AND/BOTH Podcast

In this candid and insightful episode of AND/BOTH, host Ashley Blackington sits down with Tricia Mirchandani, founder and creative director of T Collective, to explore what it really looks like to build a business on your own terms. They dive into the realities of parenting in the digital age, the winding road of creative entrepreneurship, and how Tricia is using her career to build a better front door not just for herself, but for others. Together, they discuss how to raise social media-literate kids, manage work-life flexibility, and navigate the unglamorous but powerful side of growing in public.You’ll hear in this episode:Why social media education is the new “driver’s ed” for kidsHow to model healthy digital habits at homeWhat it means to re-launch your career after a “failed” freelance attemptHow Tricia built T Collective after a corporate career in hospitality marketingThe difference between great copywriting and strategic brand storytellingThe power of LinkedIn to rebuild and rebrandWhy Tricia believes in side doors, collective success, and paying it forwardHow family rhythms and business goals can support (not compete) with each otherThe impact of digital transparency on kids’ social awarenessWhy the ability to mute a group text might just be the ultimate life skillConnect with Tricia Mirchandani:Website: https://triciamirchandani.com/Business site: https://www.withtcollective.com/Instagram: @with.t.collectiveLinkedIn: Tricia MirchandaniConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn today's roundtable episode, Ashley and Erin chat with two women building deeply human solutions for working moms: Kate Tovsen, founder of The Society of Working Moms and Kate Tovsen Media, and Alli Kushner, founder of BeeKyn, a soon-to-launch playdate matching and scheduling platform for modern families.This honest, wide-ranging discussion explores why loneliness is a shared, but rarely talked about part of motherhood, especially for those balancing careers, businesses, and caregiving. Each guest offers a unique lens into how accessible community, supportive tools, and even digital innovation like asynchronous connection or curated online spaces can create more room for joy, help, and human connection in this messy middle of parenting.Whether you’re raising toddlers or teens, running a company or running late to pickup, this conversation will help you feel seen, and remind you that building meaningful community is possible, even in a world that feels increasingly noisy and disconnected.What you’ll learn:Why 70% of moms report feeling lonely—and what to do about itHow motherhood changes your ability to connect (and what community can look like now)Why the “right” community for you will change over timeThe difference between joining a community and staying in oneHow tech can support, not replace, real-life connectionTips for building your own support network, even in small, siloed waysHow parenting, business, and identity overlap in real-world community-buildingWhy perfection isn’t the point—starting messy is often the keyConnect with Erin: Website: https://www.pgishparenting.comInstagram: @pgishparentingPG ish podcastConnect with Kate:katetovsenmedia.comSociety of Working Moms Connect with Alli:allikushner.comBeeKynConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: 

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode, Ashley is joined by Joselyne Walter, a first-generation Latina business owner, marketing expert, and founder of The DIGG Agency. With a background in dispatching 36,000 truckloads a month and leading marketing efforts for some of the top companies on the Fortune 500 list, Joselyne shares her powerful journey from supply chain to C-suite to self-employment.Their conversation dives into how she built a scalable agency rooted in sustainable growth, why she walked away from corporate leadership, and how AI is reshaping not just her work—but her parenting. From career pivots to teaching kids about tech to redefining success on your own terms, Joselyne’s story will resonate with anyone navigating ambition and real life at the same time.What You’ll Learn:How Joselyne transitioned from dispatch supervisor to marketing director to agency founderThe meaning of sustainable growth—and how to actually build a business around itHow she’s using AI to increase efficiency and reduce overwhelmWays to introduce AI tools to your kids (and have fun doing it!)Why giving yourself permission to grow slowly might be your smartest moveThe impact of being raised by immigrant parents on her entrepreneurial mindsetHow to work smarter (not harder) using tools and delegationQuestions Answered in This Episode:How do you pivot from a nontraditional career path into entrepreneurship?What does building a sustainable business as a mom really look like?How is AI changing the way marketers and entrepreneurs operate daily?Can AI actually support creativity, parenting, and project planning?What mindset shifts are needed when leaving a high-level corporate job?How can we teach our kids to be responsible and creative with AI?What does prioritization look like when you have limited time and big goals?What are the risks and opportunities AI brings to future generations?How does someone with limited formal education raise a child who leads at the highest level?Connect with Joselyne Walter:Website: www.thediggagency.comConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode of the AND/BOTH podcast, Ashley sits down with Mary D’Agostino, mother of five, grandmother of seven, intuitive healer, and author—to explore the evolving identity of motherhood across decades. As the show’s first grandmother guest, Mary brings a grounded, wisdom-filled perspective to the conversation, touching on everything from teen pregnancy and single motherhood to building a life that reflects your truest self. With warmth, candor, and a touch of humor, Mary invites listeners to pause, reflect, and trust their inner voice through every season of life.What we discuss:What it means to create a life that truly belongs to youHow motherhood evolves across generations—and what stays the sameThe importance of listening to your intuition, especially when the world gets loudWhy the stories and support of those ahead of us matter so deeplyHow generational healing, grief, and caregiving shape identityThe power of saying a firm “no” when something doesn’t resonateWays to center yourself during life transitions—without “burning it all down”Why showing up for yourself is showing up for your familyHow Mary ended up sharing her story on Oprah (!)How modern motherhood can reclaim agency without the pressure to performConnect with Mary D’Agostino:Website: www.marydagostino.comBe a guest on the podcast!:Visit andbothpodcast.com to apply to be a guestConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this behind-the-scenes solo episode, Ashley offers a much-needed update and peek into what’s happening on and off the mic. From wrapping up Season 7 and kicking off Season 8 with a brand-new roundtable series, to pressing pause on summer recording and launching a care logistics platform years in the making—this episode is full of transitions, clarity, and new beginnings. Ashley also shares the personal “why” behind Dovetail, her care coordination tool built from years of experience as an OT and caregiver advocate.What you’ll learn:Why Season 8 is already shaping up to be the biggest yetThe story behind the new Roundtable Series (and how it came to be)What summer looks like when you’re running a business and parentingWhy the podcast recording calendar is going dark until SeptemberA peek into Ashley’s changing season of life—with all kids headed to schoolThe origin story of Dovetail, a care logistics platform built for family caregiversHow Ashley’s work as an occupational therapist shaped the platform’s missionWhy care planning needs to start before crisis mode hitsThe demographic time bomb facing the caregiving systemHow Dovetail aims to make caregiving more collaborative, connected, and sustainableConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this first-ever collaborative roundtable with the PG-ish Podcast, Ashley Blackington and Erin Holland welcome powerhouse thought leaders Jess Ringgenberg (Elixir Coaching) and Leslie Forde (Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs) to unpack the real, raw, and research-backed realities of modern motherhood, caregiving, and careers. From burnout to benefits nobody knows how to access, and the persistent myth that moms are “fine,” this episode sheds light on the data, the lived experiences, and the quiet crisis facing working mothers. The group discusses everything from middle motherhood to the “default parent” dilemma, sandwich caregiving, workplace policy reform, and why empathy alone isn’t enough—we need systems change, and we need it now.What you’ll learn:Why burnout is often the catalyst for career shifts among momsThe data behind declining support for mothers post-pandemicHow workplace benefits are often underutilized or misunderstoodWhat “default parent syndrome” looks like at home and at workThe invisible mental load of caregiving—across generationsWhy culture change needs to be systemic, not dependent on “one good manager”How caregiving impacts mental health and long-term career trajectoriesKey takeaways from Leslie’s ongoing longitudinal study and Jess’s organizational researchThe urgent need for care-conscious leadership trainingActionable ways employers can build real infrastructure around caregivingQuestions answered in this episode:Why are so many mothers still burned out—five years after the pandemic began?What is the actual ROI for companies who invest in supporting caregivers?What does “modern motherhood” really look like—and why do our systems ignore it?How do we stop relying on individual leaders and start building systemic change?What small, daily self-care steps can truly make a difference for overwhelmed moms?What’s the difference between feeling supported and being supported at work?Why do mothers leave traditional careers, and what does that mean for talent retention?What should workplace benefits look like across different caregiving phases?Why are we still afraid to talk about caregiving and burnout at work?What do sandwich caregivers need—and why are they often left out of the conversation?Connect with Erin: Website: https://www.pgishparenting.comInstagram: @pgishparentingPG ish podcastConnect with Jess:Website: elixircoaching.comInstagram: @jess.elixr.modernmotherhoodLinkedIn: Jess RinggenbergConnect with Leslie:Website: momshierarchyofneeds.comResearch Study Participation: Join hereLinkedIn: Leslie...

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this honest conversation, Ashley is joined by Katie Schlott—a product innovation leader, writer, and mother—who opens up about her sudden entry into the world of caregiving when her mother became disabled just months before the pandemic. With young children at home and a demanding career, Katie found herself navigating a crash course in elder care, disability systems, Medicaid, power of attorney, and emotional survival.Together, Ashley and Katie unpack the often-invisible labor of the “sandwich generation,” the logistical overwhelm that goes unnoticed, and how community, preparation, and reframing can make caregiving feel a little less lonely. If you’ve ever felt buried by caregiving or wondered how to prepare before crisis hits—this episode is for you.What you’ll learn:What it means to be part of the “sandwich generation”How sudden caregiving reshapes your identity, time, and prioritiesThe emotional toll and systemic failings of caregiving in the U.S.Why caregiving conversations are so hard—and so necessaryHow to organize care logistics with simple but powerful toolsWhat “living in secret” as a caregiver looks like and why it’s harmfulHow to prepare your family now (even if it feels awkward)The importance of mental health support and redefining self-careQuestions Answered in This Episode:What does caregiving look like when it hits suddenly?Why is there such a silence around aging, caregiving, and death?How do you navigate systems like Medicaid and long-term care as a beginner?What’s the emotional impact of being a caregiver and a parent?How can we better support working caregivers—at home and at work?What tools and habits can ease the caregiving load day to day?Connect with Katie Schlott:LinkedIn: Katie SchlottFast Company ArticlesFast Company, Your Sandwich Generation employees need help. Here's what to doFast Company, Empathy isn't enough. Why includes design principles unlock what leaders need Connect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: 

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this powerful episode of the AND/BOTH Podcast, Dr. Ashley Blackington welcomes Katie Kristofic, founder of The Carefullist and host of the Carefullist Podcast. Katie shares her deeply personal journey through caregiving after her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, ultimately inspiring her to build a resource hub and community for family caregivers. With more than 20 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications, Katie has leveraged her professional background and personal story to create a space that addresses the overlooked and under-discussed aspects of caregiving. From sandwich generation stress to financial planning pitfalls and the emotional toll of long-term care, this conversation offers both insight and hope for caregivers navigating similar paths.What you'll learn:How Katie's caregiving experience shaped the creation of The CarefullistWhy long-term care planning is critical—and so often misunderstoodThe realities and emotional challenges of sandwich (and club sandwich) caregivingInsights on the Medicare five-year lookback and financial pitfalls to avoidHow context and environment impact dementia progressionThe importance of humor, community, and resource-sharing for caregiver sustainabilityWhy caregiving is often invisible labor—and how The Carefullist is working to change thatQuestions answered in this episode:What sparked the creation of The Carefullist and the Carefullist Podcast?What is the sandwich generation—and how does Katie define “club sandwich” caregiving?What does long-term care planning really entail?Why are most families unprepared for the financial realities of aging and dementia?What are the unseen emotional costs of caregiving?How can caregivers carve out time for themselves in the midst of overwhelm?Why does Katie say the system is "designed for you to fail"?What are some practical, emotionally intelligent ways to approach driving and dementia?How can we reframe caregiving from a project management lens to a human connection?Connect with Katie Kristofic:Website: www.carefullist.comInstagram: @carefullistYouTube: The Carefullist PodcastLinkedIn: Katie KristoficConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: a...

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode, Ashley Blackington welcomes Leslie Forde, founder and CEO of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs and upcoming author of Repair With Self-Care: Your Guide to the Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs. With humor, honesty, and deep research-backed insight, Leslie unpacks the complex emotional and logistical layers of caregiving, particularly motherhood, in a post-pandemic world. She discusses how societal expectations, personal habits, and systemic structures collide—and what we can do about it. From redefining self-care to advocating for policy change and workplace flexibility, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating care, career, and their own mental health.What you'll learn:The origin and evolution of Mom’s Hierarchy of NeedsHow Leslie’s research is changing the conversation around parental burnoutWhy self-care isn’t optional—and how to reclaim itThe intersection of public policy, workplace culture, and maternal well-beingWhat the pandemic revealed about caregiving and equityActionable ways moms can “vote with their wallets” for changeHow organizations can retain working parents and caregiversThe critical role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in supporting caregiver wellbeingWhy women’s mental and physical health are directly impacted by invisible laborThe long and short game strategies for changing the systems that hold moms backQuestions answered in this episode:What is the Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs, and how did it begin?Why do moms struggle to care for themselves—and how can that change?How has the pandemic reshaped caregiving and work?What long-term solutions exist for systemic inequities in care and labor?Why is self-care a “ministry” for Leslie?How can moms find clarity on what actually matters in their day-to-day?What is the role of employers in creating family-friendly workplaces?What’s the danger of society “returning to normal” post-pandemic?How can mothers advocate for change through spending power?What’s in Leslie’s upcoming book, Repair With Self-Care?Connect with Leslie Forde:Website: https://momshierarchyofneeds.comBook (Pre-order): Repair With Self-Care: Your Guide to the Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs (available wherever books are soldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslieforde/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momshierarchyConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: a...

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this week’s episode of The In Both Podcast, host Dr. Ashley welcomes journalist and twin mom Zara Hanawalt, whose bylines include Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Parents, The New York Times for Kids, and more. Zara’s work dives deep into the intersections of motherhood, culture, and women’s health—especially in a post-pandemic world where millions of moms were forced to reckon with impossible expectations and invisible labor.In this candid, thoughtful, and at times hilarious conversation, Ashley and Zara explore what it was like parenting toddlers during lockdown, why remote work offered a glimpse of something more sustainable, and how the culture has since regressed—leaving moms to quietly pick up the pieces. From putting the grocery cart back with four kids in tow to viral trad-wife aesthetics, this conversation peels back the layers on the “have it all” myth and asks: why are moms the only ones being asked to bend?Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, working mom, freelance warrior, or somewhere in between, this episode is full of validation, insight, and a reminder that no one is doing it wrong—it’s just that the system wasn’t built to support any of us.You'll learn: How the pandemic reshaped parenting roles—and revealed deep systemic flawsWhy freelance work can be a survival tactic for moms, not just a “girl boss” dreamThe emotional and logistical toll of caregiving without supportHow return-to-office culture is erasing hard-won flexibility for familiesThe difference between advocating for mothers and simply “complaining”Why stay-at-home parenting is labor, even if it’s unpaidThe role of social media in promoting extreme (and unrealistic) portrayals of motherhoodHow gender bias shows up in everyday parenting expectationsWhat needs to change culturally and politically to better support mothersThat taking care of yourself doesn’t have to look a certain way—quiet moments count tooConnect with Zara:Website: www.zaraalt.comInstagram: @zaraaltTikTok: @zaraaltConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode of The And Both Podcast, Dr. Ashley welcomes Dr. Noor Ali, a Bangladeshi-American medical doctor turned health insurance consultant, community builder, and beverage brand co-founder. Dr. Ali shares her remarkable journey from immigrating to the U.S. at age five to becoming a surgeon abroad—and later pivoting her career after facing insurmountable red tape while trying to transfer her medical credentials back to the U.S.You'll learn:How to navigate major life and career pivots with resilience and intentionThe surprising health insurance options available to entrepreneurs (and why benefits shouldn't hold you back)Why motherhood and business ownership don’t have to be at odds—and how Dr. Ali structures her week to honor bothWhat it means to be a multi-passionate entrepreneur and how to build sustainably across different business modelsHow Dr. Ali defines boundaries, self-care, and visibility in her personal and professional lifeQuestions Answered:What happens when your medical degree isn't recognized in the U.S., and how do you pivot after that?How can women safely and confidently leave corporate jobs without losing access to quality health insurance?What does it look like to create highly curated, impact-driven in-person networking experiences for women?How do you stay focused and productive while running multiple businesses and raising small kids?Why is honoring white space in your calendar and building slow, sustainable businesses critical?Connect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode of The And Both Podcast, Ashley sits down with the incredible Sangheetha Parthasarathy—a Harvard and MIT alum, birth worker, and now nervous system coach. Sanha’s career journey took her from major consulting firms like Oracle and Accenture to co-founding a nonprofit focused on birth advocacy and eventually building her own body of work around somatic trauma healing and nervous system regulation.Ashley and Sangheetha covered a lot in this conversation, including:What it feels like to live in limbo as an immigrant (she's immigrated twice and repatriated once)How immigration, perfectionism, attachment, and motherhood intersectHow Sangheetha found healing and purpose through birth and postpartum experiencesThe connection between somatic work, nervous system regulation, and career pivotsWhy slowing down can feel really uncomfortable for high-achieving women—and what to do about itThis conversation got REAL. Ashley and Sangheetha both shared their personal immigration stories and how that uncertainty shaped their nervous systems, their work, and their motherhood journeys. ✨ What you’ll walk away with:A better understanding of how nervous system regulation really worksHow systemic experiences like immigration, workaholism, and motherhood trauma live in the bodyWhy traditional “self-care” can fall flat—and what to do insteadHow to build safety in your body and life when the world feels unstableSangheetha is someone who brings heart, clarity, and wisdom to every conversation—and I know this one will leave you thinking deeply about how you care for your own nervous system, especially in chaotic times.Connect with Sangheetha:Website: https://www.sangparth.com/Connect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @ashleyblackingtonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode, Ashley is joined by Suzie Driscoll, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Tiny and Mighty Therapy, specializing in infant feeding. Together, they reflect on becoming first-time moms during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and how those experiences shaped their parenting, careers, and personal growth.Suzie shares her journey from working at Seattle Children’s Hospital to launching her own private practice, motivated by the challenges she faced with feeding her newborn during lockdown. With deep empathy and clinical expertise, she now supports families through feeding difficulties and offers strategies rooted in prevention and early intervention.What you’ll learn:The emotional and logistical realities of becoming a mom during the pandemicWhat pediatric feeding therapy looks like, especially for infantsHow Susie’s own feeding challenges as a new mom inspired her to help other familiesThe importance of addressing feeding issues early—and how therapy before and after tongue-tie procedures can support better outcomesWhat it’s like to run a solo private practice while navigating motherhood, loss, and another pregnancyThis episode is a powerful reminder that you’re not alone in your motherhood journey—and that support, compassion, and clinical expertise can make a world of difference.Connect with Suzie: Website: https://www.tinyandmightytherapy.comInstgram: @tinyandmighty_otConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode, we're sitting down with Ellen Hockley—a seasoned entrepreneur, mom of two, and caregiver—to explore what it truly looks like to build and grow businesses while managing life’s most demanding roles. Ellen shares her journey from founding a sustainable event planning company in NYC, to launching a maternity activewear brand during the pandemic, and most recently, starting her consulting firm that supports postpartum and purpose-driven female founders.The conversation also dives into Ellen’s unexpected role as a caregiver to her husband and the emotional toll, time demands, and isolation that can come with it. Ellen speaks candidly about postpartum depression, building businesses without social media, and the misconceptions moms face when stepping into entrepreneurship.What you’ll learn:The real challenges and triumphs of starting and sustaining multiple businesses while raising young childrenWhy paid parental leave and postpartum support matter deeply in the U.S.How Ellen helps early-stage female founders build realistic, sustainable businesses with strategic guidanceThe power of honest entrepreneurship—and why the “six-figure in six months” promise isn’t what it seemsInsights into caregiving as a young spouse and the impact it has on identity, relationships, and businessThat you can build a successful business without social mediaConnect with Ellen:Website: www.ellenhockley.comConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode of The And Both Podcast, Laura Bull, founder of The Brand Management Company and author of From Individual to Empire, joins us for an insightful conversation on personal branding, motherhood, and how identity evolves over time. Laura shares her journey from becoming one of the youngest executives at Sony Music—working with stars like Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley—to launching her own brand agency while raising two daughters. She breaks down the difference between marketing and branding, how to craft a lasting narrative, and why personal evolution doesn’t mean abandoning who you are.What you'll learn:The difference between branding and marketing—and why it matters for your businessHow to identify your personal brand pillars that stay true across all life seasonsWhy many entrepreneurs fail with marketing due to unclear brandingHow motherhood and big life transitions impact identity and brand narrativeHow Laura helps clients build sustainable, authentic brands with her signature brand matrixWhy even powerhouse figures like Martha Stewart and Adele stick to core branding (and what you can learn from them!)Practical branding advice and toolsConnect with Laura:Instagram: @thelaurabull and @thebrandmgmtcoWebsite: https://thebrandmgmt.comConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode, we chat with Jillian McCloskey, founder of Momcations.co, a travel company specializing in vacations just for moms. Jillian shares how her first solo trip to Iceland transformed her as a mother and inspired her to create a business that helps other moms take guilt-free, stress-free getaways—whether it's a solo trip, a retreat with other moms, or a quick weekend escape.What you'll learn:Why every mom needs a real break—and why family vacations don’t count!How to make time for travel, even when your schedule is packed.Budget-friendly & short-term trip ideas for moms who can’t take a long vacation.Why stepping away actually makes you a better, more present parent.Practical tips for planning your first momcation, even if you’ve never traveled alone before.Connect with Jillian: https://www.momcations.co/Connect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode of In Both, host Ashley sits down with Erika Hanafin, the former CEO of Hey Mama, a massive networking community for entrepreneurial moms. Erika shares her insights on balancing business growth with motherhood, the unique strengths moms bring to entrepreneurship, and how to build confidence in both roles. With five successful acquisitions under her belt, she discusses her journey, the power of community, and how women can embrace ambition without guilt. Whether you're navigating startup life or looking for ways to reclaim your time, this episode is packed with practical strategies and inspiration for mom entrepreneurs.You'll learn:How to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship without sacrificing personal well-beingWhy moms have unique leadership skills that make them powerful entrepreneursHow to shift your mindset to embrace confidence in business and leadershipThe importance of community in business growth and personal supportHow to set boundaries and prioritize personal needs without guiltPractical time management and productivity hacks to reclaim hours each weekHow to integrate ambition with family life in a sustainable wayThe role of mindset shifts in overcoming self-doubt and embracing opportunitiesStrategies for networking and building meaningful business relationshipsHow to navigate different seasons of business and life with flexibility and resilienceConnect with Erika: Website: erikahanafin.comInstagram: @erikahanafinGet Erika's free guide: 5 Steps to Scale Your BusinessConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode, I sit down with Heather Chauvin, a leadership coach who helps successful women live, work, and parent on their own terms—with courage and authenticity. Heather’s journey took a dramatic turn in 2013 when a stage 4 cancer diagnosis forced her to reevaluate everything she had been taught about motherhood, success, and sacrifice. Since then, she has been on a mission to challenge cultural expectations that lead to burnout and self-sacrifice, helping women redefine what it means to truly thrive.Heather shares insights on breaking free from societal “shoulds,” prioritizing your own well-being without guilt, and leading from a place of alignment—all while being an engaged parent and successful entrepreneur. Her approach is real, refreshing, and unapologetic. If you’ve ever felt like you’re checking all the right boxes but still feeling drained, this conversation will inspire you to take your power back.What you’ll learn:Why self-sacrifice isn’t a requirement for good motherhoodHow to listen to your intuition and trust yourselfThe dangers of ignoring your body’s whispers before they turn into screamsWhy prioritizing your own fulfillment is the key to thrivingHow to break free from cultural expectations and create a life that truly aligns with youConnect with Heather:Book: Dying to Be a Good MotherInstagram: @heatherchauvinConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode, I sit down with Natasha Golinski, a business coach dedicated to helping solopreneur moms build teams, reclaim their time, and work fewer hours while maintaining a full-time income. As a mother of three and an entrepreneur, Natasha understands the overwhelming challenge of balancing business, family, and personal time without burnout.We dive deep into the myths of motherhood and business, why so many moms feel pressured to "do it all," and how hiring the right support can transform your life. Natasha also shares her unfiltered take on motherhood, admitting that she didn’t love the early years and why it's important to normalize these feelings. If you're looking for a no-nonsense approach to business and motherhood, this episode is for you.What we dicusss:Why working less doesn’t mean making lessHow to delegate tasks at home and in business without guiltThe importance of team-building for solopreneur momsHow to step away from societal “shoulds” and define success on your own termsWhy not loving certain parts of motherhood is normal—and okayConnect with NatashaLinkedIn: Natasha GolinskiConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Support AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingIn this episode, I sit down with Marnie Madras, the founder and CEO of Rumbly, a modern motherhood brand redefining the pregnancy experience. Marnie shares her journey from a corporate and startup career to becoming a postpartum doula and entrepreneur, all while balancing life as a mom of four. We talk about the challenges of pregnancy, the societal expectations placed on moms, and how Rumbly is helping women prioritize themselves during this transformative time.What you'll hear:How Marnie transitioned from corporate life to launching Rumbly and becoming a doulaThe realities of pregnancy and early motherhood, including the loss of identity many women experienceWhy self-care and individuality are essential during pregnancy and postpartumThe role of community and support in making motherhood a more positive experienceHow Rumbly’s subscription and gift boxes are designed to celebrate moms—not just babiesConnect with Marnie:Website: rumbly.coInstagram: @rumbly_coEmail: marnie@rumbly.coConnect with Ashley:Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/AND/BOTH Community: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/andboth-communityDovetail® App: https://airtable.com/appn6w6IWipJYIuA3/pagZys7UnECzM46iJ/formSocial:Instagram: @dovetailappFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/