Creative Mamas Unplugged

Trophies (0:00), how a simple drawing tablet, years of blogging, and the challenges of early motherhood led to the creation of @momlife_comics and a thriving creative career (6:15), social media, supportive communities on social media and the viral moment that transformed Mary Catherine’s @momlife_comics, Mary Catherine opens up about the unexpected shift from an equal partnership to carrying the invisible mental load after becoming parents, and how those experiences continue to inspire her comics, writing, and advocacy (17:15).

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/Cw-8Kh8ABVw 

Hosts: Cherice Barton, Shelly Hutchinson

Guest: Mary Catherine Starr

Producer: Jessica RG O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Mary Catherine Starr:

Website https://www.marycatherinestarr.com/

Mary Catherine’s Book Mama Needs a Minute!

Instagram @momlife_comics

Facebook @marycatherinestarr

Email [email protected]

Two Bloom Creative https://www.twobloomcreative.com/

On Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215749103-mama-needs-a-minute

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Mary Catherine’s Story:

Where to begin? First, I grew up in Atlanta, GA. Then I went to college at a small liberal arts school in Kentucky. Four years later, I was a recent college grad living in NYC and working in marketing.

In 2009, my then-boyfriend, now-husband, Ben, and I moved to Washington, DC for his job and I got another corporate desk job (not a great fit for my creative, entrepreneurial soul). So I became a yoga teacher and quit my corporate job to focus on yoga, art, and blogging (which is when I started my blog, Starr Struck). I became a yoga studio director. I opened an Etsy shop and started making greeting cards. I taught all of the yoga and wrote all of the blog posts and did lots of custom art on the side.

In 2012, Ben and I got married and decided to move to Cape Cod (Ben’s hometown) to settle down and eventually start a family…which we did in 2016.

Since then, I’ve started (and run) a graphic design + consulting business, taught yoga at many studios and in many different places, started and ended two podcasts, continued to create products and run my shop, had two kids, and eventually created @momlife_comics, an Instagram account where I share the challenges (+ joys!) of motherhood, marriage, and being a woman in this world.

These days I’m teaching a lot less yoga and creating a lot more comics (my first book, a comic memoir entitled Mama Needs a Minute!, came out in March, 2025!), but I’m still a graphic designer + mom by day and teach two yoga classes per week. I’ve decided that finding balance is impossible but I am always doing my best to find joy amidst the insanity that is daily life with two young children.

Mom Boundaries (0:00), Dr. Noëlle shares her educational journey, clinical background, and why she chose psychology over law to help families heal (1:49), the rise of "Mean Girl Moms" (5:41) and relational aggression (9:18), parenting under pressure, sports, and how we can help our children follow their own internal compass instead of external pressure (14:15). 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/roFd8JoCZyQ

Hosts: Cherice Barton, Shelly Hutchinson

Guest: Dr. Noëlle Santorelli

Producer: Jessica RG O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Dr. Noëlle:

Instagram @drnoellesantorelli

Facebook @drnoellesantorelli

TikTok @drnoellesantorelli

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/drnoellesantorelli

Website: www.drnoellesantorelli.com

The “Mean Girl” Mom Survival Guide: https://stan.store/drnoellesantorelli/p/the-mean-girl-mom-survivial-guide-copy

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Dr. Noëlle’s Bio:

Dr. Noëlle Santorelli is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and adjunct faculty member at Emory University School of Medicine. She specializes in women’s relationships, family dynamics, and the social pressures of modern motherhood, including relational aggression and what she calls “Mean Girl Mom” culture. Through her clinical expertise and media work, she helps women better understand complex relationship dynamics, protect their mental health, and feel less alone in the hidden social pressures of motherhood. She has appeared on The Tamron Hall Show and Fox news stations, and her expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Parents, and other national media outlets.

Teens (0:00), Mary shares how dance, theater, and supportive parents nurtured her love of performing from an early age, growing up in Louisiana and discovering musical theater, and why connecting with people has always been at the center of her creative life (3:45), Mary’s fun playing villains on stage, working at Universal Studios, voice acting, storytelling, and why audiences love characters with depth—even the bad ones (7:45), motherhood, boundaries, learning to say "no" without guilt, and living with grace (11:45).

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/_WjDl_hZ068

Guest Host: Producer Jess, Hosts: Cherice Barton, Shelly Hutchinson

Guest: Mary Bogh

Producer: Jessica RG O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

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Mary’s Bio:

Mary Bogh is an actor, voiceover artist, substitute teacher, and mom of two whose creativity enriches every part of life. 

A graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (Acting), Mary has built a diverse career across professional theater, national commercials, print campaigns, voiceover, live entertainment, and education. 

Mary completed improv and sketch comedy training with classes at iO West and The Groundlings and was a member of Story Pirates, where she helped inspire children's creativity through live performance. 

Beyond performing, Mary was  a Universal Studios Hollywood Tour Guide,  VIP Tour Guide, and MC trainer, combining storytelling, audience engagement, and leadership to create memorable guest experiences. She has also worked extensively in live events, where her ability to think on her feet and connect with people has been invaluable.

Today, Mary brings those same skills into the classroom as an educator, where her background in acting and improv helps her quickly build rapport with students, create engaging learning environments, and adapt to the unique needs of every class she teaches. 

No matter where she lives, Mary is passionate about becoming an active member of her community, building meaningful relationships, and encouraging creativity in others. 

~~~

Dive in with the incredible Mary Bogh - actor, voiceover artist, educator, and mom. Mary reminds us that saying "yes" to creativity often begins with learning when to say "no."

Mary shares her journey from dance recitals in Baton Rouge to performing professionally, working at Universal Studios, and building a life filled with storytelling, motherhood, and meaningful connections. Along the way, we dive into raising creative kids, embracing life, people, and discovering that some of our greatest growth comes from setting healthy boundaries with grace.

... In this episode we discuss:

This conversation is full of laughter, wisdom, and encouragement for every creative mama navigating work, family, and the beautiful mess in between.

... Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch now on YouTube!

What part of Mary's story resonated with you the most? Let us know in the comments!

This Part 3 with Meg was Recorded before Mother’s Day! If you like listening to Meg, she has a new podcast coming! Check out the The Mindful Mom and follow Meg for updates!

Meg’s Book! The Mindful Mom

Instagram @meghansylvester

The Journey of Becoming (0:00), the power of slowing down (4:50), stepping into the scary room (9:45), how fear leads to growth and trusting your own path (14:40)

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/VxQxhXAic9s

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson 

Guest: Meg Sylvester

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Meg

Meg’s Book! The Mindful Mom

Instagram @meghansylvester

Website https://megsylvester.com

Bali Girls Trip, October 2025 @ https://www.tourhero.com/en/epic-adventures/indonesia/kindred-souls-in-bali-with-meg-sylvester-863135

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Meg’s Bio

Meg Sylvester is a narrative strategist, actor, speaker, and two-time published author whose work sits at the intersection of story, strategy, and human connection.

She has spoken and facilitated for globally recognized brands and stages including Free People, SXSW, Life is Beautiful, and Aviator Nation.  Meg brings a rare blend of creative depth and strategic leadership from her background directing marketing across the arts, healthcare, and corporate sectors.

Meg is the author of The Mindful Mom, available wherever books are sold, and works privately with purpose-driven founders through Narrative Architecture — helping them clearly articulate what they do and why it matters.

She lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and three children.

Social media (0:00), behind the scenes of game day at Citi Field, the incredible food and why Citi Field is the best ballpark (3:45), building one of baseball's most versatile entertainment teams by embracing dancers with diverse backgrounds, styles, and talents (7:30), Gina's leadership philosophy drawn from her own eclectic background of breakdancing, ballet and beyond, encouraging creativity, taking risks and effectively redefining dance in sports entertainment (10:28).

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/_8-fG20-AHo

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson 

Guest: Gina Capelli

Producer: Jessica RG O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Gina

Instagram @gina_capelli

LinkedIn @ Gina Capelli

Follow Us

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Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

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Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Gina’s Bio

Gina Capelli began her dance journey as the Captain/Choreographer of the Arena Football League, as well as chosen to represent the NY in New Orleans for their XXI Arena Bowl Dream Team and to be the video animation dancer for EA Sports AFL Video Game “Road to Glory”. Gina has performed for the NHL Islanders and chosen by MTV to be a MADE Coach. 2007, she was selected to be a part of The NY Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders for their inaugural season. Throughout her years with the NFL she modeled for their calendars, performed next to Lenny Kravitz at his Halftime Show, performed in MLB stadiums and was in years of televised news and Sports Commercials. Gina was a member of their Elite Show Team and later as alumni she choreographed for the Show Team and judged the Flight Crew auditions. She leveled up the entertainment at Nassau Coliseum as the Director for the National Lacrosse League's NY Riptide Dance Crew and gameday stage manager. Throughout the past decade she has also played the role of lead adjudicator for many dance competitions. Gina is currently the Director and choreographer of the NY Mets dance team, The Queens Crew. As a seasoned choreographer and mentor for 25 years on Long Island, she believes in being a well-rounded and versatile dancer. Gina is a mother of 3, who loves guiding the next generation of performers through this beautifully evolving world of dance. 

MAEVE Burbank (0:00), raising feminist boys (4:10), managing household dynamics, and developing visual systems that help the entire family stay regulated (8:30), how as children grow,, parenting shifts from giving directions to sharing information and helping kids make thoughtful decisions for themselves (12:45)

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/lb1mr-sBOas

Hosts: Cherice Barton, Shelly Hutchinson

Guest: Kathryn Kennedy

Producer: Jessica RG O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Kathryn and The Kennedy Kreative:

Instagram @kennek02

Website: thekk.co

MAEVE Website https://www.maeveburbank.org/

MAEVE on Instagram @maeveburbank

MAEVE on Facebook @MAEVEBurbank

Follow Us: 

Instagram @creativemamasunplugged

Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

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Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Kathryn’s Bio:

After relocating to California and stepping away from the industry to raise her three boys, Kathryn co-founded the MAEVE Burbank chapter and served as its Founding President. Through community leadership, large-scale events, partnerships, and local campaigns, she helped create meaningful engagement and visibility for families and women in the community.

That experience eventually brought her back to storytelling through the lens of digital media and content strategy.

Today, Kathryn is the founder of The Kennedy Kreative Company (The KK Co), where she works with entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and creators to transform ideas into clear, impactful content strategies and short-form video campaigns. Her work specializes in short-form video strategy, campaign storytelling, brand voice development, batch content production, and social media execution.

Combining the structure of a seasoned production manager with a strategist’s eye for narrative, Kathryn helps clients turn a single content shoot into weeks of cohesive, ready-to-publish content.

81 home games (0:00), balancing the big leagues, remote work, and motherhood (2:31), Gina discusses fitness, mental health, and why moms deserve the same attention and energy they give to their families (8:34), Gina shares the story behind creating the Queens Crew and what it takes to build a high-energy entertainment team that enhances the fan experience (14:21), Gina brings Broadway-style entertainment to baseball, to create moments that make kids smile and increase the value of in-person games for fans (20:20).

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/KTYBtK_cxLU

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson 

Guest: Gina Capelli

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Gina

Instagram @gina_capelli

LinkedIn @ Gina Capelli

Follow Us

Instagram @creativemamasunplugged

Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Spotify  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

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YouTube  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

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Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Gina’s Bio

Gina Capelli began her dance journey as the Captain/Choreographer of the Arena Football League, as well as chosen to represent the NY in New Orleans for their XXI Arena Bowl Dream Team and to be the video animation dancer for EA Sports AFL Video Game “Road to Glory”. Gina has performed for the NHL Islanders and chosen by MTV to be a MADE Coach. 2007, she was selected to be a part of The NY Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders for their inaugural season. Throughout her years with the NFL she modeled for their calendars, performed next to Lenny Kravitz at his Halftime Show, performed in MLB stadiums and was in years of televised news and Sports Commercials. Gina was a member of their Elite Show Team and later as alumni she choreographed for the Show Team and judged the Flight Crew auditions. She leveled up the entertainment at Nassau Coliseum as the Director for the National Lacrosse League's NY Riptide Dance Crew and gameday stage manager. Throughout the past decade she has also played the role of lead adjudicator for many dance competitions. Gina is currently the Director and choreographer of the NY Mets dance team, The Queens Crew. As a seasoned choreographer and mentor for 25 years on Long Island, she believes in being a well-rounded and versatile dancer. Gina is a mother of 3, who loves guiding the next generation of performers through this beautifully evolving world of dance. 

McDonalds and car sick kiddos! (0:00), EPISODE re-release with VIDEO! 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/OXMNBX7iXZg

Paige talks about the different standards for moms and dads (3:00), Paige, Cher, and Shelly talk about goal setting with our partners (15:50),  and how heavy work load in action is not always visible (24:40)

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  

Guest: Paige Connell

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Paige:

Instagram @sheisapaigeturner

Website @ https://www.sheisapaigeturner.com/

Free Mental Load Guide @ https://paigeconnell.myflodesk.com/freeguide

Work with Paige @ https://www.sheisapaigeturner.com/contact

Follow Us: 

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Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

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Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Paige’s Bio: 

Paige Connell is a working mom of four who knows firsthand what it’s like to carry the mental load and she’s not afraid to talk about it. With a community of over half a million, she puts words to what so many women feel but struggle to express, breaking down the invisible labor of motherhood, marriage, and work. She’s here to help women navigate these conversations, push for real change, and stop carrying it all alone. Paige has created several resources to help understand, navigate, and take action to  the mental load of motherhood.

Extended Summary: 

In this insightful episode of Creative Mamas Unplugged, hosts Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson sit down with Paige Connell, a passionate advocate for mothers navigating the complexities of the mental and invisible load. As a working mom of four, Paige opens up about her personal experiences and offers a deeply relatable perspective on the unspoken pressures so many women face.

Together, they unpack the weight of societal expectations—how standards differ for mothers versus fathers—and why these differences matter in shaping family dynamics. Paige highlights the importance of conversations between partners, exploring how daily choices, habits, and even the way tasks are done can have a significant impact. She encourages couples to communicate openly about these differences, reframing them as opportunities to support one another rather than sources of tension.

Listeners will gain practical strategies for setting their partners up for success, even when both are working outside the home. Paige’s articulate approach, combined with her thriving online community, provides encouragement and validation for moms everywhere—reminding them that they are not alone in this journey.

This episode blends heartfelt discussions, real-life stories, and actionable tools to help lighten the load of motherhood and create more balanced, supportive partnerships at home.

Dog to the vet! (0:00), EPISODE re-release with VIDEO! 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/H5t0sKFfaek

Cher and Shelly chat about learning more about the mental load aka invisible load from Paige (0:20), the mental load, society and how we can change our experiences (1:59), how Paige’s journey sharing solutions for families about the mental load began (5:56), with all couples the sooner the better for having these discussions about mental load to help the relationship last (12:15)

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  

Guest: Paige Connell

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Paige:

Instagram @sheisapaigeturner

Website @ https://www.sheisapaigeturner.com/

Free Mental Load Guide @ https://paigeconnell.myflodesk.com/freeguide

Work with Paige @ https://www.sheisapaigeturner.com/contact

Follow Us: 

Instagram @creativemamasunplugged

Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Spotify  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Amazon Music  @CreativeMamasUnplugged  

YouTube  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

iHeart Radio  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Paige's Bio: 

Paige Connell is a working mom of four who knows firsthand what it’s like to carry the mental load and she’s not afraid to talk about it. With a community of over half a million, she puts words to what so many women feel but struggle to express, breaking down the invisible labor of motherhood, marriage, and work. She’s here to help women navigate these conversations, push for real change, and stop carrying it all alone. Paige has created several resources to help understand, navigate, and take action to  the mental load of motherhood.

Canada, travel and life (0:00), Kathryn shares about her creative roots, meeting her husband, and building a life together (11:45), reflecting on family influence, creativity, and how previous generations shaped artistic paths and career choices (15:15), how Kathryn’s grandfather went from car mechanic to production manager, inspiring her journey into entertainment (17:00), how Kathryn built Kennedy Creative: creating intentional social media content, storytelling for brands, and supporting women-led businesses and nonprofits (20:25).

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/jDqzVCNlRao

Hosts: Cherice Barton, Shelly Hutchinson

Guest: Kathryn Kennedy

Producer: Jessica RG O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Kathryn:

Instagram @kennek02

Website: thekk.co

MAEVE Website https://www.maeveburbank.org/

MAEVE on Instagram @maeveburbank

MAEVE on Facebook @MAEVEBurbank

Follow Us: 

Instagram @creativemamasunplugged

Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Spotify  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Amazon Music  @CreativeMamasUnplugged  

YouTube  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

iHeart Radio  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Kathryn’s Bio:

After relocating to California and stepping away from the industry to raise her three boys, Kathryn co-founded the MAEVE Burbank chapter and served as its Founding President. Through community leadership, large-scale events, partnerships, and local campaigns, she helped create meaningful engagement and visibility for families and women in the community.

That experience eventually brought her back to storytelling through the lens of digital media and content strategy.

Today, Kathryn is the founder of The Kennedy Kreative Company (The KK Co), where she works with entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and creators to transform ideas into clear, impactful content strategies and short-form video campaigns. Her work specializes in short-form video strategy, campaign storytelling, brand voice development, batch content production, and social media execution.

Combining the structure of a seasoned production manager with a strategist’s eye for narrative, Kathryn helps clients turn a single content shoot into weeks of cohesive, ready-to-publish content.