Creative Mamas Unplugged

Cher makes chicken nuggets with maple syrup and brings them via the car to her daughter (0:00). Carmen shares about her journey from dancer to mom, to dancer-mom at a time when there was no YouTube (3:00), how Carmen became more spontaneous and open after having Zoe resulting in becoming more of a leader (8:07), the complexities of working for a corporation (11:33).

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/6zWhuMZnxeY

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  

Guest: Carmen Curtis

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

FOLLOW CARMEN:

Instagram: @carmencurtis1 *online aerial yoga classes and trainings

Carmen’s Linktree

www.airealyoga.com

@airealyoga

www.theaerialstudio.net

@theaerialstudio

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Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

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Extended Summary: 

Hosts Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson sit down with the extraordinary Carmen Curtis—a celebrated aerialist, gymnast, and creative whose journey as a young mother in the world of elite performance redefined what it means to lead with strength, grace, and advocacy.  

Carmen shares how her early years as a competitive gymnast laid the foundation for a thriving career in aerial performance, ultimately leading her to a coveted role in Le Rêve in Las Vegas. She opens up about becoming a new mom at 25—navigating the early years of motherhood through trial and error as she raised her beautiful daughter, Zowie—and returning to perform just 12 weeks postpartum, supported by her incredible team at De La Guarda.  

Throughout her performing career, Carmen discovered the power of advocacy and self-leadership, negotiating contracts that supported both her artistry and her family’s well-being. Her forward-thinking approach set a new precedent for what it means to be both a mother and a professional artist at the highest level.  

Zowie’s childhood was filled with adventure, growing up in the wings of theaters and under the lights of some of the world’s most stunning stages. Traveling alongside her parents, she experienced a magical life shaped by creativity, community, and love—a reflection of the values Carmen lived by both on and off stage.  

As Carmen’s career evolved, so did her sense of purpose. She found herself stepping naturally into a leadership role as a mother, mentoring and supporting other women who were balancing motherhood with career performance. When she welcomed her second child, Carmen approached motherhood with deep readiness and wisdom, fully embracing the flow of life’s next chapter.  

BIO:

Producer Jess shares about her 10 year old’s observation about doors (0:00), Kelly on how she and her husband John both improvise, plan and manifest (2:04), how Kelly, John and Sydney support each other's careers (4:18), utilize your own gifts to be the ultimate parents for your child (10:08), building stories that last forever and protecting your circle (18:56).

https://youtu.be/0YnLAbnfqn0

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  

Guest: Kelly Park

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Extended Summary:

This week, Cherice and Shelly sit down for Part 2 with the absolutely magical Kelly Park — director, actor, writer, and creative force — whose journey from marketing and tech to becoming one of television’s most sought-after directors is nothing short of inspiring.

Kelly also dives deep into the process of writing her first pilot and fearlessly sending it directly to an executive at Netflix, proving that boldness and belief can open unimaginable doors. Her dream project? A film co-created with her husband that is always developing creatively. 

Throughout the conversation, Kelly reflects on what it means to be tenacious, fearless, and self-driven while still staying grounded in gratitude for her village and creative community. She and her husband have not only built thriving artistic careers but also created a home where they became the parents they needed when they were young—supportive, loving, and full of possibility.

Kelly has directed hit shows including Grace & Frankie, The Neighborhood, Station 19, Lopez vs. Lopez, and more. But beyond her impressive résumé, what shines most is her heart and her grounded, fearless approach to creativity, family, and self-belief. In this powerful and emotional conversation, Kelly shares how motherhood became a creative expansion rather than a limitation, and how leading with boldness and intuition — like fearlessly sending her first pilot directly to a Netflix executive — can open unimaginable doors. She also reflects on the power of gratitude, community, and partnership, and how she and her husband have built not only thriving creative careers, but also a home rooted in love, laughter, and possibility. This episode is a beautiful reminder that magic is real — and Kelly Park is living proof.

Tune in for an honest, inspiring, and joy-filled conversation that will leave you believing in what’s possible.

FOLLOW KELLY:

Instagram: @kelp1031

IMDb @ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3815120/

Alliance of Women Directors @ https://www.allianceofwomendirectors.org/icon-spotlight-on-kelly-park/

Film Fatales @ https://www.filmfatales.org/directors/kellypark/

FOLLOW US: 

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Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

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KELLY’S BIO:

Director Kelly Park is from Philly. Her early years were spent attending Quaker schools, which helped shape a unique life perspective. After launching her career as a marketer and project manager in the technology and advertising industries, she decided to switch things up. Inspired by her actress mother to listen to her "funny bone", she took a leap of faith, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy. She began studying at Second City and The Groundlings, which led to commercials, short films, and sketch comedies. However, she soon realized being in front of the camera wasn't what fed her soul, teaching was. This eventually would lead to teaching children and young adults the fundamentals of acting and improv. Kelly quickly became one of the most sought-after acting coaches in television, working on numerous pilots and television shows for Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, Amazon, and Netflix. From there, Kelly transitioned to Director, debuting on the Emmy Award-nominated Netflix show, ALEXA & KATIE, ultimately directing multiple episodes. She has since directed numerous episodes such as GRACE & FRANKIE, THE NEIGHBORHOOD, STATION 19, and the upcoming FRASIER revival, as well as becoming a pilot Director for COUNTRY COMFORT (Netflix), BLACK DON'T CRACK (ABC), LOPEZ VS. LOPEZ (NBC), and most recently, NON-EVIL TWIN (NBC). She is also a writer/producer and is currently developing several projects with her producing partner husband, John, having recently sold a multi-cam comedy to Universal Television, as well as to CBS Studios.

Kelly, Cher and Shelly chat about language our kids use (0:00), Kelly shares how she and John took on the great adventure of moving to LA when Sydney was 5 years old, they didn’t know anyone, and then Kelly got a job at the Hollywood Improv (5:19), Kelly on mindset, how her mom taught her to be bold, and that she and John continue this with Sydney, being aware of opportunities (10:04).

WATCH ON YOUTUBE @ https://youtu.be/jM5vhP37cyc

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  

Guest: Kelly Park

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

EXTENDED SUMMARY:

In this inspiring episode of Creative Mamas Unplugged, hosts Shelly Hutchinson and Cherice Barton sit down with filmmaker, director, and creative force Kelly Park, whose story is a masterclass in courage, creativity, and family unity.

Kelly shares her incredible journey to the director’s chair—one that began when her daughter, at just five years old, started performing improv comedy. Over the years, the family has risen together through each of their creative paths, supporting one another’s artistic pursuits and dreams. Kelly affectionately refers to them as “The Trinity,” a reflection of their shared strength, collaboration, and purpose as a family.

She opens up about how her passion for improv landed her a coveted coverage job at The Hollywood Improv, the very same stage where her daughter first performed. From those roots, the family has grown and thrived together—each success building upon the next.

FOLLOW KELLY:

Instagram: @kelp1031

IMDb @ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3815120/

Alliance of Women Directors @ https://www.allianceofwomendirectors.org/icon-spotlight-on-kelly-park/

Film Fatales @ https://www.filmfatales.org/directors/kellypark/

FOLLOW US: 

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Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

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Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

KELLY’S BIO:

Director Kelly Park is from Philly. Her early years were spent attending Quaker schools, which helped shape a unique life perspective. After launching her career as a marketer and project manager in the technology and advertising industries, she decided to switch things up. Inspired by her actress mother to listen to her "funny bone", she took a leap of faith, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy. She began studying at Second City and The Groundlings, which led to commercials, short films, and sketch comedies. However, she soon realized being in front of the camera wasn't what fed her soul, teaching was. This eventually would lead to teaching children and young adults the fundamentals of acting and improv. Kelly quickly became one of the most sought-after acting coaches in television, working on numerous pilots and television shows for Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, Amazon, and Netflix. From there, Kelly transitioned to Director, debuting on the Emmy Award-nominated Netflix show, ALEXA & KATIE, ultimately directing multiple episodes. She has since directed numerous episodes such as GRACE & FRANKIE, THE NEIGHBORHOOD, STATION 19, and the upcoming FRASIER revival, as well as becoming a pilot Director for COUNTRY COMFORT (Netflix), BLACK DON'T CRACK (ABC), LOPEZ VS. LOPEZ (NBC), and most recently, NON-EVIL TWIN (NBC). She is also a writer/producer and is currently developing several projects with her producing partner husband, John, having recently sold a multi-cam comedy to Universal Television, as well as to CBS Studios.

McDonalds and car sick kiddos! (00:00), 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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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.

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.

Dog to the vet! (0:00), 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

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. Paige shares her experiences as a working mom of four and provides valuable insights on how couples can better understand and address these often-overlooked challenges. With her articulate approach and a strong online community, she inspires moms everywhere, reminding them they're not alone in this journey. Tune in for practical advice, heartfelt discussions, and tools to lighten the load of motherhood.

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.

“You are the only one responsible for your dreams.”

Kids, moms and bathrooms (0:00), Karine shares her inspiring journey to motherhood at 54, the epiphany that we are responsible for our dreams and control of our lives, trusting our intuition (2:50) the importance of having a supportive tribe and the best people around you (14:47), Karine talks about the importance of keeping her body strong and efficient for the motherhood journey ahead(22:08) and how providing for children involves not only nourishing them with your milk and food but also offering them spiritual support starting from when they are in the womb (42:28).

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson

Guest: Karine Plantadit

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Karine:

www.karineplantadit.com 

Instagram: @karineplantadit

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Extended Summary:

We are honored to re-release Part 1 and Part 2 of the incredible Karine Plantadit on this week’s episode of *Creative Mamas Unplugged*! 

Karine is a multifaceted artist, entrepreneur, and absolute Goddess in every sense of the word. As a professional dancer, instructor, choreographer, and director, she’s graced stages worldwide and has been a force in the arts as an actor, model, Tony Award-nominated Broadway star, and certified yoga teacher. Oh, and she’s also a life coach, and the creator of the innovative KAMOCHIMETHOD yoga discipline! 

Karine recently embraced motherhood at the age of 54, proving that it’s never too late to realize your dreams. 🤍

In this episode, we have the remarkable Karine joining us to share her awe-inspiring journey. 

Discover how she navigates the beautiful path of nourishing her child's spirit alongside their physical needs and how creating a spiritual exchange with your baby in the womb can be a profound and meaningful experience. Karine opens up about the importance of creating a strong support network and community as a single mother and shares her dedication to maintaining her own health and strength so she can protect and empower her son. 

Join us as we dive into this powerful conversation about resilience, community, and the unwavering instinct of mothers to protect their children!

Follow and rate us! Your support means the world to us and helps our community grow!

Cher shares a hilarious story about still mommying while in the hospital (0:00), Cherice on watching Stranger Things and Resident Alien with the girls (2:57), the trio discusses tips for making scary movies more palatable (5:49), Jessica offers a moving beautiful and practical perspective on processing pain and allowing it to pass through you that can be used my parents and children alike (9:24).

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  

Today’s Chat with our Producer Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

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Follow and rate us! Your support means the world to us and helps our community grow! 

Shelly shares her funny adventure at a fancy Maine hotel (0:00), Cher speaks of the value of bonding time with her kids, off devices in the car (7:25), Jessica shares her sleepover adventure with her 10 year old son and all his friends (9:30).

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  

Today’s Chat with our Producer Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

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INTRO: Funny stories: What’s “so cringe” and “Smelly” (0:00), how we have to make more time for ADHD sensory sensitivities, get proactive and things get easier, its not just about being productive but about regulating ourselves (1:52), Amy shares how she helps families build a step-by-step system and lifestyle that makes our lives  more productive (5:25), Amy explains “body doubling” and how it helps us embrace boring tasks (15:30), Amy shares how being in service to others is something those of us with ADHD thrive with, there is nothing better than following your heart and to do something for others as it also a type of body doubling (20:45).

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  

Guest: Amy Marie Hann

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Amy

Instagram @amymariehann 

Website @ www.amymariehann.com

Master the Mundane Book @ Amazon @ https://tinyurl.com/AmyMarieHannBookLaunch

Follow Us: 

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Summary: 

In this episode, Amy Marie Hann shares how she helps moms and creatives manage the mundane by building simple, repeatable routines that protect energy and create space for what really matters. She explains the power of intentional focus, using hyper-focus for challenges that truly light you up, and introduces the concept of body doubling—showing up with others for accountability in dreaded tasks. Through her program Master the Mundane and her upcoming book, Amy offers tools, support, and community to remind us that we’re not alone—and that struggling with the boring stuff doesn’t make us bad moms, it makes us human.

Bio: 

Amy is without author of the book Master the Mundane, how to manage your life, home and family as a mom with ADHD. ADHD has touched every area of her life. She herself was diagnosed at the age of 5 and her three kids, husband, dad, and sister are also ADHD. She’s also fostered, adopted and ho I ring goorld and the best thing we can do as momsķ of ADHD kids is to model what it looks like to thrive with ADHD. KGTV. You can find her online on Instagram at @amymariehann or www.amymariehann.com.

Funny stories, Shelly’s chef neighbor and Cher takes the kids to McDonalds (0:00),  Cher and Shelly chat about the awesome Amy Marie Hann, Shelly being ADHD executive functioning and how Amy’s expertise helps us and how her book Master The Mundane is life changing (1:29), Amy’s journey writing Master The Mundane (3:48), Amy shares about being diagnosed with ADHD as a child and how her personal experiences led to her helping moms (8:12), how burnout sometimes looks like ADHD and we receive Amy’s guidance on time management for all our lives (15:39).

Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  

Guest: Amy Marie Hann

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

Follow Amy

Instagram @amymariehann 

Website @ www.amymariehann.com

Follow Us 

Instagram @creativemamasunplugged

Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Spotify  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Amazon Music  @CreativeMamasUnplugged  

YouTube  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

iHeart Radio  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

Bio:

Amy is the author of the book Master the Mundane, how to manage your life, home and family as a mom with ADHD. ADHD has touched every area of her life. She herself was diagnosed at the age of 5 and her three kids, husband, dad, and sister are also ADHD. She’s also fostered, adopted and homeschooled kids with ADHD and brings a wealth of personal experience, authenticity and relatability to everything she creates. She believes that the ADHD brain is uniquely created to bring good to the world and the best thing we can do as moms of ADHD kids is to model what it looks like to thrive with ADHD. She’s a loud laugher, avid reader, and workout enthusiast with a mild obsession with HGTV. You can find her online on Instagram at @amymariehann or www.amymariehann.com.