tyne's ArtKey Takeaways - Tyne recently had her third child (first daughter) and is balancing life with 3 kids under 6 - She has continued working in dance/acting throughout pregnancies and postpartum periods - Creativity and artistic outlets are crucial for her mental health and sense of self as a mom - Flexibility and adaptability are key for managing an entertainment career with young kidsRecent Birth and Family Update - Had daughter Essence on December 13th, joining sons Brecken (6) and Ocean (3.5) - Was surprised to have a girl after assuming it would be another boy - Found not knowing the gender added an exciting element of surprise - Named baby about an hour before leaving hospital after getting to know herBalancing Career and Motherhood - Continued working on dance/acting jobs during pregnancies, sometimes not disclosing pregnancy - Grateful for understanding from female choreographers who are also moms - Teaches dance conventions as steady work between acting/dancing gigs - Husband also works in entertainment (dance, music, home remodeling) - Challenging to have two self-employed parents, but allows flexibilityPostpartum Experience and Self-Care - Third pregnancy/delivery was physically easiest but early weeks were chaotic due to wildfires - Evacuated with newborn and family, stayed in 8 different places over 2.5 weeks - Trying to incorporate older kids with baby, realizing importance of one-on-one time - Meditation and creative outlets like painting help with mental health - Savoring newborn snuggles as form of self-care currentlyCareer Impact of Motherhood - Initially wanted to reach certain acting milestones before starting family - Chose starting family over Broadway opportunity, felt it was right timing - Kids have expanded emotional range/life experience to draw from as performer - Auditioning for family commercials together during pandemic - Exposing kids to parents' work, but not pushing them into entertainmentAdvice for Artist Parents - Make time for creative pursuits to stay connected to self - Having kids adds depth to art rather than limiting it - Be adaptable with schedules/routines, especially with multiple kids - Zip-up swaddles and two-way zip onesies are lifesavers for baby care

DaJuan Johnson Introductions and casual conversation @ 0:00DaJuan and Emily introduce themselves and engage in friendly small talk, discussing their children's ages and the challenges of parenting teenagers. They acknowledge the difficulties of the teenage years and the need for patience and understanding.DaJuan's journey to parenthood @ 8:00DaJuan shares how he and his husband decided to foster-to-adopt their two sons, Mark and Duke, rather than waiting to have children until his acting career was more established. He describes the whirlwind experience of getting the call about the boys and having them move in with them just a few days later, without the typical 9-month preparation period.Navigating the financial and practical aspects of parenthood @ 9:00DaJuan discusses the financial considerations of becoming a parent, including the challenges of buying a home and the shift in his career priorities. He explains how he and his husband were able to purchase their first home by getting a loan with a lower down payment, and how his acting income and coaching business helped provide financial stability.Overcoming "imposter syndrome" and building a coaching business @ 19:33DaJuan shares how he started his coaching business, Think Bigger Coaching, by drawing on his own experiences and the requests from fellow actors for advice. He discusses overcoming "imposter syndrome" and the importance of shifting one's mindset to embrace new opportunities, rather than doubting one's abilities.The benefits and challenges of self-tapes @ 24:54DaJuan reflects on the shift to self-tapes in the industry, acknowledging the pros and cons. He emphasizes the need for actors to adapt and embrace this new medium, while also advocating for maintaining a positive mindset and not succumbing to the "cult of average" that often complains about the changes.Navigating social media and technology with teenage children @ 56:34DaJuan discusses his approach to managing his children's use of social media and technology, including his decision to not share their images publicly and to limit their access to certain platforms. He shares the challenges of setting boundaries and the importance of having open conversations with his sons about the risks and benefits.Self-care and maintaining balance as a parent @ 1:02:00DaJuan emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care, including getting enough sleep and making time for activities like yoga, as a way to maintain balance and be the best parent he can be. He acknowledges that putting oneself first is often taboo in parenting, but argues that it is necessary to avoid burnout and be present for his children.

Farah Merani Actress known for See, Quantum Leap, Station 19Farah's background and journey to LA @ 0:00Farah shares her background - she is Canadian of East African and Indian origin, grew up in a small town in Northern Ontario, went to university in Toronto, and then moved to London, England for drama school. After being "booted" from the UK, she decided to move to the US, specifically LA, and got a green card just before Trump was elected. Farah discusses the challenges and uncertainties of that decision, but a conversation with a friend encouraged her to stay and invest in her career in the US.Navigating healthcare and social services in the US @ 11:19Farah discusses the significant differences between the healthcare systems in Canada and the US, and how she navigated getting coverage during her pregnancy. She qualified for Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, which covered her prenatal care and delivery. Farah emphasizes the importance of being aware of and utilizing available social services and resources, rather than feeling ashamed about needing support.Balancing career, motherhood, and self-care @ 24:47Farah talks about the challenges of balancing her acting career, writing, and other professional pursuits with being a new mom. She emphasizes the importance of carving out time for herself, having a supportive partner, and utilizing childcare help when needed in order to maintain her own well-being and continue developing her career. Farah also discusses the value of not feeling guilty about asking for and accepting help.Parenting philosophy and approach @ 50:01Farah shares her parenting philosophy, which is grounded in curiosity, trust, and observation of her child's needs and cues. She discusses the importance of open communication with her partner, modeling affection, and creating family rituals like regular mealtimes. Farah also emphasizes the value of her child developing relationships with other caregivers and the benefits of multilingualism.Recap and next steps @ 57:04Emily and Farah wrap up the conversation, expressing gratitude for the discussion.

Listen as we chat about what we've both been up to over the break...oh boy, it's already quite a wild start to 2025. But season 5 is coming to bring you so much needed joy and community.

Caroline Helander, an actor born and raised in Texas, fell in love with performing at the age of ten and never looked back. She attended The University of Texas in Austin where she received a BA in Theatre & Dance with a focus in Acting. Caroline is a mother of three, wife, and just your everyday gal. She can be found juggling the life of a creative career and the beautiful yet messy rollercoaster of motherhood. She can be found on social media empowering other moms to follow their hearts in this crazy but incredible journey of being an actor. She resides in Houston with her husband and three kids. Caroline introduces herself as a mom of three kids - a 15-year-old daughter, a 12-year-old son, and an 8-year-old daughter. She discusses the dynamics of having a spread of ages and how it keeps things lively at home. Pursuing acting as a passion and career @ 4:00 Caroline shares how she discovered her love for acting from a young age, starting in theater and student films in college. She describes the winding path of pursuing acting, including moving to New York after college, working at the David Letterman show, and eventually returning to Texas to teach theater. She discusses the mindset shift of embracing acting as a lifelong journey rather than a linear path. Balancing motherhood and acting @ 7:57 Caroline talks about the decision to step back from teaching and focus more on acting after having her third child. She describes the challenges of juggling auditions, self-tapes, and childcare, as well as the support of her husband. She emphasizes the importance of being upfront with agents about her responsibilities as a mom. Maintaining creativity and self-care @ 18:58 Caroline discusses strategies for staying creatively motivated as a mom, including taking breaks from social media and acting work, and making time for self-care activities like exercise. She shares how she has learned to be more present with her kids rather than constantly worrying about her career. The role of family and community @ 1:03:26 Caroline cites having her parents and sister nearby as a key lifesaver, providing support with childcare and allowing her to pursue her acting goals. She emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community, both within the acting world and with fellow moms.

Meg Braxton co-owner of The Work BFF Meg's background and career journey @ 0:00 Meg grew up in a small town in Connecticut, where she was a competitive dancer as a child. She later pursued a liberal arts degree and worked in the White House during the Obama administration, which sparked her interest in recruiting and sales. In 2018, Meg made the decision to leave her corporate job and pursue acting, focusing on commercials. This was a major transition, but within four months she booked her first commercial and has been working in the entertainment industry while maintaining a flexible recruiting job. Meeting and marrying her husband @ 12:58 Meg met her husband, who is also an actor, at an acting workshop in New York City in 2019. They quickly fell in love and got engaged in 2020, though their wedding was delayed due to COVID-19. In 2020, they decided to move to Los Angeles together to pursue their acting careers. Becoming parents and navigating postpartum @ 21:03 Meg and her husband had their first child, a son named Teddy, in June 2021. Meg struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety, which was exacerbated by the sudden loss of her cousin to suicide a few months after Teddy's birth. This was a very difficult time, but Meg made the decision to prioritize her mental health, taking time off work and seeking support. She has continued to manage her mental health while balancing work, acting, and motherhood. Reflections on body image and self-acceptance @ 29:09 Meg has had a complex relationship with her body image, including past struggles with disordered eating. During her pregnancy, she embraced the changes to her body, but the postpartum period has presented new challenges. Meg has worked to be more accepting and compassionate with herself, focusing on how she feels rather than just physical appearance. Childcare and work-life balance @ 40:00 Meg and her husband initially cared for Teddy at home full-time, but recently enrolled him in part-time daycare to provide more support and flexibility. This was a challenging decision, but has allowed them both to have dedicated time for work, creative pursuits, and self-care. Meg has been very intentional about advocating for her needs and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Recap and key takeaways @ 1:04:58 Meg and Emily conclude the conversation by discussing the importance of self-care, with Meg highlighting the value of daily walks as a "lifesaver" for her mental health. They reflect on the shared experiences and challenges of motherhood, and Meg expresses her appreciation for the Mommywood Podcast as a platform for open conversations. HIGHLIGHT - Meg recounts moving across the country with her husband during COVID. - WATCH (40 secs): https://fathom.video/share/wf_6QdYLGdxWBnriquoMCXx-JwdAFPaS?timestamp=878.851495 - Meg explains she was rushed and wants to part ways from collaborating. - WATCH (30 secs): https://fathom.video/share/wf_6QdYLGdxWBnriquoMCXx-JwdAFPaS?timestamp=1083.362574 - Meg discusses her excitement and struggles with body image during pregnancy. - WATCH (2 mins): https://fathom.video/share/wf_6QdYLGdxWBnriquoMCXx-JwdAFPaS?timestamp=1761.597491 - Meg explains setting boundaries at work as she's gotten older. - WATCH (1 min): https://fathom.video/share/wf_6QdYLGdxWBnriquoMCXx-JwdAFPaS?timestamp=2733.097386

Corey Clifford Writer, Director and Star of Boss Babes Her podcast - Cinema Obsessed VIEW RECORDING: https://fathom.video/share/FGn-pqpJTFrqJDptk5Q2RJPu12pWqYS4 Pregnancy journey and experiences @ 0:00 Corey discusses her pregnancy journey so far, including navigating her acting career while pregnant, dealing with morning sickness, and the excitement and nerves of becoming a first-time mom. She shares how she has been able to continue working on some projects by hiding her pregnancy early on, and the supportive reactions from her agents and the production teams when she did reveal it. Balancing acting and motherhood @ 11:45 Corey and Emily discuss the challenges and considerations of pursuing an acting career while starting a family. They touch on Corey's concerns about her child potentially entering the entertainment industry, the flexibility of their freelance/creative careers, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Pregnancy and body image @ 48:00 Corey shares her surprisingly positive experience with body image during pregnancy, noting that she has been more accepting of the changes. They discuss the pressures in the industry around "bouncing back" after having a baby and Corey's efforts to stay focused on feeling strong and healthy. Pregnancy hacks and support systems @ 53:10 Corey shares some of her "lifesavers" during pregnancy, including specific products, snacks, and the support of her husband, friends, and family. They also discuss the benefits of having a flexible schedule and access to resources like the AMC Stubs program. Recap and well-wishes @ 55:41 Emily expresses her excitement for Corey and wishes her an amazing birth experience as the due date approaches. Corey shares her anticipation and nerves, noting that she is likely to continue making lists to prepare. HIGHLIGHT - Corey discusses telling her agent about a scheduling conflict for a small acting role. - WATCH (1 min): https://fathom.video/share/FGn-pqpJTFrqJDptk5Q2RJPu12pWqYS4?timestamp=310.402926 - Corey discusses acting class and perspective on motherhood - WATCH (1 min): https://fathom.video/share/FGn-pqpJTFrqJDptk5Q2RJPu12pWqYS4?timestamp=2672.667436 - Corey discusses acting career concerns and body image pressures in LA. - WATCH (2 mins): https://fathom.video/share/FGn-pqpJTFrqJDptk5Q2RJPu12pWqYS4?timestamp=2860.401507

Alanna Fox VIEW RECORDING: https://fathom.video/share/JoqECGSiBUT_EXS6bsS7EL35a6BdAoi6 Pregnancy and life changes @ 0:00 Alanna discusses her pregnancy, including her due date, finding out she was pregnant unexpectedly, and the emotional and physical changes she has experienced. She shares her excitement about starting a family but also some of her concerns, especially around balancing her acting career with motherhood. Navigating the industry as a pregnant actor @ 7:52 Alanna talks about the challenges she has faced auditioning and working as a pregnant actor, including having to turn down certain roles due to safety concerns. She shares insights from conversations with other actors and casting directors about the best ways to handle being transparent about her pregnancy. Preparing for the baby's arrival @ 24:09 Alanna discusses getting the nursery ready, setting up a new home office space, and preparing for the financial and logistical changes that come with having a child. She talks about relying on her support network of family and friends, as well as utilizing resources like registries and return policies. Balancing career and motherhood @ 42:20 Alanna reflects on how her priorities and creative process have shifted during her pregnancy, and she shares her hopes and concerns about returning to acting after the baby is born. She discusses the pros and cons of potentially booking high-profile acting jobs that could take her away from the baby. Closing thoughts and reflections @ 1:05:03 Alanna expresses her excitement about starting this new chapter of her life and how becoming a mother has already impacted her emotionally and creatively. She discusses finding a balance between her career ambitions and her desire to be present for her child.

Lily Harrison VIEW RECORDING: https://fathom.video/calls/132175818 Lily's background and path to acting @ 0:00 Lily discusses growing up with actor parents who moved the family from LA to Oregon to give their children a more normal childhood. She was initially shy about pursuing acting but eventually took acting classes and moved to LA, where she found success in commercials and comedy writing. Navigating parenthood and career @ 6:03 Lily shares how becoming a mother significantly impacted her creative process and career goals. She initially struggled with the loss of creative freedom and solitude, but eventually embraced focusing on motherhood and writing her own material. Lily and her partner Peter have found flexibility in their schedules to accommodate their family needs. Deciding to have a child @ 39:44 Lily was initially unsure about having children, but after fertility concerns at age 30, she and her partner decided to try. Lily was surprised when she became pregnant quickly, and she reflects on the challenges and joys of new motherhood. Balancing self-care and family life @ 56:07 Lily shares how she carves out 30 minutes of alone time each night after her son Jack goes to sleep, which helps her recharge and be more present for her family. She emphasizes the importance of giving yourself grace as a parent. Recap and closing @ 1:00:14 Emily and Lily wrap up the conversation, expressing gratitude for the discussion and the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Introductions and background @ 0:00 Jennifer and Emily discuss their backgrounds, how they met through a music class, and introduce their families. Jennifer shares that she has a 2.5-year-old son named Harrison, and 2.5-month-old twin girls named Rumor and Rosewood. They discuss the joys and challenges of having multiple young children. Navigating pregnancy and birth @ 5:34 Jennifer shares the story of her twins' unconventional breech birth, where she advocated for a vaginal delivery against the initial recommendation for a C-section. She describes the powerful experience of delivering the twins and the importance of having a supportive doula. They also discuss the practice of placenta reading and honoring the placenta. Balancing careers and family life @ 30:19 Jennifer and Emily discuss the unique challenges of maintaining their creative careers while raising young children. They share strategies like using a shared calendar, communicating openly about schedules, and finding ways to spend quality time together as a couple. They also touch on the benefits of having flexible, non-traditional work arrangements. Preparing for an international trip @ 43:45 The conversation turns to Jennifer and her family's upcoming trip to Europe, where her husband Tom will be filming a movie. They discuss plans to split time between Tom's work in Budapest and staying with Jennifer's family in Sweden to provide a better environment for the kids. Travel tips with young kids @ 45:07 As the meeting wraps up, Jennifer and Emily share some tips and tricks they've learned for traveling with young children, including the usefulness of baby carriers, bringing new toys to keep them entertained, and using wrist-to-wrist leashes for safety. Action Items * Look into getting a double carrier for future travel with three kids - WATCH (30 secs) * Buy new toys, snacks and other entertainment for Harrison for upcoming international travel - WATCH (30 secs) * Get a wrist leash for the kids for upcoming international travel - WATCH (30 secs)

Elizabeth VonderHaar is a board certified obgyn, currently practicing as an obgyn hospitalist in St. Louis, Missouri.  Areas of interest include lactation support, exercise and rehabilitation (including pregnancy and postpartum), nutrition counseling, and cervical cancer screening.  She is married to an amazing and supportive husband, Greg, and is the mother of 2, Zoe (age 3) and Randy (15 months), and 1 fur baby Layla (9).  She loves utilizing her education and background to help further educate patients, family and friends in having positive impacts in their care.  She loves HIKING, running, functional fitness, and will use any excuse possible to be in the mountains.

Tiffany Yvonne Cox is a 1st generation Trinidadian actress, director, writer, and producer. She has been on several regional stages such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and more. Select TV credits include: Grey’s Anatomy; Dead To Me; Good Trouble and more. She currently can be seen playing Autumn Owens on Reasonable Doubt (Hulu) which was renewed for Season 2. And on Hallmark's Napa Ever After. In Tiffany's spare time she volunteers with CSH Speak Up! (where she supports those who have experienced homelessness in developing their story to share with legislation for more funding towards supportive housing) influenced her to direct and produce. Recent directing/producing credits include: Star Vehicle; Commune; Roadside Assistance; the podcast play LaDonna’s Epiphany ft. Anna Maria Horsford. Tiffany started a grassroots group after joining SAG-AFTRA Leadership called MOVING THE DIAL to advocate for Black performers need for equity in Hair and Makeup on set. Since the inception of the group; the commercial and theatrical contracts added protections for people of color and those with textured hair. Follow her work at www.tiffanyyvonnecox.com.