Send us a text

In today's candid episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa chats with guest Saena about the unpredictable journey of motherhood. Saena shares her deeply personal story of becoming a mom to her miracle baby, Miles, including challenges like an ectopic pregnancy and navigating the complexities of work-life balance while creating her company's first maternity leave plan. The conversation delves into evolving identities, the 'motherhood penalty,' and the importance of a supportive community. Elsa and Saena discuss preparing for parenthood, debunking myths, and the emotional transitions that come with this life-altering experience. This episode reminds parents that it's okay not to have all the answers and emphasizes the beauty in the chaos of parenting.

00:00 Introduction to the Parenting Journey

03:00 Saena's Path to Motherhood

04:33 Challenges and Miracles of Pregnancy

08:50 Preparing for Parenthood

14:27 Navigating Maternity Leave

19:48 The Motherhood Penalty

22:54 Embracing the Evolution of Motherhood

30:37 Rapid Fire Questions

33:14 Navigating Parenting Choices

35:14 Dealing with Parenting Guilt

36:29 Career Identity After Motherhood

40:40 Finding Purpose and Joy

43:33 Balancing Career and Motherhood

50:08 The Flamingo Analogy

51:55 Embracing Change and Evolution

56:52 Support and Connection for Parents

01:00:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Saena Park is a seasoned marketing and business leader who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at The Hair Shop Inc., a leading brand in the premium hair extensions space. With a career spanning the entertainment and beauty industries, she blends empathetic leadership with sharp strategic execution to drive growth and scale brands. Her zone of genius? Aligning teams and building momentum toward meaningful transformation—with minimal drama and maximum snacks.

Outside of work, Saena is a devoted dog lover, partner, and new-ish mom to a spirited two-year-old—her greatest joy and most humbling adventure yet. She’s deeply passionate about personal evolution and is on a mission to build a life rooted in presence, purpose, and just the right amount of chaos.

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

In this episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa sits down with Corinne to explore the rollercoaster that is parenthood. From the hilarious to the heart-wrenching, Corinne shares her birth stories, discusses the challenges of breastfeeding, and dives deep into the emotional journey of postpartum life. They also touch on the importance of support systems, the societal expectations placed on mothers, and the unique experience of raising boys. Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parent, this conversation is full of relatable moments, laughter, and invaluable insights.

00:00 Welcome to It's a Circus
00:27 A Heartfelt Conversation with Corinne
02:25 Corinne's Journey into Motherhood
05:50 Navigating the Challenges of Parenting
12:49 The Birth Stories
32:30 Feeding Journeys and Reflections
43:23 Navigating Motherhood: Trusting Your Instincts
44:07 The Loneliness of New Motherhood
44:49 Coping with Postpartum Anxiety and Depression
45:06 The Impact of the Pandemic on Parenting
45:44 Support Systems and Loneliness
47:56 The Journey of Postpartum Recovery
55:50 Balancing Work and Motherhood
58:12 The Decision to Step Away from a Career
01:06:14 Raising Boys: A Unique Responsibility
01:12:54 Supporting Mothers at Every Stage
01:17:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Corrine's Details - Follow her on all the things

https://www.instagram.com/cocobanqui/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cocobanqui

Bio Sites

Corrine's Substack 

Corinne Behnke is a creative writer, mother of two, nature lover, and business woman based in Los Angeles. She has a career background in creative operations, and she is currently working on her debut fiction novel. When she's not writing, working, or hanging with her babes, you can find her enjoying her latest obsession outdoors: pickleball. 

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

In this special Mother's Day episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa welcomes her husband Dmitri as a guest to delve into the raw and real experiences of parenting. They discuss the highs and lows, the surprises, and the unspoken challenges of motherhood. From the relentless chaos of daily life to the importance of building a supportive village, Elsa shares her journey and the wisdom gained along the way. This candid conversation is layered with humor, heartfelt moments, and valuable insights for all parents navigating the beautiful mess of parenthood. Tune in to laugh, cry, and find comfort in knowing you're never alone in the circus of raising children.

00:00 Welcome to It's a Circus!
00:27 Mother's Day Special with Dmitri
02:11 The Realities of Parenthood
09:34 Building a Support System
19:12 Navigating Identity as a Parent
25:29 Reflecting on Parenthood Challenges
29:42 Cherishing Family Moments
31:16 Hopes and Dreams for Our Kids
34:22 The Importance of Partnership
38:36 Lightning Round Fun
42:51 Heartfelt Conclusion

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

In this heartfelt episode of 'It's a Circus,' we dive into the experiences of Amy Jo, a dedicated choral educator and mother of three. Amy shares her journey from becoming the first in her family to have children, to the everyday challenges and joys of parenting. She discusses the importance of seeking support, maintaining a child's schedule, and the benefits of therapy for both parents and children. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with practical advice and candid reflections on motherhood.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:29 Guest Bio: Amy Jo
02:08 Amy Jo's Journey into Motherhood
03:43 Navigating Early Parenthood
06:28 Balancing Family and Traditions
16:23 Trusting Instincts and Communication
21:01 Navigating Mealtime Challenges with Kids
23:01 Social Life Adjustments After Having Kids
24:32 Handling Multiple Kids and Babysitting Strategies
26:22 Dealing with Developmental Differences
28:28 Reflections on Parenting Decisions
29:21 Rapid Fire Questions and Parenting Insights
32:59 The Importance of Therapy and Communication
37:22 Final Thoughts on Parenting
41:03 Conclusion and Encouragement for Parents

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

Join host Elsa on 'It's a Circus' as she welcomes her amazing guest, Spardha, to share their unique and engaging parenting journeys. Together, they discuss the unpredictable and often comedic aspects of parenthood, from the importance of partnership in managing family duties to the trials and triumphs of raising two boys. Spardha shares valuable insights into balancing career and motherhood in Canada, the dynamic changes in relationships post-parenthood, and finding fulfillment amid the chaos. Tune in for a heartwarming and relatable conversation filled with laughter, confessions, and some solid parenting tips.

00:00 Welcome to It's a Circus!

00:27 Introducing Sparta: A Journey of Motherhood

01:27 Motherhood Real Talk: Challenges and Joys

03:07 Pregnancy Experiences and Reflections

13:26 Navigating Mat Leave and Career

20:07 Balancing Parenting Roles and Relationships

37:13 Navigating Parenting Challenges

38:02 Evolving Parent-Child Relationships

39:48 Sibling Dynamics and Individuality

46:12 Raising Boys: Expectations and Realities

54:11 Balancing Parenthood and Personal Life

58:30 Reflecting on Parenthood

01:08:29 The Importance of Community and Support

01:14:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

In this episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa chats with Neda, a board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in medical aesthetics and a mother of two toddlers just 17 months apart. Elsa and Neda delve into the humorous and often chaotic realities of parenting, from juggling motherhood with self-care to navigating healthy eating habits for kids. Neda shares her personal journey through pregnancy, breastfeeding challenges, and her disciplined approach to self-care and wellness. They discuss practical tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle, the importance of self-care, and the intricacies of raising kids with close age gaps. Tune in for an honest and relatable conversation filled with laughter, insights, and heartfelt moments.

00:00 Welcome to It's a Circus
00:26 Meet Neda: The Juggling Mom and Aesthetic Nurse
01:10 Neda's Parenting Journey and Self-Care
02:48 Pregnancy and Birth Stories
14:33 Balancing Work and Motherhood
16:51 Healthy Lifestyle and Parenting Tips
29:15 Navigating Picky Eaters
30:51 Self-Care Tips for New Moms
31:32 Injectables and New Moms
34:07 Potty Training Two Kids at Once
40:36 Breastfeeding Struggles and Formula Feeding
50:00 Sleep Training Success
53:37 Parenting Reflections and Advice
55:14 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Because parenting is a circus—but you don’t have to perform alone.

✨ Subscribe for weekly episodes filled with honesty, humor, and connection.
🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms.

www.chernerbroscircus.com

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

Hosted by Elsa, 'It's a Circus' dives into Crystal's unique journey into motherhood through surrogacy amidst the challenges posed by a spinal injury and infertility. Crystal shares her experiences with finding a surrogate, building a deep relationship with her, and the emotional dynamics of surrogacy. The conversation covers practical parenting tips, navigating external judgments, and balancing career with new motherhood. Emphasizing community support, Crystal provides heartfelt advice on managing parenthood's stresses and finding harmony in life's adjustments.

Coterie Diapers - 20% off with code CHERNER

Perelel The first OB/GYN Founded vitamin  - 15% off 

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨