The Motherlands Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.Today’s guest is Paige Connell, a working mother of four whose thoughtful online presence brings much needed honesty and clarity to conversations about contemporary family life. We explore the mental load, the unseen work of keeping a family running, and how it shapes our wellbeing, our relationships, and our sense of self. And importantly, the mental load isn’t limited to marriage or parenting; it shows up in all kinds of interpersonal relationships.We discuss how gender norms, the undervaluing of caregiving, and the “good mother” myth place disproportionate responsibility on women, often leading to loneliness, burnout, and tension in partnerships. We also examine the broader forces at play; rising childcare costs, the essential but invisible labor that makes paid work possible, the glamorization of trad wives on social media, and the need for stronger policies like affordable childcare and paid leave. In the extended interview, Paige gives her personal take on social media, both as an influencer and as a parent, and how she plans to navigate her own children’s exposure to it.This conversation looks at how making family life more equitable can strengthen the whole wellbeing of a household, improve the workplace, and shift the cultural expectations placed on women and families.Paige is a working mother who shares relatable content on TikTok and Instagram, highlighting the everyday experiences of women balancing motherhood, careers, and relationships. Known for her candid insights on the mental load of motherhood and the challenges of creating equity at home and work, Paige’s content resonates with millions. She also advocates for affordable childcare, paid leave, and reproductive rights, sparking important conversations about what families need to thrive. Her impactful voice and relatable storytelling have led to features in Scary Mommy, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and more.If you love the Motherlands Podcast, please help us keep it alive by becoming a paid subscriber at keelysemler.substack.com.2:26 Conversations for a fair life with your partner5:18 Mental load & the never ending to-do list8:27 Societal gender bias’ skew of the mental load12:09 How the lack of value placed on caregiving can shape identity & self-worth14:47 The good mother myth19:56 Loneliness and finding community in motherhood25:03 How the distribution of labor affects partnership & intimacy27:58 Therapy: the stigma for emotional unveiling for men30:22 Nobody can be at work without people providing care and labor at homeBehind Closed Doors Extended Interview for Paid Subscribers includes:33:43 The implications of rising childcare costs and monetizing care39:26 The vicious cycle and social media glamour fallacy of being a trad wife42:31 Social media literacy, drawbacks, possibilities, and algorithms47:28 How domestic labor impacts relationships of shared living50:26 Affordable childcare & paid leaveMOTHERLANDS Membership WaitlistConnect with Paige Connell:IGTiktokSubstackFree GuideWebsiteFollow The Motherlands PodcastYour support keeps The Motherlands alive. Paid subscriptions help me to keep doing this work full-time, offering real support to women through life’s biggest thresholds.Can’t subscribe right now? You can still– Leave a review on Apple Podcasts– Subscribe to Motherlands on Substack– Follow us on YouTube– Share an episode with a friend This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.Today’s guest is actress, singer, and mother Kristen Gutoskie, and we’re having an honest conversation about what motherhood really feels like once you’re in the thick of it. We explore how she’s learned to trust herself, stay creative and find her footing in parenthood.Kristen opens up about the mental load; the invisible emotional work of keeping a family moving, the vulnerability of sharing her creative projects, and the ongoing challenge of being both a present mom and a whole person with dreams of her own. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone, and that there’s real beauty in figuring things out as you grow into this new version of yourself.Kristen Lee Gutoskie is a SAG nominated actor known for her roles in the Emmy winning show The Handmaid’s Tale, Chicago Fire, The Vampire Diaries, Narco’s Mexico, Containment, and Lethal Weapon. She is also a musician and has written and recorded music for projects she has starred in, including CW’s Containment and Hulu film The Dust Storm. Her first music single “Stardust” under her shortened name Lee Gutoskie was released earlier this year.If you love the Motherlands Podcast, please help us keep it alive by becoming a paid subscriber at keelysemler.substack.com.3:00 The expectations of motherhood vs the realities4:12 Gaining control of yourself and surrendering control of everything/everyone else7:56 Trusting your intuition and instincts9:28 Connecting parenthood to childhood10:53 Honesty in creativity and what it means to be seen14:56 Following joy and passion17:45 Creative process, intention, and the vulnerability of sharing something you have created21:11 Legacy and the remembering of art, family, and truth23:15 What really matters in parenthood25:18 Navigating comparison28:15 Holding both being a mom and being your own personBehind Closed Doors Extended Interview Includes:31:44 The responsibility of the artist in socially relevant work33:30 Media representation of intimacy, birth, and motherhood36:14 Navigating technology, privacy, and family40:13 The evolution of your connection with your partner44:41 Sharing the mental load47:24 Letting yourself flow in parenthood and creativityWork with KeelyMOTHERLANDS: Online Education Program20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODConnect with Kristen Gutoskie:MusicIMDBSocial: instagram: @kristenleegutoskie, tiktok: @leegutoskieRecent film:https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/i-was-octomom-the-natalie-suleman-storyNext film with Kristen to be released soon: https://takethemoneyandrunproduction.com/million/press/english/Follow our Host, Keely SemlerFollow The Motherlands PodcastYour support keeps The Motherlands alive. Paid subscriptions help me to keep doing this work full-time, offering real support to women through life’s biggest moments.Can’t subscribe right now? You can still– Leave a review on Apple Podcasts– Subscribe to Motherlands on Substack– Follow us on YouTube– Share an episode with a friend This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.Today’s guest is board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Ono Nseyo. We cover a wide range of women’s health topics, from birth control to the lack of women’s health research. We also talk about the gaps in prenatal nutrition education in medical training and the missed opportunities this creates for clinicians. We explore the importance of shared decision-making with patients, including how Dr. Nseyo navigates situations when a patient’s choice differs from her medical recommendation.One of the reasons I love this conversation is that Dr. Ono never pretends to have all the answers. Her honesty and humility are refreshing, especially in a field where overconfidence can overshadow curiosity and connection.In the extended interview, Dr. Nseyo speaks candidly about the pressures and limitations of modern medicine, the need to honor matrescence (the profound physical, psychological and emotional process of becoming a mother) and why postpartum care deserves more attention and support from clinicians.Resources from this episode:* For more on women’s health research, check out this episode with Katie Schubert from the Society for Women’s Health Research.* Read this article on how insurance companies are medicalizing the role of doulas to profit from them.* Join us for a roundtable discussion with Dr. Nseyo and midwife Nancy Beyda.Dr. Ono Nseyo is a board-certified OB/GYN and Medical Director of Women’s Health for Sutter East Bay Medical Group, where she leads efforts to expand access and equity in healthcare. Rooted in advocacy and compassion, her practice bridges clinical expertise with a deep commitment to maternal health and systemic change. She is also the host of Golden Hour.FM, a podcast that amplifies the many different voices and experiences of childbirth.If you love the Motherlands Podcast, please help us keep it alive by becoming a paid subscriber at keelysemler.substack.com.4:15 Birth control9:09 Keely’s experience of being pushed to take birth control for hormonal acne in adolescence & the need more women’s health research14:17 The black hole of nutrition in Western medical school20:13 Med school: from an algorithmic binary approach to patient-centered, shared decision-making care24:16 What is medical informed consent?27:09 Honoring patient autonomy43:27 The difficulties and frustrations of being a medical professionalBehind Closed Doors Extended Interview Includes:44:24 How medical insurance companies negatively impact the way doctors are able to care for their patients48:50 Matrescence & the need to invest resources in postpartum careWork with KeelyMOTHERLANDS: Online Education Program20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODConnect with Dr. Ono NseyoFollow our Host, Keely SemlerFollow The Motherlands PodcastYour support keeps The Motherlands alive. Paid subscriptions help me to keep doing this work full-time, offering real support to women through life’s biggest moments.Can’t subscribe right now? You can still– Leave a review on Apple Podcasts– Subscribe to Motherlands on Substack– Follow us on YouTube– Share an episode with a friend This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.Nadine Artemis, founder of Living Libations, reflects on how modern culture places our senses in a hierarchy, often prioritizing the visual while neglecting the richness of the others. She invites us to consider beauty not just as appearance, but as a full body experience; a harmony of scent, sound, touch, and presence. We talk about living in deeper relationship with nature, and how that connection can support a more vibrant, embodied life. Our conversation covers topics like the rise of “millennial menopause” in women who are currently in their 30s, how to embrace winter while still supporting vitamin D synthesis, and the relationship between circadian rhythm, mitochondrial health, and hormone balance. In the extended episode, we discuss heartbreak, love, babies, and the intimacy that shapes us.Nadine Artemis is the author of Renegade Beauty and Holistic Dental Care and the creator of Living Libations, a pure and luxurious line of organic oral care, botanical beauty care, and medicinal elixirs often called the “holy grail” of wholesome skincare. Artemis is an innovative aromacologist, and her healing formulations and her concept of renegade beauty encourage effortlessness and inspire people to rethink conventional notions of wellness and beauty.This podcast is only made possible by the support of this community. Show you support by becoming paid subscriber at keelysemler.substack.com.3:26 An ecosystem of nurturing4:14 Beauty as a union8:21 Being valued & valuing yourself internally10:21 Investing in your “is-ness” to release control13:57 Womanhood, mothering, body knowledge, and changes in societal family norms20:35 Getting to the root of health issues24:53 Self-discovery, hormones, and mitochondrial health32:01 Circadian rhythm as the foundation of our biologyBehind Closed Doors Extended Interview includes:38:53 Skin, melanin, and the need for Vitamin D sufficiency41:50 Making time and space for rest43:09 Building resilience46:48 Carrying forward the faith in life and your relationship with yourself47:23 Love, heartbreak, and intimacyWork with KeelyMOTHERLANDS: Online Education Program20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODConnect with Nadine ArtemisFollow our Host, Keely SemlerFollow The Motherlands PodcastYour support keeps The Motherlands alive. Paid subscriptions help me to keep doing this work full-time, offering real support to women through life’s biggest moments.Can’t subscribe right now? You can still– Leave a review on Apple Podcasts– Subscribe to Motherlands on Substack– Follow us on YouTube– Share an episode with a friend This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.I have spent a great deal of time thinking about and honestly, grappling with, the sex industry and today’s narratives around sexual liberation. It’s often marketed as glamorous and empowering for women, but I’ve found myself questioning who it actually serves, and at what cost.In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rebecca Whisnant, a professor of philosophy at the University of Dayton. We talk about feminism, what it really means, and how the word has been misunderstood, misused, and in many ways stripped of its integrity. Instead of being a movement to end all forms of oppression, feminism is now often co-opted to sell capitalistic and patriarchal ideas.We also explore the language we use around the sex industry, like the term sex work, and how it can obscure the realities of systems built on exploitation. Dr. Whisnant shares insight on how pornography and prostitution are connected to broader public health issues, especially for young people who are growing up in a culture shaped by these influences.Rebecca Whisnant is a professor of philosophy at the University of Dayton, where her research and teaching focus on ethics and feminist social theory. She co-edited the anthology Not For Sale: Feminists Resisting Prostitution and Pornography, and her recent articles include “Pornography, humiliation, and consent” and “But what about feminist porn?: Examining the work of Tristan Taormino.” Dr. Whisnant is vice president of the board of directors for Culture Reframed, a national nonprofit organization addressing pornography as the public health crisis of the digital age.This podcast is only made possible by the support of this community. Show you support by becoming paid subscriber at keelysemler.substack.com.3:57 Defining feminism5:38 Contradictions in the connotations of “feminism”8:51 Are sexuality and pornography empowerment or exploitation?13:17 How to critique the sex industry without shaming someone who is forced to work in it16:07 The social costs of sexual commodification20:44 Informed consent & choice: Is agency truly possible in the porn industry?25:06 The impact of porn on intimacy & relationships30:16 How porn dictates women’s experience and removes pleasure, safety, and enjoyment33:43 Sex robots and porn: how they avoid the human elements of relationship and connection and don’t solve lonelinessBehind Closed Doors Extended Interview includes:37:21 Hyper-capitalism, fascism, pornography, and the patriarchy are fodder for our loss of human decency42:03 The competing demands of sexual visibility and “liberation”45:14 How the sex industry exists because of men and their choices, not women and their choices48:43 Culture Reframed and the plethora of feminist literature that remains relevant and urgentWork with KeelyMOTHERLANDS: Online Education Program20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODFree Practical Guide for Curious Minds: Demystifying Medical ResearchConnect with Dr. Rebecca WhisnantFollow our Host, Keely SemlerFollow The Motherlands PodcastYour support keeps The Motherlands alive. Paid subscriptions help me to keep doing this work full-time, offering real support to women through life’s biggest moments.Can’t subscribe right now? You can still help…– Leave a review on Apple Podcasts– Subscribe to Motherlands on Substack– Follow us on YouTube– Share an episode with a friendIf your brand aligns with empowering women, let’s partner! Reach out at hello@keelysemler.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.This week’s guest is Klara Hascakova, an Oxford educated systems designer whose work helps women reimagine the structures of their lives so they can live, lead, and create from a place of inner truth.I first encountered Klara through her appearance on the podcast In My Non-Expert Opinion with Chelsea Riffe. What initially drew me in was the way she spoke with humor and openness about her approach to “gamifying” life. At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. The world feels so heavy, why would we turn it into a game? But something in her tone felt like a gentle invitation. Perhaps, I thought, we are somehow capable holding complexity while still making room in our lives for creativity and play. Given how emotionally heavy my work in reproductive health and doula care can be, her perspective felt like a refreshing palette cleanser, something that brought a sense of lightness and clarity.I reached out to Klara, curious to learn more about who she is and what she offers and discovered that she was in the final months of her first pregnancy. It felt kismet that we were able to record this conversation while she stood at the threshold of motherhood.We explore the ways in which our cultural systems, especially those related to health, productivity, and identity, often overlook the needs, rhythms, and realities of women. While this can be disheartening, Klara offers an imaginative path forward: one in which we use intuition and play to re-design the ways we care for ourselves and one another. Her work gently asks: What would it look like to build systems that nourish rather than deplete, ones that support wholeness rather than demand performance?This conversation is for anyone seeking a more humane and liberated way of being, especially those who live and work within systems not built with them in mind.This podcast is only made possible by the support of this community. Please show you support by becoming paid subscriber at keelysemler.substack.com.3:28 Not fitting within systems4:51 Inner work to counteract external harmful systems6:38 Pregnancy as a transformation into the sensual feminine8:26 The duality of the “mother” archetype10:11 Unlearning myths and allowing for unpredictable experiences12:18 Name patterns, numerology, sounds, and our energetic identities22:53 Numbers, integration, and energetic maintenance work29:41 How to be powerful and loving in systems that don’t love30:30 Intuitive knowing and self-understanding through name patterns32:11 We need connection, not self-fixing and technology36:15 Shedding inherited roles & family systemsPaid Extended Interview (Behind Closed Doors, our subscriber community) includes:40:27 Money name patterns & wealth beyond money41:54 Pleasure and presence in pregnancy and motherhood47:03 Perceiving ourselves as the magical beings we really areMOTHERLANDS: Online Education Program20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODConnect with Klara & Book a SessionFollow our Host, Keely SemlerFollow The Motherlands PodcastYour support keeps The Motherlands alive. Paid subscriptions help me to keep doing this work full-time, offering real support to women through life’s biggest moments.Can’t subscribe right now? You can still help…– Leave a review on Apple Podcasts– Subscribe to Motherlands on Substack– Follow us on YouTube– Share an episode with a friendIf your brand aligns with empowering women, let’s collaborate! Reach out at hello@keelysemler.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.In this episode, I’m joined by Ladybird Morgan and Sonya Dolan of Mettle Health, where we explore what it means to accompany others through dying, grief, and the tender work of being human.You might be wondering why I recorded an episode on death and grief, and how that fits into Motherlands, which began as a resource for the families I support through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.What I’ve slowly come to realize is that Motherlands has grown into a deeper calling to hold honest, sometimes uncomfortable, conversations on caregiving as a personal, collective, and ecological practice.As someone who has walked closely with death in my own life, I no longer want to meet it with fear. And the more I talk about it, the more I realize it’s something we need to discuss openly as a community. I know this episode might not be the easiest one to press play on. But sometimes the conversations we avoid are the ones we need the most. Because the truth is, death touches all of us. It doesn’t wait for the right moment.It doesn’t ask permission. It arrives suddenly, messy, and it changes everything.We talk about how to show up for someone in deep loss.How to comfort them, without trying to fix anything; by being a loving presence.How to support children in understanding what death means.How to be with people whose pain might look different than yours.These are the life skills that aren’t really taught but all of us will need.Sonya’s path into hospice and palliative care began with personal loss, shaped further by her own experience as a breast cancer survivor. With a background in hospice administration, she co-founded Mettle Health alongside BJ Miller, and brings a rare, heart-forward perspective on caregiving both professionally and personally.Ladybird is a nurse, social worker, and end of life care practitioner with over two decades of experience supporting people through profound life transitions. She’s worked with organizations like Mettle Health, Doctors Without Borders, Zen Hospice Project, and co-founded The Humane Prison Hospice Project. Her work is rooted in contemplative practice, psychedelic care, and deep presence.This podcast is only made possible by the support of this community. Please show you support by becoming paid subscriber at keelysemler.substack.com.3:22 The gap areas in end-of-life care10:25 Seeing people’s wholeness, both inside and outside of systems14:34 How to offer support to someone dealing with health issues21:16 Talking to children about death31:39 Cultural and moral understanding of death and its impact on care36:12 Embracing vs fearing or avoiding deathBehind Closed Doors Extended Interview includes:43:57 Creating space for conversations around suffering and pain50:05 How to allow for end-of-life conversations with clinicians and families56:15 Finding ways to connect through terminal illness1:01:18 Keeping a loved one alive after their deathWork with KeelyMOTHERLANDS: Online Education Program20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODFree Practical Guide for Curious Minds: Demystifying Medical ResearchConnect with Sonya & LadybirdMETTLE HEALTHFollow our Host, Keely SemlerFollow The Motherlands PodcastYour support keeps The Motherlands alive. Paid subscriptions help me to keep doing this work full-time, offering real support to women through life’s biggest moments.Can’t subscribe right now? You can still help…– Leave a review on Apple Podcasts– Subscribe to Motherlands on Substack– Follow us on YouTube– Share an episode with a friendIf your brand aligns with empowering women, let’s collaborate! Reach out at hello@keelysemler.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.This week, I’m honored to share a conversation I had with Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, an evolutionary anthropologist and primatologist whose work has powerfully shifted the way we understand what it means to be human.Sarah invites us to look at the myths surrounding maternal instinct and what society deems "natural” and to imagine something more truthful and compassionate. We explore the lives of our hunter-gatherer ancestors, not as some primitive past, but as a mirror that reflects what we still need today, that is…connection, cooperation, and shared care.In this episode, we talk about the vital role of alloparents, those who care for children that aren’t their own. These relationships, Sarah reminds us, are not exceptions but part of an ancient, resilient design that helped our species survive.The insights she offers personally moved me deeply, like adoptive mothers produce the same love-anchored hormones as biological ones, and that today’s girls are reaching puberty far earlier than ever before, raising questions that touch both science and the heart of our culture.This conversation is a gentle unraveling of assumptions and a return to what’s most human in all of us. Perhaps the most striking takeaway from this discussion was that Sarah explains there was a time when only 12,000 breeding humans walked the Earth. Life was unimaginably harsh yet from that period of immense hardship, came our greatest strength as a species: flexibility, cooperation, and care. Her observations as a primatologist and anthropologist made me realize that the challenges we face today aren’t modern at all. And the solutions may not be found in using technology, but rather, in re-centering the social structures that have always sustained us as human beings.Sarah’s warmth, intellect, and fierce curiosity shine through every word she shares. Her work is a reminder that if we want families to thrive, then we really need support to be front and center within our culture. This conversation left me feeling more hopeful than I’ve felt in a long time… and I’m deeply grateful to share it with you here.*Correction: In the interview, Sarah Hrdy would like to clarify two points. First, the Pleistocene epoch is now widely recognized to have begun approximately 2.6 million years ago, not 1.8 million years ago as stated. Second, in reference to matrilineal societies, the correct figure is that approximately 15 percent of known societies worldwide have been matrilineal, not 15 individual societies. These matrilineal societies were also commonly matrilocal first, with women remaining in or near their natal communities.Sarah Blaffer Hrdy is an anthropologist and primatologist whose work has significantly influenced evolutionary psychology and maternal behavior. Her research on primate behavior and human evolution has provided profound insights into the biological and social underpinnings of maternal instincts, gender roles, and reproductive strategies. Hrdy’s theories have challenged traditional views and opened new avenues for understanding human behavior from an evolutionary standpoint. You can listen to Sarah’s TED Talk: Are we still human if robots help raise our babies?This podcast is only made possible by the support of this community. Becoming a paid subscriber helps me continue producing meaningful conversations. Join at keelysemler.substack.com.2:32 Maternal instinct and environmental factors6:53 Alloparenting and networks14:34 The costs and difficulty of birth, from apes to humans23:18 Bonding for humans versus animals26:38 Placentas: to eat or not to eat?31:24 Impact of environment on the autonomic nervous system and fertility rates35:19 The organizational structures that matrilineal and patrilineal societies create41:22 The costly nature of human brain development44:46 From a collective cmmunity of civic-mindedness to a community of domineering50:05 Citrona farms55:10 Leisure, play, and creativity in primates57:22 Men are fully capable of caring for babies safely and independently, and often do.Work with KeelyMOTHERLANDS: Independent Study in Reproductive Health20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODFree Practical Guide for Curious Minds: Demystifying Medical ResearchConnect with Sarah HrdyBuy One of Sarah’s BooksFollow our Host, Keely SemlerFollow The Motherlands PodcastYour support keeps The Motherlands alive. Paid subscriptions cover editing, production, and help me keep doing this work full-time, offering real support to women through life’s biggest moments.Can’t subscribe right now? You can still help…– Leave a review on Apple Podcasts– Subscribe to Motherlands on Substack– Follow us on YouTube– Share an episode with a friendIf your brand aligns with empowering women, let’s collaborate! Reach out at hello@keelysemler.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.So many of us grew up learning how to take care of everyone but ourselves. We were taught to be helpful, selfless, polite… “good girls”. But no one ever pulled us aside to ask, “What brings you joy? What makes you feel good in your body and in your spirit?”This episode with Kiana Reeves is an invitation to pause and ask those questions.Because here’s the truth: pleasure isn’t a luxury. It’s not just about sex (though yes we’re going there too). Pleasure is about knowing yourself, your needs, boundaries and desires and refusing to apologize for them.If you’re new, thank you for being here. Motherlands is a space for women finding their way through life’s many thresholds. It’s about exploring what it means to take care of ourselves, to mother ourselves, even if it has nothing to do with becoming a mother, and everything to do with growing into who we’re meant to be.In this episode, we unpack the stories we’ve inherited about womanhood and sex and why so many men seem lost right now. We take a look at patriarchy’s impact on all of us and what that means for intimacy in modern culture. We talk about reclaiming pleasure, power, and sense of self. Big questions, real talk, zero judgment… just an honest conversation between women.In the bonus episode, I’ll share some old beliefs I’ve carried about who gets to feel good, to rest, and to simply enjoy life… and how I’m learning to release them. Maybe you’ll hear something that feels familiar. And maybe it’s time we both let a few things go together.Kiana Reeves has supported women in coming home to themselves through love, touch, healing, and deep connection. Her work blends heart, body, and spirit, offering down to earth, holistic support around sex, relationships, intimacy, and self trust. Kiana creates spaces where women can reconnect with their bodies, reclaim pleasure, and feel safe in their own skin. She’s trained as a Somatic Sex Educator, Sexological Bodyworker, Intimacy and Embodiment Teacher, Pelvic Health Practitioner, Full Spectrum Doula and she’s also a mama to two boys.This podcast is made possible by the support of this community. If the work speaks to you and you’re able, becoming a paid subscriber helps me keep going and gives you access to Behind Closed Doors, our private space for deeper, more honest conversations. You can join at keelysemler.substack.com.4:19 Myths about pleasure8:06 Pleasure, self-understanding, and safety12:29 Sensation is the language of the body15:53 Cultural conditioning, collective inheritance, and capitalized pleasure18:37 Pleasure needs support, and motherhood is not resourced23:05 Gendered differences in nervous systems and socialization28:27 Tracing the roots of the patriarchy: who and what is mine?34:29 Routine vs intentional intimacy39:40 Sex vs pleasure education42:07 Media and porn’s influence on how we perceive pleasure and relationships50:18 Finding pleasure after sexual assault54:26 Where to find Kiana’s work55:08 Letting go of the idea that only “good girls” deserve pleasure59:04 Communication and vulnerability1:00:29 Creative environments and lifestyles conducive with rest and pleasureWork with KeelyMOTHERLANDS: Independent Study in Reproductive Health20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODFree Practical Guide for Curious Minds: Demystifying Medical ResearchConnect with KianaLearn with KianaFollow our Host, Keely SemlerFollow The Motherlands PodcastYour support keeps The Motherlands alive. Paid subscriptions cover editing, production, and help me keep doing this work full-time, offering real support to women through life’s biggest moments.Can’t subscribe right now? No worries! You can still help by:– Leave a review on Apple Podcasts– Subscribe to Motherlands on Substack– Follow us on YouTube– Share an episode with a friendIf your brand aligns with empowering women, let’s collaborate! Reach out at hello@keelysemler.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.Today we are joined by Kerrilynn Pamer, Founder of CAP Beauty, a compassionate humanitarian and activist, and evocative writer behind the Substack Coyote Swan.If you’re new, welcome and thank you for being here. Motherlands is a space for women navigating life’s many thresholds. It’s a place to explore the practice of mothering oneself, in ways that may have nothing to do with becoming a mother, yet everything to do with nurturing who we are becoming.In this deeply moving conversation, Kerrilynn shares her personal journey through conception, loss, and the unexpected path that followed.Kerrilynn speaks with striking vulnerability about conception, the heartbreak of two attempted adoptions, and what it means to be childless in a world that rarely makes space for or gives voice to that lived experience. With softness and grace, she draws us into a quiet, often unseen landscape of womanhood that isn’t defined by motherhood, yet is deeply shaped by the longing for it.We explore the emotional terrain so many women walk in silence; the nuance between being childless and childfree, the impermanence woven into every stage of a woman’s life, and the aching truth that life waits for no one. And still, even in the unexpected places we never imagined ourselves landing, beauty abounds.As women, I believe we are being called to hold other women’s experiences with deeper reverence and become more fluent in tender conversations… to sit with stories that don’t resolve easily, and to show up not with solutions, but with loving presence. When we listen, without needing to fix, we create room for connection and deeper understanding. In the bonus episode, we explore cultural movements like trad wives and MAHA, as well as chat about current tv shows, movies and other musings that are lighting us up right now.This conversation is unfiltered and deeply honest… the kind that reminds us we’re never truly alone. Kerrilynn’s story broadens the lens on reproductive health and identity, offering space for the complexities we don’t often name. She reminds us that there are many ways to carry love, loss, and meaning and that every path deserves to be seen, heard and held.Kerrilynn Pamer is the founder and CEO of CAP Beauty, which she opened in the West Village in 2015. With a background in interior design and a career that began at Martha Stewart Living, she has spent over two decades exploring the intersection of beauty, critical thinking, and self-care. Kerrilynn is deeply passionate about the complexities of this relationship, which continues to shape her work at CAP Beauty.This podcast is made possible by the support of listeners like you. I truly couldn’t continue this work without your help. If you believe in empowering and educating women and families through their reproductive journeys, I’d love for you to join our community as a paid subscriber. As a member, you'll get exclusive access to Behind Closed Doors, our private space where we go deeper into the unseen layers of what it means to be a woman. Join us keelysemler.substack.com.5:12 The difference between childfree vs childless8:44 Raising awareness & improving access to fertility options13:27 Thoughts on adoption1730 Navigating silent comparisons and isolation22:52 The toxicity and privilege behind “spiritual solutions”29:28 How fertility journey impacts relationship with partner30:47 Redirection of energy & purpose35:29 Family outside the traditional structure36:39 How to respond and support someone else’s grief37:24 Rituals for self nourishment & healing40:45 Art & hobbies that feel like a breath of fresh air45:01 Investigating trad wife movement & MAHAWork with KeelyMOTHERLANDS: Independent Study in Reproductive Health20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODFree Practical Guide for Curious Minds: Demystifying Medical ResearchConnect with Kerrilynn PamerCAP BEAUTYCoyote Swan on SubstackFollow our Host, Keely SemlerFollow The Motherlands PodcastSupport The Motherlands Podcast & Reproductive Health AdvocacyYour support keeps The Motherlands Podcast alive. Paid subscriptions help cover the cost of editing and production, and sustain my full-time work as a reproductive health educator and mentor. With your help, I can continue offering meaningful resources to women navigating life’s most tender thresholds.If a paid subscription isn’t possible right now, there are still beautiful ways to support this work:– Leave a review on Apple Podcasts– Subscribe to Motherlands on Substack– Follow us on YouTube– Share an episode with a friendIf your brand shares our mission to empower women and families, we’d love to collaborate. Get in touch hello@keelysemler.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.If you're exploring fertility options or know someone who is, this episode is a must listen.This week, we're joined by Kallie Fell, MS, BSN, RN, Executive Director of the Center for Bioethics and Culture Network to unpack Big Fertility. Kallie brings a wealth of experience as a perinatal nurse, shedding light on the overlooked aspects of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).In our conversation, we delve into the lack of regulation and transparency in the fertility industry, the ethical concerns surrounding egg freezing, IVF and surrogacy, and the pressing need for a restorative, preventive approach to reproductive health. Kallie emphasizes that true healthcare means addressing the root causes of infertility, not just offering “high-tech solutions” that are not accessible to everyone.This episode challenges us to rethink our approach to reproductive health and consider the human rights implications of ART. It's a conversation that calls for greater accountability in how we support individuals and families on their fertility journeys.This episode compliments my latest piece on how our over reliance on technology short circuits embodied knowledge and what that means for our fertility and wellbeing. Spoiler: reconnecting with our bodies is a public health necessity.If you're navigating fertility decisions or advocating for better healthcare practices, please share this episode. Let's continue to have these nuanced conversations and work towards a more informed and ethical approach to reproductive health.To my clients who’ve undergone IVF this message is for you:I deeply appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me as your doula and educator, and I honor the experiences you’ve lived through. This episode is shared with full respect and compassion for your journey. At the same time, many individuals and families deserve greater transparency and equity when accessing assisted reproductive technology. From a public health and human rights perspective, everyone pursuing IVF deserves dignity, autonomy, and clear information.Kallie Fell started her career in reproductive science at Vanderbilt’s OBGYN department, after earning her Master’s in Science from Purdue with an emphasis in Reproductive Physiology and Molecular Biology. While researching endometriosis and preterm birth, she pursued her nursing degree, driven by a desire to support women directly as a perinatal nurse. Kallie began volunteering at the Center for Bioethics and Culture in 2018 and over the next few years, she progressed from volunteer writer to Research Associate and today leads the organization as its Executive Director. Unlock an exclusive, deep-dive conversation with Kallie Fell available only to Behind Closed Doors subscribers. We explore ectogenesis (artificial wombs) and its emotional and physical implications when a mother’s body is separated from her baby. As a subscriber, you’ll also get access to bonus content, including my personal reflections as a women’s health educator, mentor, and doula; designed to enrich your understanding and connection to your body and your choices.By subscribing, you're directly supporting independent storytelling and sustaining meaningful public‑health dialogue. You’ll help cover production costs and ensure these essential conversations continue. If you value honest storytelling and perspectives that often go unheard, join our community at keelysemler.substack.com.4:43 Further education and conversations needed around fertility11:03 Egg freezing: limitations, process, attrition, and selling hope15:51 Ethical implications of employer egg-freezing benefits17:19 The cost of freezing eggs19:14 Egg count, reproductive years, and hormones22:49 Long-term impacts of IVF medications24:55 Preimplantation genetic testing and eugenics28:06 What transparency do we owe children born via ART?29:37 Surrogacy: contracts, consent, commercialization & costs36:01 Surrogacy is inherent risk & commodification37:51 How do we come to terms with the cost on surrogate mothers and babies?40:21 The exacerbation of the class divide through eugenics41:51 Unused embryos and parental rights43:58 Should surrogacy have age limits?44:49 Transparency and risk of embryo storage and use45:45 Ectogenesis, artificial wombs, and the risk of “harvesting” life49:18 What does artificial birth mean for embodiment, connection, and parenthood?Work with KeelyMOTHERLANDS: Independent Study in Reproductive Health20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODFree Support Meetings for Caregivers and DoulasJoin our community to connect, reflect, and replenish. Sign up hereFree Group Meetings for New or Expecting ParentsPrepare for early parenthood and build strong support systems. Register hereFall 2025 Women's Retreat in CaliforniaExperience a small, intimate gathering focused on deep rest, nourishment, and connection in the heart of nature. Join the waitlistConnect with Kallie FellConnect with the Center of Bioethics and Culture NetworkFollow our Host, Keely SemlerFollow The Motherlands PodcastSupport The Motherlands Podcast & Reproductive Health AdvocacyYour paid subscription helps sustain The Motherlands Podcast by covering editing, production, and supports my full-time work as a doula, educator, and mentor. This enables me to continue offering valuable resources to families everywhere.Can't subscribe right now? You can still help by:Leaving a review on AppleSubscribing to the Motherlands SubstackFollowing us on YouTubeSharing the podcast with friends or familyYour support strengthens our community. Thank you for being here.Partner with UsIf you're part of a brand or organization that shares our mission to empower women, families, caregiving, and maternal wellness, we'd love to collaborate. We’re open to partnerships, sponsorships, and creative projects with aligned values. Interested? Email hello@keelysemler.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.This week I’m thrilled to be joined by Taylor Mckay Smith, a mother, model, and doula, for a powerful conversation about beauty, resilience, and reclaiming the narrative of womanhood.In this extended conversation, Taylor reflects on how her experiences in modeling and motherhood have reshaped her understanding of beauty. She candidly discusses the pressures of the fashion industry's external gaze, sharing that her first modeling job was for a wrinkle campaign at just 15 years old. We also explore how social media influences cultural expectations around beauty and self-worth, and the intentional ways Taylor protects her well-being online.Taylor reflects on the lessons she’s carried forward from her own upbringing, and what she’s chosen to unlearn. She also opens up about her long journey to receiving an endometriosis diagnosis; the struggle to be heard, the relief of being believed, and the healing path she’s found since.This is a tender conversation about redefining beauty, trusting your inner wisdom, and standing firmly in your truth.Taylor McKay Smith is a Canadian model and photographer. She is also a trained birth doula, wellness counselor and passionate women’s health advocate. Based in Los Angeles, she cherishes time in nature with her husband and children.Taylor has spoken at events like the Path to Parenthood Summit on body image during pregnancy and postpartum, and co-hosted Elevate Women’s Health Pregnancy Roundtable. She recently co-created Haven for Moms, a pop-up sanctuary supporting mothers affected by the LA wildfires.Taylor is also the co-host of The Mother Circle podcast, launching soon. Across all her work, Taylor remains dedicated to redefining how we support, see, and celebrate women and mothers.Join us for an extended, intimate conversation with Taylor McKay Smith available exclusively to Behind Closed Doors subscribers where Taylor shares candid insights into her journey, offering a deeper look at the experiences and lessons that have shaped her path. Subscribers also receive access to additional content, including personal reflections from me as a women’s health educator, mentor, and doula.Your subscription supports the heart of this work, covering production costs and helping sustain meaningful, independent content for a growing community. If you value honest storytelling and perspectives that often go unheard, I invite you to join us at keelysemler.substack.com.6:10 The transformation of Taylor’s understanding of beauty11:03 Balancing the fashion industry’s external gaze with internal beauty13:54 Commenting on someone else’s body16:29 “Bouncing back”18:07 Discernment24:12 Protecting your well-being while engaging with social media26:05 Mom burnout28:09 Embracing and unlearning: Mothering is an inside job40:25 Surrendering control and befriending fear47:55 Identity and purpose after motherhood49:24 Haven for Moms55:05 Endometriosis: from diagnosis to treatment, mixing holistic and medical1:01:07 Motherlands and mothering is for everyoneMOTHERLANDS: Independent Study in Reproductive Health 20% off code MOTHERLANDSPODFree Support Meetings for Caregivers and DoulasJoin our community to connect, reflect, and replenish. Sign up hereFree Group Meetings for New or Expecting ParentsPrepare for early parenthood and build strong support systems. Register hereFall 2025 Women's Retreat in CaliforniaExperience a small, intimate gathering focused on deep rest, nourishment, and connection in the heart of nature. Spaces are limited—join the waitlistConnect with Taylor McKay SmithConnect with Taylor & The Mother Circle PodcastWomen’s Reproductive Health Training & MentorshipFollow our Host, Keely Semler on IGFollow Motherlands on IGYour paid subscription sustains The Motherlands Podcast, covering essential costs like editing and production. It directly supports my work as a full-time doula, educator, and mentor, enabling me to continue offering valuable resources to families.If a paid subscription isn't feasible right now, you can still make a meaningful impact by:Leaving a review on AppleSubscribing to the Motherlands SubstackFollowing us on YouTubeSharing the podcast with others. Every bit of support matters. Thank you for being part of this community; your presence truly means the world.Partnership & Collaboration OpportunitiesBring your brand to life on The Motherlands Podcast. We welcome partnerships, collaborations, and advertising opportunities that align with our mission to support, uplift, and empower women and families, as well as celebrate the art of mothering and caregiving. Let’s connect and explore how we can work together. Email hello@keelysemler.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.If you know a girl coming of age right now, this is a critical conversation to listen to.This week’s guest is Brook Urick, a former publicist and sugar baby at the controversial dating website Seeking Arrangement (now Seeking) and author of the memoir Wink, wink, nudge, nudge: sexual exploits and secrets from inside a sugar daddy website.Seeking Arrangement intentionally branded itself as a sugar dating platform, promoting the illusion of empowered, mutually beneficial relationships. But behind the gloss of luxury lies a troubling history: the site has been repeatedly cited in reports of sex trafficking, coercion, and the exploitation of minors. In this episode, Brook pulls back the curtain on the transactional nature of modern intimacy where desire is monetized, and consent becomes a performance shaped by power, money, and survival.We explore the blurred lines of emotional labor, complicity, and the cultural script that tells women they can trade vulnerability for validation. Brook shares personal experiences from her years as a sugar baby and insider in the industry; stories that illuminate the cost of being seen as desirable yet disposable.This episode is a powerful listen for anyone interested in thinking about modern dating, sexual agency and the commodification of connection within our culture. Especially if you know a teenage girl or young woman navigating her sense of worth in today’s culture, this conversation is essential.Together, we ask the questions our culture is too afraid to ask,Can intimacy be authentic when it's bought?What does it mean to say “yes” when your “no” won’t be heard?Where does empowerment end and exploitation begin?Dow does capitalism shape our most personal relationships?The final 15-30 minutes of this interview are available in our extended episode, exclusively for Behind Closed Doors subscribers. This is a slower, more intimate space where guests speak with honesty, vulnerability, and courage about the layers that often go unseen.Paid subscribers also receive bonus content, including my personal reflections as a women’s health educator, mentor, and doula. If you value thoughtful dialogue and honest storytelling that rarely makes it into mainstream conversations, I invite you to join us at keelysemler.substack.com.Your subscription supports the heart of this work, covering the costs of production, editing, and helping sustain meaningful, independent content for a growing community.6:06 Seeking Arrangements and their history of illegality7:53 What are sugar babies and sugar daddies?9:55 Sex trafficking15:39 What are sugar daddies seeking?18:02 Why do sugar babies join?20:16 The perils of internet residue21:55 Book excerpts: income, consent, and how those in power protect abusers28:47 The construction of “data” and “analytics” for company gain and publicity37:25 Can the commodification of intimacy ever be ethical?39:39 Intimacy, love, pleasure, and sex: the gender differences41:37 How technology, work, and casual sex come in the way of pleasure, fertility, and intimacy46:01 We have all been lied to by the hierarchy49:08 The end of the age of celebrity55:41 Representation of sex work in media57:56 OnlyFans and sex content creation1:02:32 Associating after the dissociation caused by sex work**Community Offerings**** 20% off MOTHERLANDS: Interdisciplinary Health Education for the Modern Woman. Code - MOTHERLANDSPOD* Free support meeting for caregivers and doulas — a space to connect, reflect, and replenish together. Sign up.* Free group meeting for new or expecting parents, preparing for early parenthood and building strong support systems. Sign up.* This fall, I’ll be hosting a women’s retreat in California. A small, intimate gathering focused on deep rest, nourishment, and connection in the heart of nature. We’ll share space without the pressure of a packed itinerary, with plenty of room for solitude as well as meaningful moments in community. If you’d like to learn more, Join the waitlist.Connect with Brook Urick:Brook Urick's WebsiteBuy Her BookMOTHERLANDS: Interdisciplinary Health Education for the Modern WomanWomen’s Reproductive Health Training & MentorshipFollow our Host, Keely Semler on IGFollow Motherlands on IGShow your SupportYour paid subscription helps sustain the show covering essential costs like editing and podcast production. It directly supports the work I do as a full-time doula, educator, and mentor, making it possible to keep offering valuable resources to families.Can’t become a paid subscriber right now? You can still make a big impact by leaving a review, subscribing to the Motherlands Substack, following us on YouTube, or simply sharing the podcast with others.Every bit of support matters. Thank you for being part of this community — your presence truly means the world.Partnership & Collaboration OpportunitiesBring your brand to life on The Motherlands Podcast. We welcome partnerships, collaborations, and advertising opportunities that align with our mission to support, uplift, and empower women and families, as well as celebrate the art of mothering and the ceremony of caregiving. If your values align with ours, we’d love to connect and explore how we can work together. Email hello@keelysemler.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.This week’s guest is Kate Granchelli, CEO and Founder of Modern Minders, a creative childcare and staffing agency. We explore the often overlooked value of professional childcare, examining how caregiving sits at the intersection of emotional labor, gender roles, and social inequity. It highlights the cultural and structural challenges caregivers face such as undervaluation, inconsistent expectations, and lack of legal protections while also emphasizing the emotional bonds and ethical tensions inherent to the intimacy found in domestic work.Even if you don’t have children or don’t plan to, this conversation still speaks to the cultural imperative of supporting the systems that nourish our children and future generations; systems that are already burdened with carrying far more than they should.Kate Granchelli brings years of experience as a trusted nanny for diplomats and high-profile families in Los Angeles and New York. Formerly the Director of Recruiting for a top LA agency, she now draws on her deep knowledge of private household staffing and her intuitive grasp of family dynamics to guide others in the childcare space. With degrees in Fine Arts and Education, and teaching certifications in both New York and California, Kate is known for her honesty, empathy, and strong sense of connection. She continues to mentor youth and advocate for the arts, staying rooted in the values that have guided her work from the start.This discussion underscores the urgent need to elevate caregiving as both a professional and profoundly human form of intelligent and intuitive labor.5:15 The stigma of childcare as “unskilled” work8:15 Connecting the caregiver and the family14:28 Orchestrating transitions into and out of caregiving relationships20:53 Transparency and safety checks for caregivers and families25:35 Kate’s experience as a nanny & navigating childcare agencies31:39 Resources and community when affordability is an issue with access to childcare38:01 Community, wealth, and dependence42:50 Balancing privacy and transparency52:45 Connect with Kate at Modern MindersThe final 15 minutes of this interview are available in our extended episode, exclusively for Behind Closed Doors subscribers. This is a slower, more intimate space where guests speak with honesty, vulnerability, and courage about the layers that often go unseen.Paid subscribers also receive bonus content, including my personal reflections as a women’s health educator, mentor, and doula. If you value thoughtful dialogue and honest storytelling that rarely makes it into mainstream conversations, I invite you to join us at keelysemler.substack.com.Your subscription supports the heart of this work, covering the costs of production, editing, and helping sustain meaningful, independent content for a growing community. **Community Offerings**** 20% off MOTHERLANDS: Interdisciplinary Health Education for the Modern Woman. Code - MOTHERLANDSPOD* Free support meeting for caregivers and doulas — a space to connect, reflect, and replenish together. Sign up.* Free group meeting for new or expecting parents, preparing for early parenthood and building strong support systems. Sign up.* This fall, I’ll be hosting a women’s retreat in California. A small, intimate gathering focused on deep rest, nourishment, and connection in the heart of nature. We’ll share space without the pressure of a packed itinerary, with plenty of room for solitude as well as meaningful moments in community. If you’d like to learn more, Join the waitlist.Connect with Kate Granchelli:Mondern MindersIG - @ModernmindersMOTHERLANDS: Interdisciplinary Health Education for the Modern WomanWomen’s Reproductive Health Training & MentorshipFollow our Host, Keely Semler on IGFollow Motherlands on IGShow your SupportYour paid subscription helps sustain the show covering essential costs like editing and podcast production. It directly supports the work I do as a full-time doula, educator, and mentor, making it possible to keep offering valuable resources to families.Can’t become a paid subscriber right now? You can still make a big impact by leaving a review, subscribing to the Motherlands Substack, following us on YouTube, or simply sharing the podcast with others.Every bit of support matters. Thank you for being part of this community — your presence truly means the world.Partnership & Collaboration OpportunitiesBring your brand to life on The Motherlands Podcast. We welcome partnerships, collaborations, and advertising opportunities that align with our mission to support, uplift, and empower women and families, as well as celebrate the art of mothering and the ceremony of caregiving. If your values align with ours, we’d love to connect and explore how we can work together. Email hello@keelysemler.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.In this episode, I sit down with Kacie Carter, owner of Honey Hi, to explore what nourishment really means; beyond food, beyond wellness trends, and deep into the heart of care. Together, we dive into how connection, community, and self-compassion shape true health, especially in the tender seasons of pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood.We speak about the pressures placed on women, the unrealistic ideals, the weight of expectation and how these narratives often leave mothers feeling unseen or unsupported. With warmth and curiosity, we look at how food can be a bridge between us, a source of healing, and a quiet act of love that binds families and communities.This conversation is an invitation to remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. And tending to your own well-being is not a luxury it’s essential, especially when you're caring for others.6:45 Definitions and traditions of nourishment12:53 How health and wellness takes itself too seriously17:09 How motherhood shaped Kacie’s understanding of nourishment19:48 The impact of birth on personal identity22:25 The societal ideology of motherhood27:13 Kacie’s birth story: hearing your voice amidst an opinionated world36:42 Surrendering control to the gray areas46:35 Self-advocacy and releasing your inner critic 52:44 Asking for help and relying on other mothers56:50 Finding Kacie’s work and Honey HiThe final 15-30 minutes are available in our extended episode exclusively to Behind Closed Doors, where we enter a slower, softer room; one where guests speak with vulnerability, honesty, and courage about the unseen layers of their lives: fertility, loss, longing, intimacy, identity, and everything in between. These extended interviews and bonus episodes are held with tenderness, and shared only with paid subscribers. If you value candid insights and thoughtful conversations that often go unspoken, subscribe at keelysemler.substack.com and join us in exploring the deeper dialogue.***Community Offerings**** 20% off MOTHERLANDS: Interdisciplinary Health Education for the Modern Woman. Code - MOTHERLANDSPOD* Free support meeting for caregivers and doulas — a space to connect, reflect, and replenish together. Sign up.* Free group meeting for new or expecting parents, preparing for early parenthood and building strong support systems. Sign up.* Introducing the very first Motherlands Retreat! A serene escape on the California coast designed for self-nourishment, deep connection, and quiet restoration among women. Join the waitlist.Connect with Kacie Carter:Honey HiHONEYHI PANCAKE MIXIG - @Kaciecarter and HoneyhiMOTHERLANDS: Interdisciplinary Health Education for the Modern WomanWomen’s Reproductive Health Training & MentorshipFollow Keely on IGFollow Motherlands on IGShow your SupportYour paid subscription helps sustain the show covering essential costs like editing and podcast production. It directly supports the work I do as a full-time doula, educator, and mentor, making it possible to keep offering valuable resources to families. Can’t become a paid subscriber right now? You can still make a big impact by leaving a review, subscribing to the Motherlands Substack, following us on YouTube, or simply sharing the podcast with others. Every bit of support matters. Thank you for being part of this community — your presence truly means the world.Partnership OpportunitiesThe Motherlands Podcast welcomes aligned partnerships, collaborations, and advertising opportunities that share our mission: to support, uplift, and empower women and families. If your values resonate with ours, we’d love to connect and explore ways to work together. Email hello@keelysemler.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.Our guest today is Mary Gonzalez, an herbalist, mother, doula, and the heart behind Sweet Mountaintop, a beautiful outdoor nature preschool nestled on her family’s farm. The entire program takes place outside, deeply rooted in the rhythms of the land and the changing seasons.Mary lives in such harmony with nature… It is truly felt in the way she mothers, gardens, and supports others. She’s a gentle, wise presence and an incredible resource for new and growing families. We explore the magic of play and creativity in early childhood, the deep nourishment that’s needed in the early parenthood, and what it means to truly care for others with intention and integrity.Photo by Kate Bowen2:25 The internal shifts of becoming a mother7:40 Resourcing your support system to best support you and the healing power of nature12:27 Sweet Mountaintop Nature Preschool18:43 How parents can discover their child’s learning and respect their boundaries25:32 Body autonomy and teaching it to children31:20 Technology and childrearing34:43 Outdoor play and integrating nature into daily life37:19 Herbs and nourishing the whole body, mind, and spirit45:07 Avoiding Google & social media52:07 Intimacy with your partner after birth & letting go of “doing it all”1:05:25 Self love and self careThe final 15-30 minutes are available in our extended episode exclusively to Behind Closed Doors, where we enter a slower, softer room; one where guests speak with vulnerability, honesty, and courage about the unseen layers of their lives: fertility, loss, longing, intimacy, identity, and everything in between. These extended interviews and bonus episodes are held with tenderness, and shared only with paid subscribers. If you value candid insights and thoughtful conversations that often go unspoken, subscribe at keelysemler.substack.com and join us in exploring the deeper dialogue.Connect with Mary:Sweet Mountaintop PreschoolPostpartum Doula Care & Herbal SupportA paid subscription helps support the show and covers essential costs, including my editor, family expenses, and podcast operations. Your support through a paid subscription helps us continue providing valuable resources to families. If you can’t subscribe, there are still other ways to support—leaving a review, subscribing to the Motherlands Substack, following us on YouTube, or sharing the podcast with others makes a significant difference. As a full-time doula, educator, and mentor, your support in any form helps me continue this meaningful work. Thank you for being part of this community; your presence means everything.MOTHERLANDS: Interdisciplinary Health Education for the Modern WomanWomen’s Reproductive Health Training & MentorshipConnect with our host, Keely Semler, MPH, CD.Follow Motherlands This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.I’m thrilled to introduce the next episode of the Motherlands Podcast with Katie Schubert from the Society of Women’s Health Research (SWHR). Katie is a trusted leader and consensus builder among women’s health stakeholders, and previously served as chief advocacy officer at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM). She is a previous president of Women in Government Relations, and in 2020 was named Advocate of the Year by Professional Women in Advocacy for her work on inclusion of pregnant and lactating populations in research. In 2024 Katie was named as one of the most influential people shaping policy in healthcare by the Washingtonian magazine.Please note: This is the free version of the episode. The final 15 minutes of this interview are behind a paywall. Paid subscribers will get an exclusive 15-minute extended interview with Katie, plus a bonus episode where I dive into global fertility trends, why family values seem to be fading, and how this will undoubtedly impact our communities and future generations. If you find this information helpful, please consider supporting this podcast with a paid subscription.A paid subscription helps support the show and covers essential costs, including my editor, family expenses, and podcast operations. Your support through a paid subscription helps us continue providing valuable resources to families. If you can’t subscribe, there are still other ways to support—leaving a review, subscribing to the Motherlands Substack, following us on YouTube, or sharing the podcast with others makes a significant difference. As a full-time doula, educator, and mentor, your support in any form helps me continue this meaningful work. Thank you for being part of this community; your presence means everything.Some of the main points from our conversation include:Gender Disparity in Healthcare Funding: Examining why women’s health research is underfunded compared to men’s health.Inclusivity in Women’s Health Research: Addressing the need for diverse representation in women’s health research, ensuring that it encompasses a wide range of populations.Power Imbalance in Healthcare Policy: Exploring the influence of pharmaceutical companies on healthcare policies.Transparency in Pharmaceutical and Government Collaboration: Investigating how the relationship between pharmaceutical companies and governmental health agencies can be made more transparent.Innovation vs. Patient Safety: Analyzing how clinical trials may overlook the biological differences between men and women.Policymakers’ Ethical Responsibility: Discussing the ethical obligations of policymakers Learn more about the Society of Women’s Health research.4:33 The mission of the Society of Women’s Health Research5:47 Why women’s health research is consistently deprioritized and underfunded10:35 Ethical implications of big pharma’s influence15:58 Pharmaceutical and federal funding21:21 The influence of private entity funding23:02 Getting involved with the Society of Women’s Health Research25:13 Turning momentum into a movement29:42 Menopause and perimenopause are stages of life, not a disease to be cured36:45 Thoughts on global fertility, family, and what we value as a country and global communityThe final 15-30 minutes are available in our extended episode exclusively to Behind Closed Doors, where we enter a slower, softer room; one where guests speak with vulnerability, honesty, and courage about the unseen layers of their lives: fertility, loss, longing, intimacy, identity, and everything in between. These extended interviews and bonus episodes are held with tenderness, and shared only with paid subscribers. If you value candid insights and thoughtful conversations that often go unspoken, subscribe at keelysemler.substack.com and join us in exploring the deeper dialogue.MOTHERLANDS: Interdisciplinary Health Education for the Modern WomanWomen’s Reproductive Health Training & MentorshipConnect with our host, Keely Semler, MPH, CD here.Connect with MOTHERLANDS here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear the full conversation, visit keelysemler.substack.com.I'm excited to introduce our guest today, Wendy Kline, Ph.D, a recognized scholar in the history of medicine and women’s health. Wendy is the Chair in the History of Medicine at Purdue University and has earned international recognition for her groundbreaking work. She is the author of several influential books, including Exposed: The Hidden History of the Pelvic Exam and Coming Home: How Midwives Changed Birth. Wendy has also contributed to notable documentaries, such as Netflix's Sex, Explained and PBS’s The Eugenics Crusade.Please note: This is the free version of the episode. The final 15 minutes of this interview are behind a paywall. Paid subscribers will get an exclusive 15-minute extended interview with Wendy, along with a powerful 5-minute meditation to help you reconnect with your sacral energy center. Let the soothing binaural beats and nature sounds, captured from field studies around the world, guide you to a place of calm and balance—an ideal way to unwind and find peace amidst your day.A paid subscription helps support the show and covers essential costs, including my editor, family expenses, and podcast operations. Your support through a paid subscription helps us continue providing valuable resources to families. If you can’t subscribe, there are still other ways to support—leaving a review, subscribing to the Motherlands Substack, following us on YouTube, or sharing the podcast with others makes a significant difference. As a full-time doula, educator, and mentor, your support in any form helps me continue this meaningful work. Thank you for being part of this community; your presence means everything.In this episode, we explore crucial topics including:Power and Control: How medical practices have historically been shaped by power imbalances, particularly the objectification of women’s bodies.Gendered Assumptions and Patriarchy: The influence of gendered views and patriarchal structures in shaping medical training and women’s healthcare experiences.Autonomy and Consent: The challenges in truly obtaining consent within power imbalances.Cultural and Societal Influence: The role of cultural norms in shaping both medical practices and women's experiences with gynecological and reproductive health.Wendy’s insights provide a compassionate and thought-provoking perspective.You can purchase a copy of Wendy’s books here.Connect with Wendy Kline.5:15 How reproductive healthcare stigma allows for abuse of power14:06 How the history of pelvic exams reflects society’s views of women’s bodies and autonomy16:17 Can true medical informed consent be achieved within a medical system?19:38 Ethical challenges arising in obstetrics23:47 The impact of birth environment on health outcomes28:35 Defensive medicine and liability fear32:42 Honoring the work of the past to build the future of reproductive rights41:58 How obstetrician training impacts their approach to natural versus hospital birthsThe final 15-30 minutes are available in our extended episode exclusively to Behind Closed Doors, where we enter a slower, softer room; one where guests speak with vulnerability, honesty, and courage about the unseen layers of their lives: fertility, loss, longing, intimacy, identity, and everything in between. These extended interviews and bonus episodes are held with tenderness, and shared only with paid subscribers. If you value candid insights and thoughtful conversations that often go unspoken, subscribe at keelysemler.substack.com and join us in exploring the deeper dialogue.MOTHERLANDS: Interdisciplinary Health Education for the Modern WomanWomen’s Reproductive Health Training & MentorshipYou can connect with our host, Keely Semler, MPH, CD here or here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

In our culture, there’s a tendency to shy away from discussing loss. Conversations about death often feel absent, even though it is something that profoundly shapes who we are. Perhaps we avoid talking about it in the hope that by ignoring it we can somehow escape its reach. But the truth is, avoiding it doesn’t make it any less inevitable.We can honor death in much the same way we appreciate the changing of the seasons. Winter, for instance, is a time for reflection and stillness—a season of turning inward and embracing pause. So it feels fitting to share this conversation with my mother where we reflect on our experience as caregivers for my late brother, Derek.My brother was born with a rare genetic condition that ultimately claimed his life at seventeen, just a few months before he was set to graduate from high school. As one of his primary caregivers, he taught me the true value of life; that nothing is guaranteed, no matter how much our minds may try to convince us otherwise.A couple of weeks ago, my dear client Jackie Shea shared a quote. “You will lose everything. Your money, your power, your fame, your success, perhaps even your memories. Your looks will go. Loved ones will die. Your body will fall apart. Everything that seems permanent is impermanent and will be smashed. Experience will gradually, or not so gradually, strip away everything that it can strip away. Waking up means facing this reality with open eyes and no longer turning away. But right now we stand on holy and sacred ground, for that which will be lost has not yet been lost, and realising this is the key to unspeakable joy. Whoever or whatever is in your life right now has not yet been taken away from you. This may sound trivial, obvious, like nothing, but really it is the key to everything, the why and how and wherefore of existence. Impermanence has already rendered everything and everyone around you so deeply holy and significant and worthy of your heartbreaking gratitude. Loss has already transfigured your life into an altar"This conversation with my mom is perhaps the most tender one I have ever shared publicly. Grief has a way of disarming us, leaving us vulnerable. Being a caregiver to someone who is suffering offers an opportunity to look at life squarely in the eye; to acknowledge the incredible gift it is to simply take a deep breath or to marvel at the miracle of being able to walk on two legs. The holiday season can be especially difficult for those who have lost a loved one. I see you, and I’m holding you in this moment. I hope this conversation brings you some comfort and reminds you that you are not alone.Lastly, there are some exciting things coming in the new year… MOTHERLANDS 2.0 will be released into the world in just a few weeks.For now visit our new website, and join the waitlist to be the first to know about our new offerings!4:29 Derek’s diagnosis and navigating early treatment12:55 Finding focus and creative solutions despite the constant fear14:34 The loneliness of an experience not many have experienced21:22 Navigating places and people that don’t prioritize accessibility27:16 Finding and building community28:24 Resources in schools and transportation for students with special needs33:27 When a child with special needs ages out of the medical system35:01 The expenses that come with caring for a family member with a disability46:37 The joys of Derek’s journey & the kindness of others56:01 Remembering and finding a meaningful way forward after loss1:01:30 How childrearing has evolved1:06:46 The transition into an empty nest1:08:47 Conversation as a cornerstone of parenting1:12:59 How spirituality, love, and compassion take you through difficult times1:15:06 Beauty now and how caregiving translated into doula work for Keely1:21:18 Debbie’s background in dance and the influence of movement1:23:42 Parting wisdomThank you for being here. Please remember to like and leave a review as this makes it easier for people to find us.WE ARE MOTHERLANDSShow your support by following MOTHERLANDS on Instagram.Connect with our host, Keely Semler, MPH, CD or visit her website.If you happen to know someone that works with a brand or company that shares a similar ethos of providing deeper and more comprehensive care to women and mothers and who might be open to supporting the MOTHERLANDS Podcast, we would love to chat. You can email hello@keelysemler.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe

On the last episode of MOTHERLANDS with Paula Mallis, you may recall us talking about the philosophy of space and how we occupy physical and emotional space. In this episode I am very excited to be sharing the conversation I had with Cassandra Ogier and her enlivening practice with horses called The Reflective Horse. Cassandra supports people by providing opportunities to encounter horses in a strikingly unique way. I met Cassandra a number of years ago and was able to experience her teaching firsthand. It is difficult to describe just how meaningful her work is, but I will try my best to articulate it.We discuss how fear is an emotion that is more often derived from our thoughts but is not necessarily supported by our intuition. While fear can be useful at times, it can also disrupt or hinder our inner knowing. As an example Cassandra explains the dynamic within a herd of horses and how the leading mare is often a female that has given birth. She is responsible for guiding and directing the herd, particularly when there is danger such as a predator approaching. This example highlights a healthy and intuitive response from the horses. When there is no immediate threat to the herd the leading mare can often be found exploring independently, on the periphery.The Reflective Horse allows us to examine our own nature. When I think back to my private session with Cassandra, I remember how I practiced my approaching a horse with calm, inner confidence and how leading with this energy subsequently “moved” the horse. I learned that I would not receive the desired response from the horse if I appeared sheepish or unsure. My thoughts essentially were getting in between me and the horse. It made me wonder how many times a day I disconnect from my inner nature (my intuition) and how this impacts my ability to move and make decisions with clarity.Cassandra shares her experience of becoming a mother to three sons, what it was like to navigate early motherhood and how she learned how to trust and allow her children to develop their own sense of boundaries through exploration.Even if you have no interest in horses, there is still something to learn here… As human beings we are always in direct communication with Mother Nature. To be brave enough to look at the mirror that Mother Nature provides can be both life affirming and life giving. Cassandra and I are toying around with the idea of cohosting a one day retreat in Malibu for women. If this interests you, please leave us your email and we will send updates as they become available.To learn more about Cassandra’s practice, you can visit her website or follow the Reflective Horse.3:47 Cassandra’s background10:00 Letting children develop their own boundaries14:44 Choosing how to give birth17:36 Navigating feelings of loss of self (the “death” of being a Maiden) after birth23:36 Making choices that feel right, not just what “should” be done27:04 What we can learn from horses about taking up space and energetic presence37:22 The neutral energy of the female lead mare39:35 Fear is a thought, not your intuition41:50 Grounding and realizing you won’t have an insight through thinking more44:15 Facing the idea of letting go and the pace of changeThank you for being here. Please remember to like and leave a review as this makes it easier for people to find us!Show your support by following MOTHERLANDS on Instagram.You are also welcome to connect with our host, Keely Semler, MPH, CD or by visiting her website.If you happen to know someone that works with a brand or company that shares a similar ethos of providing deeper and more comprehensive care to women and mothers and who might be open to supporting the MOTHERLANDS Podcast, we would love to chat. You can email hello@keelysemler.com.Use code MOTHERLANDS to receive 20% off your first order of Perelel Vitamins. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe