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

April is Autism Awareness Month, and today's episode is with Lisa Candera, the autism mom coach! This episode has nuggets of wisdom and support for moms who are walking the same path as Lisa and for moms who are loving someone in their lives who are walking the same path. We are so honored to have her on the show!Lisa Candera is a single mom to a young adult with severe autism and OCD, a practicing attorney, and a life coach for autism moms. She founded The Autism Mom Coach as the answer to the question she asked herself during her son’s most volatile years of acute aggression, school crises, and hospitalizations:How do I stay steady and grounded when my child is constantly melting down?The answer became the foundation of her coaching program, where she teaches autism moms to regulate first so they can respond with steadiness and lead with confidence.Lisa hosts The Autism Mom Podcast, is a regular contributor to The Autism Parenting Magazine and presenter on parental self-care, emotional regulation, and meltdown de-escalation strategies for Autism Services and Resources, Connecticut.  https://theautismmomcoach.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-candera-949b3175/https://www.facebook.com/theautismmomcoachhttps://www.instagram.com/theautismmomcoach/

This episode is permission and practical ideas to make your life easier. Yes, mom, it is ok to make decisions, take time and create habits to intentionally make your life easier. As discussed in the episode, the definition of "make your life easier" according to AI (lol) is the following: to simplify, reduce stress, effort, or complications in your daily existence so that things feel less burdensome, more manageable, or more enjoyable overall.If you can relate to this, today's episode is for you. Listen in!

This episode with Carrie Fabris had me in tears during the episode, the kind of tears that are quiet and calm and feel like relief because Carrie just gets it. She understands what it means to feel the deep need to make what she calls a "passion pivot" and she did it. This episode is going to inspire you, I just know it!Carrie shares more about her journey of making major career changes and choosing what's best for her. She talks about "burning the boat back" and I know one of you (probably more!) need to hear this affirmation to go all in and leave it all out there. You can literally feel Carrie's calm confidence in this episode and it feels like she's talking to the listener directly. I am beyond grateful to start our year with this interview. Listen in!Carrie Fabris is the founder of CareerFrame, a Dallas-based leadership development and executive coaching firm dedicated to transforming leaders, teams, and organizational culture. She partners with high-performance organizations, including Axios Media, Mouser Electronics, Appfolio, Boingo Wireless, and Expedia, to elevate senior leaders, strengthen leadership teams, and cultivate accountable, thriving workplace cultures.With over 20 years of corporate experience and 15+ years in leadership roles at Google, Travelocity, Sabre, and Travel Leaders Corporate, Carrie combines real-world business insight with her expertise in CliftonStrengths®, EQ-i 2.0, and Situational Leadership®. Through her signature FRAMEit Method, she delivers high-energy, actionable coaching and workshops that help leaders bridge the gap between achievement and legacy, while maintaining balance, purpose, and impact in their professional and personal lives.Carrie is also the author of ALL IN: The Working Mom’s Unapologetic Quest for a Juicy Life, sharing her personal journey of navigating corporate ambition, entrepreneurship, and motherhood without compromise. She holds a degree from UT Austin and resides in Dallas with her husband and two children.Instagram: @cdfabrisLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfabris-reframe-coaching-training/ Website: https://www.carriefabris.com/Buy Carrie’s Book, ALL IN: https://a.co/d/coENdEP 

Moms, we are finally back in podcast action with the first episode of 2026!In this episode, we are talking word of the year and mine is CRUCIAL. And I share an incredible and insightful moment with my son about his "calm mindset." So glad to be back in your years and looking forward to an incredible line up of interviews coming up!

It's that time-- our annual reminder that in the Mom Who Works Community? February is the new January! Maybe you're fired up and ready to literally and figuratively hit the ground running tomorrow January 1, but for many years now, our community has operated with the sentiment that February 1 is our January 1. Curious to learn more? Listen in!

We are so honored and excited to bring you this episode with Rebecca Blacker. She is so vulnerable and honest and this conversation is a complete delight. One of my favorite things she said relates to the idea of "tell me how you did that!" to celebrate major accomplishments. Listen in!Rebecca Blacker is a leading force in New York City residential real estate and the co-founder of Blacker & Team, Coldwell Banker Warburg’s #1 producing team for two consecutive years. Ranked among the top 1% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide and recognized by RealTrends as one of America’s Best Real Estate Professionals from 2022 to 2025, Rebecca is known for her sharp market insight, calm professionalism, and exceptional client service.A native New Yorker from a real estate family, Rebecca grew up immersed in the business through her father’s investment and property management company. Today, she combines that lifelong foundation with data-driven strategy, strong negotiation skills, and a warm, intuitive approach. Her deep knowledge of NYC buildings and neighborhoods has made her a trusted resource for buyers, sellers, and developers.Clients appreciate Rebecca’s honest guidance, clear communication, and ability to make complex processes feel seamless. Her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Business Insider, Marie Claire, and Apartment Therapy.Rebecca attended The Horace Mann School from kindergarten through 12th grade and earned a B.S. in Finance from Lehigh University. A competitive gymnast for 15 years, she credits the sport with shaping her strong work ethic and perseverance. She lives on the Upper East Side with her husband and two children and serves on the board of directors of her co-op.Whether working with new buyers or seasoned investors, Rebecca brings focus, creativity, and dedication to every transaction.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackerreedLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-blacker-b30a1614 Website: https://cbwarburg.com/agent/rebecca-blacker

Well, listeners, it would appear a correction is in order. Last week, I recorded an entire episode, did an entire post, on celebrating one year for the podcast. Drumroll please...IT HAS BEEN TWO YEARS. Listen in for a correction and reflection; this is so on brand for a #momwhoworks.

Today's episode with Megan Spencer aka Meg The Creator is a GIFT of an episode to any mom who works, especially if you're introverted, to learn the tips and tricks to start generating revenue for her family through online tools that DO NOT require building a following. Meg is so down-to-earth, relatable and accessible-- and I know the community and courses she has built are the exact same way. We are all looking for ways to better care for our family, and this just might be the exact episode you need, at the exact right time. (Side note: From date of launch, there are 43 days left until the next year...sincerely, this is the TIME to find one hour a day to take a running leap into 2026 with new revenue streams that create freedom and margin for you!)Meg The Creator is a content creator and mentor who shows introverts and everyday people how to make sustainable online income without becoming influencers. Through her Anti-Influencer Method™, she helps her students earn through side hustles like  Amazon onsite commissions, UGC, freelancing and TikTok Shop without chasing followers, going viral or burning out.https://megthecreator.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-r-spencer/tiktok.com/@megthecreator_ instagram.com/megthecreator__

The Mom Who Works Podcast is celebrating her ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY today with a discussion on celebrating-- what it means to observe, honor and mark an accomplishment. We dig into what metrics matter and how to truly recognize the work you are doing. A special affirmation just for us on this special occasion: Starting small isn’t small at all — it’s remarkable. Getting an idea, a project, a movement out of your head and onto paper with pen and a plan is powerful. Making an impact? It means making an impact, and the magnitude cannot always be measured this side of heaven. For if the work you do, the words you say, make a difference for just one person, it’s worth it. This is the work of motherhood, of career hood, to make a difference for the little ones entrusted to your care, to our care. And every start, every birth, every discovery, every epiphany that breathes life into the mom herself is time well spent.I am a mom who works— and I am a mom who creates. 

"It's a feeling, not a fact.""I help people transform their self-worth to live radically fulfilling lives based on audacity rather than perfectionism."These are tidbits of the wisdom shared in this episode by Samantha Kearns. The episode is formatted a little differently to capture the excitement right out to the gate in my time with her. I first was introduced to Sam through her TikTok videos, and what caught my attention was her talking about AUDACITY and DELUSION as gifts and tools-- and I've been a follower ever since. I could have talked to her for days and days, and I am so excited to bring you this episode. ABOUT THE FOUNDERAfter close to 20 years in corporate America, planning large-scale events and helpingC-suite executives and celebrity spokespersons achieve the unthinkable, Samantha Kearns is applying the same principles of big-picture thinking, audacity, and “sky's the limit" philosophy to her neuroscience-backed coaching program to help people achieve their dreams.​ She helps others live a life based on radical audacity and authenticity, rather than perfectionism. https://www.internalevolution.lifehttps://www.tiktok.com/@samanthakearnscoaching

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.

The energy in this episode is CONTAGIOUS! Britanie Ramirez has the best wisdom and advice for flat out living life and you're going to love this interview .We discuss parenting, friendship and overcoming challenges in your relationships. I cannot wait for you to hear more!Meet Britanie:She is a licensed professional counselor, parenting coach, conference speaker, but her most important work happens at home. Britanie is a mom of 5, ranging in ages 5-21. She knows what it's like to juggle soccer practices, snack negotiations, sibling arguments, and is trying her best to juggle parenting young children and adult children simultaneously.She believes family life doesn't have to feel like constant chaos (even if it sometimes looks that way). Whether it's helping parents show up with more patience, couples remember why they picked each other, or moms finally get a moment to breathe, she loves walking with people through the messy and meaningful parts of family life.At home, she is just like every other parent; trying to raise good humans, laugh through the meltdowns (her's and the kids'), and create a home that feels rooted and resilient. Diet Pepsi helps. So does humor. And so does remembering that none of us are in this alone.TikTok: @TalkWithBritInstagram:personal- @ramirezclantherapy- @talk_with_britEmail: talkwithbrit@gmail.com

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

This is a quick episode that gives a high-level overview of our new community program Whole Village. I'm inviting you to please apply to join the beta test, inaugural cohort and help us get this right.Jump over to the @MomWhoWorks instagram page to link in bio! And send me a message there if you have questions. We are so much better together.

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.

If you love Taylor + Travis, this episode is for you.If you do not love Taylor + Travis, this episode is still for you (but we also are sad for you). This episode drops a fun and spontaneous announcement of the next offering coming soon from Mom Who Works -- Whole Village. There is power in connection and community but it must be accessible to others. We can build that-- and we want your input! Listen in.

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 episode, I’m talking about making magic in everyday moments with my kids—not just for them, but for me too. Because the truth is, the best chapters of our lives aren’t just in the highlight reels; they’re happening right now, in real time.I’m also sharing a brand-new affirmation I wrote for our Mom Who Works community—one that reminds us to infuse joy, whimsy, and intention into the mundane so it transforms into something extraordinary.I am thrilled to be here, right here and right now, with the people entrusted to my care.I seek to inject joy and happiness into every day moments. From the grandest gesture to the tiniest treat, I find whimsy to be a worthwhile pursuit to transform the mundane into magic.I’m living some of the very best chapters of my life today, in real time— and it’s worthy of my best work because I’m worthy of many best days ever too. I am a mom who works— and I am a mom who makes the magic.

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.

If we increase gratitude we can decrease guilt, and that's what the goal of today's episode is for each and every person listening. By crafting a daily checklist, you can trust you are doing what you say you want to do. If we choose gratitude, we can map it out with more intention and attention to how we spend our time. Inspired by The Office quote "I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them," this episode will leave you with a tangible plan to build your checklist-- and even free printable available here: https://linktr.ee/momwhoworks