Mama Work It Podcast

After nearly eight years of Mama Work It, five years of the podcast, and over 230 episodes, Marisa's pressing pause.

But this isn't a goodbye.

In this deeply personal solo episode, Marisa shares what she's been reflecting on over the past year—and why she knows it's time for a different chapter.

Sometimes we assume that if we built something, love something, or worked incredibly hard for something, we're supposed to keep doing it forever.

But what happens when you change?

What happens when the thing that once lit you up doesn't anymore?

And what if deciding to step away isn't failure—but growth?

Marisa opens up about her decision to pause Mama Work It more permanently, and her excitement about stepping into a new chapter.

She also talks about something we don't hear enough about: the freedom to outgrow a dream you worked really hard to build.

Because sometimes the dream wasn't wrong.

Sometimes you just aren't the same person who dreamed it. Here's what Marisa talks about on today's episode:

If you've been feeling that little voice telling you, "Maybe this isn't it anymore," this episode is your permission slip to listen.

You don't need a perfectly mapped-out five-year plan.

You don't even need to know what comes next.

You can simply acknowledge that you've changed.

And that the life you want now might not be the life you wanted before.

That's not failure. That's growth.

While Marisa is stepping away from weekly podcast and newsletter content, the Mama Work It library isn't going anywhere.

You can still explore nearly 240 episodes of the podcast, visit the Mama Work It blog, and find Marisa's courses on Udemy.

Marisa will also continue coaching a select number of clients, with a more limited schedule.

And as for the podcast?

Maybe she'll be back.

Maybe it will look different.

Maybe six months from now she'll wake up and decide, "Today's the day."

Who knows?

For now, she's choosing to pause—and see what happens next.

Links mentioned in today's episode:

Explore the Mama Work It Podcast: https://www.mamaworkit.com/podcast

Browse the Mama Work It Blog: https://www.mamaworkit.com/blog

Take Marisa's courses or book Marisa to speak: https://www.mamaworkit.com/services

Interested in coaching with Marisa? She'll be working with a limited number of clients during this next chapter. Schedule a free discovery call here: https://calendly.com/mamaworkit/30-minute-breakthrough-call-with-marisa-lonic

You are allowed to change your mind about the life you built.

You are allowed to want something different.

You are allowed to pause.

And you are allowed to begin again. Keep on working it, mama.

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What does self-care actually look like when you're juggling work, motherhood, relationships, and everything in between?

In this encore episode of Mama Work It, Marisa sits down with Leslie Forde, founder and CEO of Mom's Hierarchy of Needs, to discuss self-care, burnout prevention, and the realities of working motherhood.

Drawing from both personal experience and research, Leslie shares why so many working moms struggle to prioritize themselves and what they can do to create sustainable well-being practices.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply looking to create healthier habits, this episode offers practical guidance for putting yourself back on your priority list.

https://momshierarchyofneeds.com/

For more working mom resources or to become a Mama Work It VIP subscriber: www.mamaworkit.com

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In this encore episode of Mama Work It, Marisa revisits one of the podcast's most impactful conversations with Dr. Ritu Saluja Sharma about the powerful connection between sleep, stress, hormones, and overall health.

For working moms, sleep deprivation and chronic stress often become a way of life. But as Dr. Ritu explains, poor sleep can affect everything from energy levels and mood to weight management, immunity, and mental clarity.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How chronic stress impacts your body and brain

Why sleep is essential for physical and emotional health

The relationship between hormones, stress, and fatigue

Simple strategies to improve sleep quality

Practical ways moms can prioritize rest without guilt

Whether you're feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or simply exhausted from juggling work and motherhood, this conversation offers science-backed insights and realistic advice to help you reclaim your energy and sanity.

Connect with Dr. Ritu here:

www.headhearthandsmd.com

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Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming, emotional, and filled with uncertainty.

In this encore episode of Mama Work It, Marisa revisits her conversation with Lori Mihalich-Levin, founder of Mindful Return and author of Back to Work After Baby. Lori shares practical strategies to help working moms successfully navigate the transition from maternity leave back into their careers while maintaining their well-being and family priorities.

In this episode, you'll learn:

If you're expecting, currently on maternity leave, recently returned to work, or supporting working parents on your team, this episode offers actionable advice and encouragement for navigating one of motherhood's biggest transitions.

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Do you ever feel like you're one mistake away from being "found out"?

You're not alone.

In this encore episode of Mama Work It, Marisa revisits her conversation with Lauren Smit about overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence as a working mom.

Lauren specializes in helping women identify the different types of imposter syndrome that may be holding them back from reaching their goals. Together, they explore how self-doubt can quietly influence career growth, leadership, entrepreneurship, and even everyday decision-making.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, changing careers, or simply trying to trust yourself more, this episode will help you recognize and overcome the mindset patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

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What happens when two high school best friends become moms of seven kids combined?

You get a long list of parenting tactics that sound completely ridiculous—but somehow work.

In this laugh-out-loud episode of Mama Work It, host Marisa

From pretending the park is closed and blaming everything on

But beneath the humor is an important message: motherhood isn't about perfection. It's about resourcefulness, adaptability, and finding what works for your family.

Whether you're a working mom, stay-at-home mom, or somewhere

In This Episode:

About Mia Fitzharris

Mia Fitzharris is a former television producer, mom of three, and Marisa's best friend since high school. Together, they bring decades of friendship, parenting experience, and plenty of hilarious stories to this candid conversation about motherhood, confidence, and surviving family life.

Connect With Mama Work It

If you enjoyed, appreciated, or even felt seen in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Your support helps us reach more moms navigating career, motherhood, and everything in between.

Plus--don't forget to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and check out more working mom resources here: www.mamaworkit.com.

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Summer can be one of the most joyful — and most overwhelming

In this episode of the Mama Work It podcast, Marisa Lonic

From childcare logistics and work scheduling to emotional challenges and creating meaningful family memories, this episode offers practical strategies for designing a summer that feels intentional — not chaotic.

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Kids Bowl Free: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

Subscribe to the Mama Work It newsletter: www.mamaworkit.com

Mama Work It Podcast episode 185: Summer Triggers for

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summer as a working mom, working mom summer schedule, balancing work and kids in summer, summer planning for moms, working mom summer tips, how to manage summer break as a working mom, creating summer memories while working full time, summer organization tips for busy moms, managing childcare in summer

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What does it really take to show up with confidence—especially as a mom balancing career, identity, and visibility?

In this episode of Mama Work It, Marisa sits down with media expert and former TV news anchor Lauren Petrowski to talk about confidence, communication, and learning to own your voice both on and off camera.

With nearly 20 years of experience in television, media training, public speaking, and content creation, Lauren shares practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, speaking with authority, and building a personal brand that feels authentic. From navigating career pivots to balancing

Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, working

In This Episode We Discuss:

Connect with Lauren:

Website: www.laurenpetrowski.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurenpetrowski

Don't forget to subscribe to the Mama Work It Newsletter! Working mom tips, tricks, and support delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday. www.mamaworkit.com

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Parenting today includes a challenge no generation has faced before: protecting kids online.

This week on Mama Work It, Marisa sits down with internet safety expert Fareedah Shaheed, aka CyberFareedah, to discuss how parents can keep children safer online—from predators and social media risks to understanding the hidden threats beyond.

Drawing from her personal story and years in cybersecurity, Fareedah shares practical tools every parent can use right now.

We cover:

This episode is essential listening for every parent.

To connect with Fareedah or join her PKO (Protecting Kids Online Membership):

https://sekuva.mykajabi.com/a/41267/ZVmhRm58

Free Protect Kids Online (PKO) Resource Library: https://sekuva.mykajabi.com/get-your-internet-safety-resource-library

Don't forget to subscribe to the Mama Work It Newsletter: www.mamaworkit.com. Working mom tips, tricks, and support delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday.

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In this 42nd birthday episode of the Mama Work It podcast, host Marisa Lonic shares 42 powerful, practical, and personal lessons she’s learned as a working mom.

From navigating career pivots and setting boundaries to surviving burnout and redefining success, these working mom tips are designed to help you build a life and career that actually work for your season.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, ambitious, stuck, or inspired — this episode offers honest guidance on motherhood, productivity, mindset, identity, and balance.

In This Episode:

Links Mentioned:

Mama Work It Podcast episode 209: How to Stop Comparing Your

https://www.mamaworkit.com/podcast/episode/7b0debc2/how-to-stop-comparing-your-motherhood-journey

Mama Work It Podcast episode 194: Raising Grateful Kids

https://www.mamaworkit.com/podcast/episode/7b7ceffa/raising-grateful-kids

Mama Work It Podcast episode 215: Parenting Through Burnout

https://www.mamaworkit.com/podcast/episode/fcebfc6f/parenting-through-burnout

Mama Work It Podcast episode 224: Surviving Maycember as a

https://www.mamaworkit.com/podcast/episode/33cf3b05/surviving-maycember-as-a-working-mom

Mama Work It Blog: Stop Letting Your Schedule Control You https://www.mamaworkit.com/post/stop-letting-your-schedule-control-you

Mama Work It Podcast episode 113: Holiday Habits for Moms https://www.mamaworkit.com/podcast/episode/8048ea02/holiday-habits-for-moms

Time MOMagement – use this link to get it for $19.99 RIGHT

https://www.udemy.com/course/time-momagement/?couponCode=TM42BDAY

Schedule a FREE coaching breakthrough call: https://calendly.com/mamaworkit/30-minute-breakthrough-call-with-marisa-lonic

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Don't forget to subscribe to the Mama Work It newsletter here: www.mamaworkit.com

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