Aisha, former co-host of the Mocha Single Mothers by Choice (SMCs) podcast, is launching Start to Finish Motherhood, a podcast for those thinking or already Single Mothers by Choice, just looking for practical advice for navigating life's relationships. When you decide to have children on your own, it doesn't mean that you're completely alone. Aisha is partnering with you every step of your journey.

Start to Finish Motherhood website: Start to Finish Motherhood

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Embark on a transformative journey with the "NorthStar Gaze" podcast, sharing intimate stories from Geo-Stem luminaries. In 1-on-1 chats, explore their journeys and profound contributions to geography and GIS.

Inspired by our Telescope program, each episode offers a telescopic view into their lives. Uncover the human side of Geo-Stem, where passion meets purpose, and racial justice is central.

"The NorthStar Gaze" is your invitation to a Homecoming, where diverse voices paint the tapestry of contributions to geography and STEM. Tune in and let the brilliance of these geo-stars guide you.

In this, the podcast series finale, Aisha sits down with some of the moms she admires to discuss parenting. In this heartfelt episode, our host reflects on the parenting wisdom imparted by their own mother and how it shapes their approach to parenting today. Joined by fellow SMC moms Christina and Jillian, they dive deep into the joys and challenges of raising children as single mothers by choice. The conversation spans topics from respecting children's individuality and creating safe, emotionally supportive environments, to navigating school systems and setting healthy boundaries. Tune in for touching anecdotes, valuable insights, and practical advice. Don't forget to subscribe to the Black Single Mothers by Choice and Start to Finish Motherhood YouTube channels and IG pages, and join our mailing list for more inspiring content!

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

00:48 Meet the Guests: Christina and Jillian

03:49 Parenting Philosophies and Early Expectations

09:27 Navigating Discipline and Emotional Health

17:54 Intentional Parenting and Family Values

25:27 Cultural Etiquette and Parenting Reflections

26:50 Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges

28:00 Balancing Boundaries and Family Dynamics

29:30 Surprising Lessons in Parenting

33:20 Understanding and Supporting Special Needs

34:47 School and Developmental Milestones

41:33 Building a Supportive Village

45:39 Kids' Career Aspirations and Parenting Joys

In this episode, explore the common question of whether to move closer to family and dive into the personal journey of relocating for a vibrant SMC (Single Mothers by Choice) community. Our speaker discusses the importance of assessing your reasons for moving, leveraging your support network during emergencies, and the intricacies of child care. They also shed light on the necessity of estate planning, financial readiness, and the nuances of filling out official paperwork as a single parent. Tune in to get practical advice and heartfelt insights, and don't forget to join our SMC community for ongoing support and connection!

00:00 Should I Move Closer to Family?

01:22 Assessing Your Village and Community

01:56 Leveraging Support During Emergencies

04:51 Finding and Trusting Childcare

07:28 Estate Planning for SMCs

10:04 Financial Readiness for SMCs

12:06 Filling Out Official Paperwork as an SMC

Join Aisha as she debrief's the challenges and experiences shared in last week's episode about SMCs (Single Mothers by Choice) and twin pregnancies. In this candid discussion, she revisits the medical complexities such as gestational diabetes and intrauterine growth restriction, personal stories of navigating these issues, and the emotional toll they take. Also covered are some practical strategies for balancing pregnancy with work, finances, and childcare. This episode offers invaluable insights and a support system for anyone going through similar experiences. Tune in, share with someone who could benefit, and be sure to join the conversation!

00:00 Introduction and Recap of the Twins Episode

00:52 Personal Pregnancy Experiences

01:08 Challenges of Gestational Diabetes

02:42 Inter Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

04:51 Impact on Daily Life and Work

09:35 Financial Considerations of Twin Pregnancies

11:25 Decisions Around Embryo Transfer

13:27 Physical and Mental Impact of Pregnancy

14:20 Epidural and Labor Experiences

16:06 Conclusion and Debrief

Join Toja and Carla as they share their heartfelt and candid experiences of conceiving, carrying, and raising twins. From the trials of IVF and IUI treatments to the challenges of multigenerational living, both moms open up about the highs and lows of their unique journeys. They discuss the physical hardships, emotional struggles, and the surprising joys of twin motherhood. Their stories are filled with humor, honesty, and invaluable advice for anyone considering or navigating the path of raising multiples. Don't miss this incredible and eye-opening episode!

00:00 Meet Toja and Carla: Our Journey Begins

00:22 Family Dynamics and Living Situations

01:24 The Path to Pregnancy: IVF and IUI Stories

04:28 Discovering the Twin Surprise

06:45 Pregnancy Challenges and Health Complications

18:41 Life with Twins: The Early Months

20:33 Labor and Delivery Experiences

26:17 Financial and Emotional Struggles

29:23 Advice for Aspiring Twin Parents

31:50 Looking Back: Reflections and Encouragement

In this episode, Aisha delves into the world of travel with kids post-pandemic. A seasoned traveler, Aisha shares her experiences and practical tips for traveling domestically and internationally, whether you have an infant or a toddler. Get insights on packing strategies, handling in-flight challenges, leveraging local support from SMC friends, and making the most out of layovers. It's all about finding your family's travel groove and ensuring everyone, including mom, enjoys the vacation. If you found these tips useful, subscribe to the Black Single Mothers by Choice and Start to Finish Motherhood YouTube channels and Instagram pages, and join our mailing list!

00:00 Introduction to Traveling with Kids

00:46 First Post-Pandemic Flight Experience

01:37 Tips for Traveling with Infants

02:39 Traveling with Toddlers: What to Expect

04:38 Navigating International Airports with Kids

06:06 The Benefits of Layovers and Road Trips

07:36 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this enlightening episode, we explore the journey of transitioning from a Single Mother by Choice (SMC) to finding love and building a romantic relationship. Join Aisha as she chats with our special guests, Kim and Erica, who share their personal stories of love, dating history, and how they introduced their partners to their children. They discuss the dynamics of co-parenting, the significance of having open conversations, and the importance of staying true to one's path. Whether you're an SMC or considering this journey, you'll find valuable insights and inspiration. Subscribe to the Black Single Mothers by Choice and Start to Finish Motherhood YouTube channels and IG pages, and join our mailing list for more great content!

00:00 Introduction to Today's Topic

00:14 Meet Our Guests: Kim and Erica

01:42 Dating Histories and Current Relationships

06:11 Introducing Kids to New Partners

11:53 Roles and Responsibilities in Blended Families

20:23 Advice for SMCs in Relationships

23:43 Conclusion: SMCs and Future Relationships

In this episode, Aisha delves into the empowering yet challenging journey of being a Solo Mother by Choice (SMC). Listen as she unpacks the complexities and everyday realities of choosing this unique parenting path. From societal perceptions to financial responsibilities and the pandemic's impact, we cover it all. This candid discussion sheds light on the joys and hurdles faced by SMCs and emphasizes the importance of community and intentionality in creating a nurturing home environment. Don't forget to subscribe to the Black Single Mothers by Choice and Start to Finish Motherhood YouTube channels and IG pages, and join our mailing list for more inspiring content and support!

00:00 Introduction: The Challenges of Solo Parenting

00:55 Choosing Your Hard: Embracing Solo Motherhood

01:47 Breaking Away from Traditional Paths

03:03 Navigating Social Perceptions and Inclusivity

05:38 Financial and Logistical Realities of SMC Life

10:00 The Importance of Male Influence and Building a Village

12:00 Creating a Peaceful Home Environment

14:03 Balancing Personal and Parental Roles

Let's delve into a thoughtful and deeply personal discussion on the complexities of choosing a sperm donor while prioritizing the preservation of Black identity. Aisha shares her journey from choosing a donor to raising biracial children with a strong sense of Black heritage and cultural grounding. Her candid exploration of race, identity, and the importance of representation in family planning offers invaluable insights and heartfelt anecdotes. Don't forget to subscribe to the Black Single Mothers by Choice and Start to Finish Motherhood YouTube channels and IG pages, and join our mailing list for more empowering content!

00:00 Introduction: Envisioning Black Parenthood

02:21 Choosing a Donor: Overcoming Challenges

05:02 Navigating Identity and Parenting

08:08 Addressing Racial Dynamics and Beauty Standards

11:28 Confronting Racial Realities and Responsibilities

15:20 Final Thoughts: The Importance of Racial Awareness