In this episode of 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod, I’m sharing the pivot, the moment I realized my podcast and business needed to evolve into something more honest, more human, and more real. After years of listening to celebrity interviews focused only on success stories and highlight reels, I found myself craving deeper conversations about fear, failure, self-doubt, and the messy middle of building a career while raising a family.

This episode is an invitation to step away from perfection and into authenticity. If you’re tired of highlight reels and craving real talk about what it actually looks like to grow, struggle, and keep going, this episode is for you.

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In this episode, I share my 2026 business strategy and the lessons I learned from 2025. I talk about my pivot to Pinterest for podcast growth, focusing on sponsorships, and turning random pick-your-brain calls into subscriber-only office hours. I also share how I’m shifting from content creator to CEO, building systems, delegating tasks, and working smarter, not harder.

If you’re building a business or podcast, I hope my journey gives you practical ideas and inspiration to focus on what truly moves the needle.

If this episode hit home for you, don’t just let it be background noise. Join the 9 to 5 Mom Newsletter to unlock the exclusive book club, office hours, and bi-weekly business + productivity hacks for moms.

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If your coaching strategy looks right but still is not working, the problem might not be your offer. It might be your identity. In this episode, I talk with Cailen about why identity clarity must come before strategy.

We talk about the reality of starting messy, avoiding quick win pressure, and why small group offers and simple platforms can help you build something sustainable and aligned. If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or questioning your path, this episode will help you reset and move forward with clarity.

Loved Cailen Ascher's story and want to go deeper into their world? Start here:

• Website: https://www.cailenascher.com/ 
• Instagram: @cailen.ascher

If this episode hits home for you, don’t just let it be background noise. Join the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod newsletter and get every new video episode plus bi-weekly hacks you can actually use to rethink your 9–5, your money, and your next move.

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What happens when the group that’s supposed to feel like your village starts feeling more like high school all over again?

In this solo episode, I unpack the viral conversation around Ashley Tisdale’s “toxic mom group” controversy and why it struck such a deep nerve for so many moms. This isn’t about celebrity gossip. It’s about subtle exclusion, passive-aggressive behavior, and the kind of quiet toxicity that makes you question your own reality.

I talk about:

• The difference between normal discomfort and truly toxic group dynamics
• Why “there’s no proof” doesn’t mean it didn’t happen
• How reputation, proximity, and power play a role in certain mom circles
• When it’s time to stop forcing a “village” and start protecting your peace

If you’ve ever felt left out, dismissed, or slowly pushed to the margins of a mom group but couldn’t quite explain why, this episode is for you.

You’re not dramatic. You’re not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone.

🎧 Tune in and let’s talk about choosing yourself, setting boundaries, and finding a tribe that actually feels safe.

Want a stress-free, budget-friendly family bucket list trip? I chat with travel expert Ali about 2026 travel trends, kid-friendly European destinations, budgeting tips, and her Family Travel Roadmap to make planning trips with kids easier than ever. Plus, we touch on destination weddings, elopements, and traveling with pets.

Tune in for practical tips, travel inspiration, and a few personal stories. By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to start planning your next unforgettable family adventure.

Loved Ali Raymer's story and want to go deeper into their world? Start here:

• Website: https://www.alipicturethistravel.com/
• Instagram: @alipicturethistravel

If this episode hits home for you, don’t just let it be background noise. Join the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod newsletter and get every new video episode plus bi-weekly hacks you can actually use to rethink your 9–5, your money, and your next move.

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In this episode, Siena and I explore nonlinear career paths and why traditional career ladders no longer fit today’s world of work. We talk about purpose-driven career pivots, navigating career gaps, and embracing uncertainty as a growth strategy. Siena shares her journey across industries, while I reflect on my transition from a 9-to-5 paralegal role to entrepreneurship, along with the realities of balancing career and motherhood.

This episode is for anyone questioning their career path or seeking a more intentional, fulfilling way to work and live. 

Loved Siena Dean's story and want to go deeper into their world? Start here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siena-dean/ 

If this episode hits home for you, don’t just let it be background noise. Join the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod newsletter and get every new video episode plus bi-weekly hacks you can actually use to rethink your 9–5, your money, and your next move.

👉 Join the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod newsletter: https://9-to-5-mom-with-a-pod.kit.com/90day-podcast

What does it really mean to be the primary breadwinner in a relationship? In this candid conversation, Francheska and Ali dive into the realities of being the primary breadwinner in a relationship. Ali shares her experience becoming the sole provider after her husband lost his job, discussing identity shifts, guilt, and balancing work, family, and self-care. They explore the power of open communication, setting boundaries, and Ali’s simple stress-relief habit—short, technology-free walks. The episode wraps with gratitude and a teaser for future travel conversations.

Loved Ali Raymer's story and want to go deeper into their world? Start here:

• Website: https://www.alipicturethistravel.com/
• Instagram: @alipicturethistravel

If this episode hits home for you, don’t just let it be background noise. Join the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod newsletter and get every new video episode plus bi-weekly hacks you can actually use to rethink your 9–5, your money, and your next move.

👉 Join the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod newsletter: https://9-to-5-mom-with-a-pod.kit.com/90day-podcast

In this episode, Francheska and Lisa explore what it really takes to start a business in 2026. Lisa shares her personal journey, from a life-changing cancer diagnosis to leaving traditional employment and building a content-focused business in Mallorca. Together, they unpack fear, timing, mindset shifts, and the emotional cost of waiting, while highlighting the importance of community, vulnerability, and balance for women entrepreneurs.

Loved Lisa Corwood's story and want to go deeper into their world? Start here:

• Website: https://www.fuelledagency.com/
• Instagram: @lisa_corwood

If this episode hits home for you, don’t just let it be background noise. Join the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod newsletter and get every new video episode plus bi-weekly hacks you can actually use to rethink your 9–5, your money, and your next move.

👉 Join the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod newsletter: https://9-to-5-mom-with-a-pod.kit.com/90day-podcast

Feeling busy but not productive? You’re not alone. Kelly, a productivity coach, and I dive into what it really takes to reclaim your time in a full life. Kelly shares her journey and the time management system she created specifically for women, along with actionable strategies like themed days, deep work, and structured routines that still leave room for flexibility. A must-listen if you’re ready to reduce burnout and create more ease in your work and life.

Loved Kelly Leardon’s story and want to go deeper into their world? Start here:

• Website: https://walklikewarriors.com/
• Instagram: @walk_like_warriors
• Free resources: Hyper Efficiency Guide and Plug-&-Play Newsletter Starter Kit 

If this episode hits home for you, don’t just let it be background noise. Join the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod newsletter and get every new video episode plus bi-weekly hacks you can actually use to rethink your 9–5, your money, and your next move.

👉 Join the 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod newsletter: https://9-to-5-mom-with-a-pod.kit.com/90day-podcast

**Quick heads up: this episode has a lot of background noise because my daughter was home sick with me while I was recording.

In this special pre-Thanksgiving episode of 9 to 5 Mom with a Pod, I’m taking you behind the Instagram reel everyone saw today, the “perfect” New York business lunch with my coach, and sharing what was really happening off camera. From the moment I left Jersey, I was juggling anxiety about being far from my daughter, and sure enough… the dreaded “Pre-K” call popped up on my phone right as my food hit the table.