Busy Mom Talk, The Podcast

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Habibi, a scientist, entrepreneur, author, wife, and mother who has built an incredible business by making science accessible, exciting, and fun for families. What started as sharing simple science experiments online quickly evolved into a thriving educational company, Mito & Co., helping children discover the magic of STEM through hands-on science kits and learning experiences.

Sarah shares her journey from earning a PhD to becoming a trusted science communicator seen on national television, all while balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. We discuss the realities of building a business as a parent, how social media unexpectedly became the foundation of her company, and why fostering curiosity in children is more important than ever.

This conversation is packed with inspiration for parents, business owners, and anyone who has ever wondered if they can turn their passion into something bigger. Sarah's story is proof that sometimes the most successful businesses begin with simply sharing what you love and finding a way to make a difference in the lives of others.

Key Topics Covered

• Sarah's journey from scientist to entrepreneur
• Earning a PhD while navigating motherhood
• How sharing science experiments online led to the creation of Mito & Co.
• Building a business from a genuine passion for education
• The importance of hands-on STEM learning for children
• Balancing life as a wife, mother, scientist, and CEO
• The realities of entrepreneurship behind the scenes
• Using social media to educate and grow a business
• Encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in STEM
• Why curiosity is one of the most important skills children can develop
• Creating educational experiences that make science fun and accessible for families
• Lessons learned from growing a successful children's brand

About Our Guest

Dr. Sarah Habibi is a STEM educator, science communicator, children's author, and founder of Mito & Co., a company dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists through hands-on learning. Through her content, media appearances, books, and science kits, Sarah has helped thousands of families bring science into their homes and make learning an exciting adventure. She is also a passionate advocate for women in STEM and believes it's never too early to spark a child's curiosity.

Episode Highlight

"Kids deserve to do science, not just watch it." That simple belief helped transform Sarah's passion for science education into a business that is inspiring young scientists across North America.

Who Should Listen?

• Parents looking to encourage curiosity and learning at home
• Moms balancing business ownership and family life
• Entrepreneurs building brands from their passions
• Educators and STEM advocates
• Women pursuing careers in science and business
• Anyone looking for inspiration on turning an idea into a successful company

Tune in for a conversation about science, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the power of following your curiosity. 🧪✨

Follow along @BusyMomTalk on Instagram!

https://mitoandco.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqxnuR76wTWcjPovTwvOc_bQizY1PqAPcnKYh8vVe-4a1z3jSc3

Episode Overview

In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Dr. Stuart Fischbein (Dr. Stu), obstetrician-trained with over 40 years of experience, to unpack the realities of modern obstetric care and the evolving role of midwifery. This conversation dives into the tension between medicalized birth and natural, physiological processes, and challenges the systems that shape how care is delivered today. Dr. Stu shares how his perspective has shifted over decades in practice and why he believes many current models may not always serve mothers and babies in the best way.

Key Topics Covered

The Medicalization of Pregnancy

We explore how pregnancy has increasingly been treated as a medical condition rather than a natural life event. Dr. Stu explains how this mindset can lead to unnecessary interventions and a disconnect between providers and patients.

Experience vs. System Training

Dr. Stu reflects on how decades in the field have changed his approach. He discusses how reliance on technology and standardized protocols may be impacting practitioner skill and confidence in physiological birth.

Cognitive Dissonance in Care

The conversation highlights the gap between what providers are trained to do and what may actually benefit patients. We unpack how this disconnect can influence decision-making during pregnancy and labour.

The Value of Midwifery-Led Care

We dive into the benefits of midwifery, including continuity of care, deeper patient relationships, and a more personalized approach that supports both emotional and physical wellbeing.

Barriers to Integration

Despite clear benefits, midwifery still faces systemic challenges. We discuss the historical, cultural, and financial factors that keep midwives from being fully integrated into mainstream care models.

Rethinking the System

Dr. Stu shares his perspective on what needs to change moving forward, including shifting toward a more collaborative model where midwives lead low-risk care and obstetricians step into supportive, consultative roles.

Highlight

A powerful takeaway from this episode is the idea that how we view pregnancy shapes how we treat it. When birth is seen as something to manage rather than support, it changes the entire experience for mothers. This conversation encourages a shift toward trust, autonomy, and informed choice.

Follow along on IG @busymomtalk

Follow Dr. Stu on IG @birthinginsticts

Episode Overview

In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Dr. Stuart Fischbein (Dr. Stu), obstetrician-trained with over 40 years of experience, to unpack the realities of modern obstetric care and the evolving role of midwifery. This conversation dives into the tension between medicalized birth and natural, physiological processes, and challenges the systems that shape how care is delivered today. Dr. Stu shares how his perspective has shifted over decades in practice and why he believes many current models may not always serve mothers and babies in the best way.

Key Topics Covered

The Medicalization of Pregnancy

We explore how pregnancy has increasingly been treated as a medical condition rather than a natural life event. Dr. Stu explains how this mindset can lead to unnecessary interventions and a disconnect between providers and patients.

Experience vs. System Training

Dr. Stu reflects on how decades in the field have changed his approach. He discusses how reliance on technology and standardized protocols may be impacting practitioner skill and confidence in physiological birth.

Cognitive Dissonance in Care

The conversation highlights the gap between what providers are trained to do and what may actually benefit patients. We unpack how this disconnect can influence decision-making during pregnancy and labour.

The Value of Midwifery-Led Care

We dive into the benefits of midwifery, including continuity of care, deeper patient relationships, and a more personalized approach that supports both emotional and physical wellbeing.

Barriers to Integration

Despite clear benefits, midwifery still faces systemic challenges. We discuss the historical, cultural, and financial factors that keep midwives from being fully integrated into mainstream care models.

Rethinking the System

Dr. Stu shares his perspective on what needs to change moving forward, including shifting toward a more collaborative model where midwives lead low-risk care and obstetricians step into supportive, consultative roles.

Highlight

A powerful takeaway from this episode is the idea that how we view pregnancy shapes how we treat it. When birth is seen as something to manage rather than support, it changes the entire experience for mothers. This conversation encourages a shift toward trust, autonomy, and informed choice.

Part two will be released next week!

Follow along on IG @busymomtalk

Follow Dr. Stu on IG @birthinginsticts

Episode Overview

In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, we sit down with Dr. Vanessa Myers, a new mom of twins and recent PhD graduate, to talk about what it really looks like to balance motherhood with higher education. From strategically planning her pregnancy during her PhD to navigating the unexpected challenges of a micro-premature birth, Vanessa shares an honest and powerful look into resilience, adaptability, and the realities of doing both. This conversation is for any mom who feels like she’s juggling everything at once and wondering how to make it all work.

Key Topics Covered

The Reality of Balancing a PhD and New Motherhood

Vanessa walks us through how she intentionally planned her academic timeline around starting a family, and how that planning helped set her up for success. But even with preparation, she shares how quickly expectations can shift once babies arrive—especially with twins.

When Plans Change: Navigating the Unexpected

The early arrival of her twins at 26 weeks brought a completely different experience than expected. Vanessa opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of a NICU journey, and how she coped during one of the most difficult periods of her life.

Time Management and Working in the Margins

From writing her dissertation during nap times to learning how to prioritize what truly matters, Vanessa shares realistic strategies for getting things done in small pockets of time. This is not about perfection—it’s about progress.

The Importance of Support Systems

A major theme throughout this episode is the role of community. Vanessa highlights how family, friends, and support networks played a critical role in helping her manage both motherhood and academia.

Mindset, Resilience, and Letting Go of Expectations

Vanessa reflects on the mental shift required to navigate both roles. From letting go of rigid expectations to embracing flexibility, she shares how mindset plays a huge role in surviving and thriving during demanding seasons of life.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a reminder that there is no “perfect” way to balance motherhood and big goals. It’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal—but it is possible. Whether you’re in school, building a career, or navigating a new season of motherhood, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to keep going.

Episode Overview

In this episode, we sit down with Mario Mancuso, a solo father of two navigating life after the loss of his wife while balancing entrepreneurship and a full-time career in the HVAC industry. Mario shares an honest and deeply personal look into what solo parenting really looks like behind the scenes.

We talk about the emotional weight of carrying multiple roles, the quiet guilt many parents feel, and the reality of trying to show up fully for both your children and your work when your capacity is stretched thin. Mario opens up about grief, resilience, and the moments that challenge you the most as a parent.

This conversation also explores the importance of building a support system, especially for men who may struggle to ask for help. From finding reliable childcare to leaning on community, Mario shares what has helped him stay afloat during the hardest seasons.

We also dive into the realities of modern parenting, including the financial pressures families face today and the need for more flexibility and understanding in the workplace. This episode is a reminder that while solo parenting can feel isolating, there is strength in connection and shared experience.

Key Topics Covered

• What solo parenting looks like after loss
• Balancing entrepreneurship, full-time work, and fatherhood
• The emotional toll of guilt, burnout, and grief
• Why asking for help is hard and why it matters
• The role of community and support systems in parenting
• Finding stability through childcare and trusted support
• Financial pressures and the realities of modern parenting
• The need for more flexible, family-centered workplaces
• Redefining strength and resilience as a parent

Follow along on instagram, @BusyMomTalk and don't forget to like, subscribe, and comment!

Episode Overview

In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Meenakshi, an Ottawa mom of three who is balancing full-time work, motherhood, and content creation. This conversation feels like one of those honest, needed chats about what motherhood actually looks like behind the scenes. We get into the mental load, the pressure to keep everything together, and how overwhelming it can feel trying to be everything to everyone.

Meenakshi shares her journey into motherhood and how starting her blog became an outlet during a time where so many emotions were hard to process. We talk about what it really feels like returning to work after maternity leave, especially with multiple kids, and how that transition is often way harder than people talk about.

We also dive into the cultural side of motherhood. The expectations that are passed down, the pressure to do things a certain way, and how our generation is starting to question all of it. This part of the conversation really opens up the idea that motherhood doesn’t have to look one specific way, and that it’s okay to do things differently if it feels right for your family.

We talk about social media and how it can both connect and overwhelm moms at the same time. The comparison, the pressure, and the unrealistic standards that can creep in. We also touch on gentle parenting and what it looks like to raise kids with intention while still navigating real life stress.

Overall, this episode is about giving yourself permission to not have it all figured out. To take care of yourself too. And to build a version of motherhood that actually works for you, not just what’s expected.

Key Topics Covered

• Balancing work, motherhood, and personal identity

• The mental load and invisible responsibilities moms carry

• Returning to work after maternity leave

• Cultural expectations and generational differences in parenting

• Breaking traditional norms and parenting in a way that feels right

• The impact of social media on motherhood

• Gentle parenting and intentional parenting approaches

• The importance of community and support systems

• Prioritizing self-care without guilt

Follow along on IG @BusyMomTalk and don't forget to subscribe, like and follow!

Overview View

In this episode, I sit down with Eli Weinstein, therapist, speaker, and author of From I Do to We Do, to have a real, honest conversation about what happens to relationships after kids enter the picture.

We dive into the shift from being partners to becoming parents—and how easy it is to lose connection in the middle of the chaos. Eli brings such a refreshing male therapist perspective, breaking down what men are actually feeling but often don’t say out loud, especially when it comes to mental health, pressure, and parenting roles.

We talk about communication in a way that actually feels doable, not textbook. From practical tools like the “import and export” list, to understanding emotional needs on both sides, this episode is full of real-life strategies you can actually use in your relationship right now. Eli’s approach is grounded in real experiences and therapy-backed tools that help couples stay connected, resolve conflict, and build a stronger foundation... without feeling like you have to choose between being a great parent and a great partner.

We also get into the deeper conversations around male mental health, the invisible load in parenting, and how to move from “me vs you” to truly functioning as a team. If you’ve ever looked at your partner and thought, “How did we get here?”... this episode is going to hit home in the best way.

Episode Highlights

• The shift from “I do” to “we do” after kids—and why so many couples struggle here
• A male therapist’s perspective on relationships, fatherhood, and emotional pressure
• The “import & export” tool and how it can completely change communication
• Why most couples aren’t actually communicating… they’re reacting
• The truth about male mental health and why it’s often overlooked
• How to stop keeping score in your relationship
• Moving from “me vs you” → “us vs the chaos”
• Small daily habits that rebuild connection (even when you’re exhausted)
• Navigating parenting roles, expectations, and resentment before it builds

Follow along @BusyMomTalk on IG & purchase Eli's book here: https://a.co/d/064dzShI!

Episode Overview

This week it’s just me. No guest, no fluff. Just a conversation I’ve been putting off for a long time.

I’m finally sharing my birth story… and honestly, it didn’t go how I thought it would at all. What should have been something straightforward turned into multiple misdiagnoses. I was told I had an ovarian torsion, then later was wrongly diagnosed with an STI, which almost completely turned my life upside down. That alone was a lot to process… and I hadn’t even given birth yet.

After I delivered, things got even more intense. I was dealing with a retained placenta and ended up having a postpartum hemorrhage. It was scary, confusing, and not something anyone really prepares you for. I’m sharing it because I wish someone had been more honest with me about what can actually happen. There were moments where I knew something felt off, but I didn’t fully understand what I was experiencing or how serious it was.

So I also want to say this, because I didn’t know at the time…

Red Flags for PPH OR Retained Placenta:

If you’re soaking through a pad really quickly or passing large clots, that’s not something to brush off. If you feel dizzy, weak, like you might faint, or your heart is racing out of nowhere… that matters. If your stomach or pelvic pain feels intense, constant, or just not right, listen to that.

And with retained placenta, it’s not always obvious. Ongoing heavy bleeding, a feeling like something is still there, cramping that doesn’t ease up, even fever or just feeling unwell… those are all things to take seriously.

I wish I knew that sooner.

In this episode I just talk through everything. What happened, how it felt, what I was told, and what I wish I knew at the time. If you’re a mom, especially if you’re pregnant or postpartum, I really hope this helps you feel a little more aware and a lot less alone.

And if something ever feels off in your body… trust that feeling and push for answers. You deserve to be heard.

Overview

• In this week’s episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Shannon Kelly, co-owner of an Ottawa salon, mom, and entrepreneur who built her business and her family during one of the most uncertain times in recent history.
• Shannon shares what it was really like starting a business during COVID, being pregnant in a pandemic, and navigating both marriage and entrepreneurship at the same time. This episode is honest, relatable, and a powerful reminder that sometimes life does not follow the timeline we imagined but it can still unfold beautifully.

Starting a Business in the Middle of a Pandemic

• Shannon and her husband had planned to open their salon before COVID ever hit. When the world shut down, so did their original timeline. Instead of forcing the business launch, they pivoted. They used their savings to get married and start their family.
• What could have felt like a setback became a season of recalibration. Shannon talks about the emotional and financial balancing act of saving for a dream while navigating uncertainty. Her story is a reminder that adaptability is sometimes the greatest entrepreneurial skill of all.

Working With Your Spouse: The Real Dynamics

• One of the most relatable parts of this episode is Shannon’s honesty about working with her husband. She shares the initial hesitation she felt and how vulnerable she was in admitting her fears.
• With support and guidance from her mom, Shannon leaned into communication and partnership. What started as awkward quickly became natural. She speaks openly about defining roles, respecting each other’s strengths, and building something meaningful together.
• For couples who are building businesses or navigating big dreams side by side, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Breaking Gender Norms in the Beauty Industry

• Shannon reflects on entering an industry where many salon owners were traditionally men. While she trained under a strong female leader early in her career, she quickly noticed the imbalance in ownership.
• Over time, her confidence grew. What she once never imagined for herself became a calling. Shannon now leads with intention, creating the kind of supportive, nurturing space she once sought out herself.
• Her journey speaks to the larger shift happening in female entrepreneurship and what it looks like to step into leadership even when you did not originally see yourself there.

Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood in a Pandemic

• The episode takes a deeply personal turn when Shannon shares her experience of being pregnant during COVID. She talks about being sick throughout her pregnancy, attending appointments alone while her husband waited in the car, and giving birth under strict hospital restrictions.
• Despite the isolation and unexpected challenges, Shannon reflects on finding strength in the quiet. There were no extra visitors. No outside noise. Just her and the moment.
• Her story will resonate with moms who had babies during that time and anyone who had to adjust expectations in ways they never imagined.

Episode Overview

In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, Kianna sits down with Dr. Olivia Richman, a family health physician and founder of Docfluencer MDO, to discuss the realities of women’s healthcare, physician burnout, and the need for meaningful advocacy in medicine.

Dr. Richman shares how gaps in education around women’s health shaped her career path and inspired her to build a platform that brings healthcare professionals together for education and collaboration. The conversation explores why focused advocacy efforts create stronger impact, how systemic barriers affect both patients and providers, and why underserved communities continue to face unequal access to care.

They also dive into the pressures physicians face behind the scenes, including overwhelming workloads, limited time with patients, and the emotional toll of navigating complex healthcare systems. Dr. Richman highlights the importance of community collaboration, resilience, and honest conversations in driving change within modern medicine.

This episode offers an inside look at women’s health, healthcare advocacy, and what it truly means to support both patients and providers in today’s medical landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Women’s reproductive and preventative health is often under-taught, leaving major gaps in patient education and care.
• Healthcare influencers can play a powerful role in improving public understanding when education is evidence-based and ethical.
• Focused, mission-driven advocacy campaigns are more effective than trying to address too many issues at once.
• Systemic barriers, including insurance processes and administrative demands, frequently delay or limit patient care.
• Physician burnout is driven by heavy workloads, emotional labour, and lack of institutional support.
• Meaningful patient care depends on trust and connection, yet time constraints often interfere with these relationships.
• Failure and setbacks in medical training can become catalysts for growth, resilience, and leadership.
• Collaboration across healthcare professionals and communities is essential to create real, lasting change.
• Education and advocacy work best when rooted in lived experience and professional expertise.
• Sustainable healthcare reform requires both grassroots voices and organized professional networks.

Don't forget to follow along on instagram @busymomtalk !