Chicks Who Give a Hoot

In this episode, we chat about:

• Lynn's entrepreneurial journey

• the mission of GOLD Comedy

• the comedy industry's gender gap

• comedy as a tool for social change

• the importance of audience and representation

• real-life impact of GOLD Comedy

• Lynn's advice for aspiring comedians

• how people can support women in comedy

• humor beyond the stage

Resources + Links:

Connect with Lynn Harris Visit her website at lynnharris.netFollow Lynn on Instagram: @lynnharris

🎤 Join the GOLD Comedy Community Explore GOLD Comedy's classes and community at goldcomedy.com Follow GOLD Comedy on Instagram: @goldcomedyDM Lynn or GOLD Comedy on Instagram for a special Chicks Who Give a Hoot listener discount (mention Sara Chambers or the podcast)

🎬 Watch Featured GOLD Comedy Series Watch Rat Czar on YouTube, the hilarious web series featuring a cameo by Rachel Dratch Stream Late Bloomers on Fox Soul at foxsoul.tv

📺 Binge These Recommended Comedy Shows Watch Girls5Eva for a smart, hilarious take on midlife reinvention at peacocktv.comStream What We Do in the Shadows, a vampire mockumentary with brilliant female writers at hulu.comGive Schitt's Creek another try—get past episode 1 and thank us later at netflix.com

🎥 Discover New Creators on Emerging PlatformsBrowse original content on Entertainmint at entertainmint.com

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, host Sara Chambers is joined by Lynn Harris — award-winning writer, comedian, and founder of GOLD Comedy. Together, they dive into Lynn's unconventional path into entrepreneurship and her bold mission to transform the comedy landscape.

Lynn opens up about the persistent challenges facing women and non-binary creators in the comedy world — from industry gatekeeping to outdated stereotypes — and how GOLD Comedy is disrupting the status quo. More than a comedy school, GOLD is a professional network and content studio where creators grow their comedy careers, join a powerful community, and make funny stuff that gets seen.

You'll hear why comedy isn't just entertainment — it's a tool for social change. Lynn shares how GOLD provides real-world opportunities, like web series development, classes in stand-up, sketch, and late-night writing, and how members have gone on to collaborate with legends like Rachel Dratch, Margaret Cho, and writers from SNL and Broad City.

Whether you're dreaming of your first open mic or simply want to support women in comedy more intentionally, this conversation is full of inspiration, insights, and ways to take action.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:27 Meet Lynn Harris

03:24 Challenges for Women in Comedy

07:15 Addressing the 'Women Aren't Funny' Stereotype

13:08 Comedy Styles and Audience Preferences

20:15 The Pressure on Women in Comedy

22:09 Introducing Gold Comedy and Its Unique Business Model

24:19 Opportunities and Success Stories

26:54 Encouragement for Aspiring Comedians

31:38 Supporting Women in Comedy

37:28 Follow Lynn and GOLD Comedy

In this episode, we chat about:

• Sabrina's background in tech

• Sabrina's personal motivation for ARC

• disappointment with existing headbands on the market

• challenges in finding a headband that fit properly, stayed in place, and felt comfortable

• extensive R&D process involving international designers and manufacturers

• the use of flat-knit technology and sustainable, high-end materials

• ARC Headbands user impact and stories

• hair health & wellness connection

• advocacy for women's health

• positioning ARC as a premium, functional, and confidence-boosting solution

• growth & what's next for ARC

• the importance of women building companies that address their own needs and those of other women

Resources + Links:

Learn more or get your own ARC headband, visit wear-arc.com

Follow Sabrina on Instagram for more behind the scenes: @thesabrinastorozuk

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode, Sara sits down with tech entrepreneur and ARC founder, Sabrina Storozuk, to explore how a personal frustration turned into a powerful solution for women everywhere. Sabrina opens up about her journey from working in global technology consulting to developing ARC—the first-of-its-kind headband designed to support women's hair health with style, versatility, and function.

With a career that spans consulting at PwC and leading innovation in both startups and Fortune 500s, Sabrina brings her tech expertise into a new arena: everyday hair confidence. ARC was born out of her own struggle with persistent gray roots and the lack of elegant, effective options for covering them. What started as a solution for herself quickly evolved into a product that's helping women with postpartum hair loss, cancer-related hair issues, and more.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about product innovation, women's health advocacy, and entrepreneurship that starts with real-life challenges. Sabrina also shares how ARC is giving back by supporting medical research and women's health initiatives.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:58 Meet Sabrina Storozuk

01:21 Sabrina's Story

02:01 The Birth of ARC Headband

04:59 Challenges in Creating the Perfect Headband

14:07 Market Reception and User Stories

21:30 Women's Health and Advocacy

31:09 Future Plans for ARC

34:41 Conclusion and Where to Buy

In this episode, we chat about:

• the energy and dynamics when two Enneagram 8s interact

• Tracy's personal journey, including her introduction to the Enneagram and how it helped her understand herself and others

• Tracy's explanation of the Enneagram as a tool for self-understanding and growth

• the concept of home base and moving beyond survival mechanisms

• Tracy's initial resistance to the Enneagram and eventual acceptance and embrace of its teachings

• challenges of being a female Enneagram 8

• the differences in perception and societal expectations based on gender

• how understanding each other's Enneagram types can improve relationships

• using the Enneagram to better understand and support children

• Tracy's work with clients, corporate environments, and personal coaching using the Enneagram

• the upcoming certification courses Tracy is developing

• the importance of integrating Enneagram knowledge into various aspects of life

• practical applications of Enneagram insights for better communication and leadership

• Tracy's advice for people hesitant to dive into the Enneagram

Resources + Links:

Visit Tracy's Website at tracyomalley.com

Listen to The Enneagram Edge on Apple Podcasts

Become Enneagram Certified at tracyomalley.com/certification

Connect with Tracy Instagram:@tracy_omalleyLinkedIn: Tracy O'Malley

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, Sara dives into a dynamic conversation with Tracy O'Malley, an Enneagram expert. Tracy shares her journey from resisting to embracing the Enneagram, highlighting how it has transformed her personal life, relationships, and career. Listeners will learn about the power of understanding their Enneagram type, how it acts as a roadmap for personal growth, and the importance of balancing innate strengths with shadow aspects. This episode is rich with insights on using the Enneagram to enhance empathy, compassion, and effective communication within families and organizations, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of themselves and others.

Tracy O'Malley is a renowned Enneagram expert, speaker, and coach who has spent over a decade helping individuals unlock their potential, break free from old patterns, and lead with authenticity. As a self-proclaimed "Rescuer" (Enneagram 8-2-6), she's known for her bold, no-nonsense approach paired with deep compassion and heart. Tracy's personal journey—from overcoming addiction and single motherhood to building a successful career—fuels her mission to guide others through transformation with courage and clarity. Whether she's coaching clients, certifying Enneagram practitioners, or speaking on stages, Tracy empowers people to stop living by default and start living by design.

00:00 Welcome to the show

00:58 Meet Tracy O'Malley

01:56 Tracy's Enneagram Journey

03:15 Embracing the Enneagram

05:33 The Enneagram's Impact on Life and Leadership

07:47 Understanding the Enneagram's Depth

11:01 Personal Experiences with the Enneagram

13:32 Navigating Challenges and Growth

21:18 The Power of Directness and Integrity

22:45 Timing, Trust, and Gender Dynamics

27:39 Societal Expectations and Gender Roles

28:26 Parenting and Enneagram Types

28:52 Gender and Power Dynamics

30:48 Understanding and Empathy in Relationships

31:26 Navigating Relationship Dynamics

32:41 The Importance of Emotional Awareness

34:39 Parenting Challenges and Growth

35:55 The Power of Compassion and Empathy

43:23 The Enneagram as a Transformative Tool

47:57 Resources and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we chat about:

• our friendship and work history

• transition to working in communications and branding for small businesses and nonprofits

• the role of the Monastery in supporting and showcasing artists, hosting events and workshops.

• Charith's experiences in Bali, Indonesia, and the impact of travel on her perspective and creativity

• the process of creating art that transcends visual representation to connect deeper with personal stories

• the importance of emotional connection in their friendship and professional dynamics

• the challenges and support in transitioning to self-employment

• therapeutic aspects of creating art

• Charith and her husband's art residency in India focusing on human dignity

• overcoming personal challenges and societal expectations around creativity

• how non-artists can engage in creative processes

• the role of community in fostering creativity and providing support for artists

• the importance of supporting and compensating artists for their work

Resources + Links:

Explore more about Denson Creative Agency at densoncreative.artLearn more about The Monastery and check out their upcoming events and workshops at atthemonastery.com Follow Denson Creative Agency on socials Instagram: @densoncreativeFacebook: DensonCreative

Follow The Monastery on socials Instagram: @themonasteryazFacebook: The Monastery

Connect with Charith

Instagram: @charithdensonLinkedIn: Charith Denson, PMP

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, I have the pleasure of chatting with my bestie, Charith Denson. We dive into our unique friendship that blossomed in a working context, managing each other at different points, and how our lives became deeply intertwined. She shares her journey through photojournalism—traveling the world and capturing stories that transcend cultural barriers. We discuss the significance of art in conveying human dignity and empathy, her transformative experience at an art residency in India, and the importance of fostering creativity in everyday life. She also talks about her new venture, The Monastery, an art space in Peoria dedicated to supporting artists and creating a vibrant community.

With over a decade of communications and creative leadership experience, Charith has visited 29 countries, capturing impactful stories and creating campaigns that drive change. As a mixed media artist, her work is showcased in galleries and through commissioned projects for brands and businesses, reflecting a passion for storytelling and cultural inclusivity. Her career highlights include managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading creative teams, and developing strategies that have increased engagement, elevated brands, and driven impactful campaigns. As the owner of Denson Creative Agency and Co-Founder of The Monastery, Charith channels her creativity and vision to empower communities and support female entrepreneurs, aligning with her mission to inspire growth, dialogue, and shared humanity. Tune in to hear about the profound impact art has on our lives and how it shapes our understanding of the world.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:59 Meet Charith Denson

01:45 The Unique Bond of Friendship

04:29 Professional Journeys and Shared Experiences

06:11 Launching Creative Ventures

06:55 The Monastery: A Dream Realized

13:49 Exploring Global Perspectives

20:17 Art as a Language and Identity

24:43 Emotional Connection and Creativity

27:45 Navigating Control and Creativity

30:05 Art Residency in India

31:09 Michael's Residency in India

32:37 Experiencing the Trash Picker Community

34:12 Joining the Art Residency

35:46 Creating the Identity Series

37:49 The Power of Art and Artists

42:42 Engaging with Art as Non-Artists

46:36 The Therapeutic Nature of Art

54:47 The Monastery and Community Workshops

In this episode, we chat about:

• Our shared background in journalism and their differing career paths.

• Bernadette's journey from aspiring journalist to PR professional and then to photojournalist.

• Bernadette's transition from photojournalism to creating her own business

• the importance of building and connecting with a network of powerful women in the media industry.

• challenges women face in the media industry and dealing with imposter syndrome.

• creating an inclusive and supportive environment for clients during photo and video shoots.

• the significance of language and values such as body positivity in Bernadette's work.

• the impact of representing diverse women through photo and video media on empowerment and visibility.

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Solhaus Media and Bernadette's work at solhausmedia.com

Follow Solhaus Media on Instagram: @solhausmedia

Connect with Bernadette Instagram: @bernadettemarciniak LinkedIn: Bernadette MarciniakFacebook: Solhaus Media by Bernadette Marciniak Bernadette and I are co-authors—alongside 10 other incredible women—of Fully Expressed, a kaleidoscope of raw, radiant stories from purpose-driven women entrepreneurs who chose self-trust over safety and alignment over approval. Grab your copy on Amazon.

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

This episode is the final installment in our special Chicks Who Give a Hoot mini-series, recorded with my mastermind sisters from The Inner Circle, led by the brilliant Rebecca Cafiero. These bite-sized episodes were captured during our time together in California, and each one features a powerful woman making an impact. Today, I'm sitting down with Bernadette Marciniak, a brand videographer who knows how to make women feel seen—literally. We talk about storytelling through video, creating inclusive media, and how she uses her lens to help women show up as their most empowered selves.

Bernadette is the founder of Solhaus Media and brings a background in photojournalism to her deeply intentional videography work. Her commitment to representation, body positivity, and safe creative spaces is not just inspiring—it's transformative. I loved hearing how she made the leap from journalism to entrepreneurship and how she now helps women tell their stories with clarity and confidence. Her work is a reminder that visibility is a powerful form of advocacy.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:11 Meet Bernadette Marciniak

02:21 Bernadette's Origin Story

03:12 Transition to Photojournalism

05:33 Building a Business in Los Angeles

06:57 Challenges as a Female Videographer

10:21 Creating an Inclusive Environment

11:38 Impact of Representation in Media

14:21 Conclusion and Connect with Bernadette

In this episode, we chat about:

• habits and high performance coach

• the Higher Self Habits Method™

• framework for women

• rigid consistency vs. flexibility

• confidence and capacity

• difference between male and female habit formation

Resources + Links:

Explore Alessia's work and offerings at alessiacitro.com

Listen to her podcast, INHABIT with Alessia Citro

Get her bestselling book, Higher Self Habits on Amazon

Connect with Alessia Instagram: @alessiacitro__Facebook: Alessia Citro Alessia and I are co-authors—alongside 10 other incredible women—of Fully Expressed, a kaleidoscope of raw, radiant stories from purpose-driven women entrepreneurs who chose self-trust over safety and alignment over approval. Grab your copy on Amazon.

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

This episode is part of a special mini-series of Chicks Who Give a Hoot, recorded during a powerful gathering of my mastermind community, The Inner Circle, led by the incomparable Rebecca Cafiero. These short episodes were captured in a California studio and spotlight a few of the brilliant women I had the honor of connecting with. In this conversation, I sat down with Alessia Citro—an inspiring voice on habit transformation, authenticity, and aligned living. We talked about how she went from corporate success to redefining success on her own terms, and how her Higher Self Habits Method™ is changing lives, starting with her own.

Alessia is a bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and real estate investor who left behind careers at Google, Salesforce, and even a seven-figure wine business in pursuit of something deeper. She's now a certified life coach and the author of Higher Self Habits, a transformative guide to achieving deep, lasting change and embracing a life of authenticity and fulfillment.. Alessia shared her story with so much candor and conviction, and I know you're going to walk away feeling empowered to step into your own next level.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:11 Meet Alessia Citro

02:30 The Birth of Higher Self Habits Method™

04:01 Five Steps to Transform Your Life

06:05 Adapting Habits for Women

12:28 The Impact of Flexible Habits

14:39 Envisioning a World Transformed by Women's Confidence

16:36 Where to Find Alessia Citro and Her Book

In this episode, we chat about:

• Shalaree's personal experiences of financial instability as a child and young adult

• the importance of financial education and being financially aware

• the taboo around money and its impact on women

• the top questions to understand one's financial health:

• the role of Whole Life Insurance

• the benefits of financial control on spiritual, personal, and family life

• removing stigma around discussing financial topics

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Shalaree and her work at shalalamboy.com

Connect with ShalareeInstagram: @shalaree_lamboyLinkedIn: Shalaree LamboyFacebook: Shalaree Lamboy Shalaree and I are co-authors—alongside 10 other incredible women—of Fully Expressed, a kaleidoscope of raw, radiant stories from purpose-driven women entrepreneurs who chose self-trust over safety and alignment over approval. Grab your copy on Amazon.

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

This episode is part of a special mini-series of Chicks Who Give a Hoot, featuring short, powerful conversations I recorded in California with members of my mastermind community, The Inner Circle, led by the incredible Rebecca Cafiero. These episodes are bite-sized but packed with insight from brilliant women doing impactful work. In this one, I sat down with Shalaree Lamboy to talk all things financial empowerment and why women deserve more tools, confidence, and clarity when it comes to building wealth.

Shalaree is a wealth strategist with Factum Financial and the founder of Wealth For Life Inc. She opened up about her journey from financial instability to becoming a passionate advocate for financial literacy—especially for women. We talked about the power of whole life insurance, understanding key financial metrics, and how taking control of your money can create lasting change for yourself and your family.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

01:11 Meet Shalaree Lamboy

02:26 Shalaree's Journey to Wealth Strategy

04:24 The Importance of Financial Literacy for Women

07:41 Key Financial Questions to Ask Yourself

09:43 The Role of Whole Life Insurance

10:40 Impact of Financial Control on Life

11:37 Conclusion and Connect with Shalaree

In this episode, we chat about:

• Angie's background in the military and her experience with overmedication

• issues surrounding overmedication and its impact on her life and health

• Angie's healing journey and her shift in understanding of mental health

• being featured in the documentary "Medicating Normal" and its impact on her

• the normalcy of trauma reactions and criticism of the mental health system.

• the role of situational factors in mental health and the critique of DSM-5

• personalized trauma experiences and reflections on overmedication

• advocacy for self-reflection, personal agency, and alternative healing methods

• practical advice for listeners on seeking non-medication-based therapies and advocating for oneself

• Angie's continued work as a trauma coach, upcoming book, and resources

Resources + Links:

Explore more about Angie Peacock and her work at angiepeacock.comWatch Angie's videos and interviews on YouTube at Angie Peacock MSWWatch Angie's featured story in Medicating Normal: How Big Pharma Makes Healthy People SickFollow Angie's RV healing journey on YouTube: Being Human RV

Connect with AngieInstagram: @angiepeacockmswLinkedIn: Angela PeacockTikTok: @angiepeacockmsw

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode, I have the honor of interviewing Angie Peacock—an MSW, U.S. Army Veteran, and psychiatric drug withdrawal consultant. Angie opens up about her deeply personal journey, from being overmedicated with psychotropic drugs after serving in Iraq to reclaiming her life through holistic healing practices. She's now a powerful advocate for mental health system reform.

You might recognize Angie from the documentary Medicating Normal, which highlights her story and sheds light on the broader issues surrounding trauma, overmedication, and the critical importance of informed consent and personal agency in mental health care. Our conversation dives into the value of self-reflection, the power of advocacy, and the many paths to healing that don't always follow the traditional route.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:59 Meet Angie Peacock

02:29 Angie's Military Background and Overmedication

03:51 Healing Journey and Documentary

04:30 Coaching and Advocacy

05:23 Mental Health in the Military

07:03 Trauma and Mental Health System Critique

09:07 Personal Reflections and Systemic Issues

15:59 Situational Mental Health Challenges

17:13 The Problem with Informed Consent in Mental Health

19:25 Challenges of Coming Off Medication

20:30 The Impact of Medication on Personal Development

21:58 Medicating Normal: A Personal Story

26:19 The Power of Personal Narrative

28:28 Advocating for Yourself in Mental Health

30:47 Finding Healing and Self-Discovery

32:41 Practical Tips for Mental Health Advocacy

34:53 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode, we chat about:

• what hypnosis is—and what it isn't

• myths around hypnosis

• what a hypnotherapy session looks like

• conscious vs. subconscious mind

• emotional impact of hypnotherapy

• the role of meaning and reframing

• the intersection of business and subconscious work

• client success stories

• Julie's Certification Program: Anchored

• coaching vs mentoring

• getting started with subconscious work

Resources + Links:

Learn more about Julie Costa and her work at juliemcosta.comJoin Anchored, Julie's accredited NLP & Coaching Certification Program at https://www.juliemcosta.com/anchored-nlpcoaching-certification Link in Bio – Access All Julie's Offers & Resources at https://www.juliemcosta.com/links

Connect with JulieInstagram: @julie.m.costaLinkedIn: Julie M. CostaTikTok: @julie.m.costaThreads: @julie.m.costa

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode, I'm joined by Julie Costa, a Certified Master Hypnotherapist and NLP trainer who helps entrepreneurs tap into the power of the subconscious to break through limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential.

Julie shares how hypnotherapy can be a game-changer for business owners, offering practical tools to shift mindset, build confidence, and create lasting transformation. We explore the difference between coaching and mentoring, the myths and truths about hypnosis, and how Julie's own journey led her to this deeply impactful work.

She also introduces Anchored, her accredited certification program designed to equip aspiring practitioners with the skills to use hypnotherapy and NLP in their own businesses.

If you're ready to reprogram your inner dialogue and elevate your personal and professional growth, this conversation is packed with insights and actionable advice to help you start.

00:00 Welcome to the show

01:09 Meet Julie Costa

02:55 Understanding Hypnotherapy

05:38 The Hypnotherapy Session Process

09:24 The Power of the Subconscious Mind

12:38 Personal Experiences with Hypnotherapy

17:00 Meaning Making and Emotional Charge

22:16 Hypnotherapy in Business and Entrepreneurship

24:08 The Growing Demand for Subconscious Work

24:56 The Limitations of Strategy in Business

25:36 The Importance of Addressing Fear and Mindset

28:19 The Impact of Subconscious Work on Clients

32:36 The Certification Program and Its Benefits

40:33 Practical Tips for Starting Your Subconscious Journey

43:29 Connecting with Julie and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we chat about:

• Melissa's journey into the career of midwifery

• Melissa's credentials as a licensed midwife and integrative and functional medicine practitioner

• advocacy for birth justice, maternal health equity, and sustainable healthcare reform

• the difference between a doula and a midwife

• the differences in responsibilities and medical capacities

• the importance of home birth and birth center care

• emotional and physical support during and after birth

• high maternal mortality rate in the United States

• financial challenges faced by midwives and birth centers

• legislative efforts to support midwifery and birth centers

Resources + Links:

Explore Casa Natal Birth & Wellness Center at casa-natal.com Follow Casa Natal on social media Instagram: @casanatalbirthcenter Facebook: Casa Natal Birth CenterLinkedIn: Casa Natal Birth Center

Connect with Melissa Instagram: @midwife_melissa_dean LinkedIn: Melissa Dean

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode of The Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Melissa Dean, a licensed midwife and the founder of Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center in Silicon Valley. With over two decades of experience, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering passion for birth justice, maternal health equity, and sustainable healthcare reform.

We talk about her inspiring journey from doula to midwife and what makes midwifery care so essential—especially in addressing maternal mortality and improving postpartum outcomes. Melissa breaks down the difference between doulas and midwives, sheds light on the critical role midwives play in supporting birthing people, and shares the behind-the-scenes challenges they face when it comes to insurance reimbursement and legislative barriers.

This conversation is such a powerful reminder of the transformational impact midwifery care can have—not just on individuals but on our entire healthcare system. I walked away deeply moved and incredibly hopeful, and I know you will too.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:59 Meet Melissa Dean

02:53 Melissa's Journey into Midwifery

05:28 Understanding Doulas and Midwives

07:01 Transition from Doula to Midwife

09:52 The Importance of Postpartum Care

14:07 Maternal Mortality and Postpartum Risks

27:54 Advocacy for Midwifery and Insurance Challenges

38:50 Final Thoughts