E42: From Chaos to Clarity: Embracing Simple Intentional Living with Sarah Horgan

We're thrilled to kick off the new year talking about de-cluttering, and living a more simple, intentional life. In this episode, we chat with Sarah Horgan, a working mom, cancer survivor, and expert on simplifying and decluttering. Sarah shares how her stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2014 sparked a journey to simplicity, personal growth, and overcoming perfectionism.

Join us as we discuss:

• Self-Worth: How we view ourselves as women has an impact on the “stuff” we have in our lives.

• Cancer & Perspective Shift: How Sarah's cancer diagnosis led to her first major shift in perspective and priorities.

• Overcoming Perfectionism: Sarah’s journey from people-pleasing to embracing imperfection, and the steps she took to make lasting changes.

• Tiny Gains: The power of small, manageable changes and how they create lasting transformation in life and motherhood.

• Simplifying Motherhood: How decluttering and simplifying her life helped Sarah manage work, parenting, and household responsibilities.

• Decluttering for Mental Well-being: Beyond the physical benefits, Sarah explains how simplifying her home improved her emotional and mental health.

• Free Things & Hidden Costs: Why accepting free items often comes with hidden work and how it reveals a deeper sense of scarcity.

Links:

• https://www.simpleintentional.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/simpleintentional

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What a year it has been! In this episode, we reflect on our experiences in 2024, discussing our proudest moments in motherhood, the importance of setting boundaries, and the lessons learned from challenges faced throughout the year. We place emphasis on the significance of being present, finding joy in small moments, and the need for a digital detox to improve mental clarity and well-being. 

Join us as we discuss:

• Self-reflection and embracing change drives personal growth

• Setting boundaries and managing digital health prevents burnout

• Being present enhances both parenting and relationships

• Self-care and healthy routines support overall wellbeing 

• How strong community connections provide emotional support

• How living aligned with values leads to greater fulfillment

Thank you to our amazing listeners for another incredible year! Looking forward to tackling 2025 together!

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Get ready for the thrilling continuation of our conversation with the incredible Eve Rodsky – one of our all-time favorite authors and fierce female activists! In part 2 of this can't-miss episode series, we’re diving even deeper into how we, as women, can reclaim our time, redefine domestic labor, and ignite real change in the way we share responsibilities at home.

Eve’s groundbreaking work on domestic equity is nothing short of transformative, and in this episode, she’s bringing even more powerful insights into how we can fight back against the hidden, often invisible labor that burdens us. We’re talking about the real strategies women can use to not just survive motherhood, but thrive—by advocating for ourselves, setting boundaries, and pursuing our passions outside of the never-ending to-do list.

From practical tips on how to make the Fair Play method work in your relationship, to finding your unicorn space, to challenging the cultural norms that push women to prioritize everyone’s needs before their own, Eve's wisdom is a game-changer for any woman looking to create a more equitable, balanced, and fulfilling life.

Links:

• Fair Play Website

• Fair Play Cards

• Fair Play Book

• Find Your Unicorn Space Book

• Eve on IG

• Eve on LinkedIn

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An episode so packed, we had to split it into two! 

Join us as we sit down with one of our all-time favorite authors and female activists Eve Rodksy! 

Together we explore the complexities of domestic labor, gender equality, and the importance of self-care for mothers, while diving deep into how we can reclaim our time, advocate for more equitable sharing of household responsibilities, and pursue our passions outside of motherhood.

Eve's work has been a game-changer for families looking to balance domestic duties and reclaim their personal lives and as a mother herself, Eve's insights are grounded in years of research, personal experience, and an unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable world for all women.

• Invisible labor: Eve explains the hidden domestic tasks women often shoulder, impacting our time and mental load.

• Fair Play method: Learn about Eve's Fair Play framework, which helps couples divide household duties more equitably, freeing up time for personal pursuits.

• Evidence-Based insights: Eve interviewed 500+ couples and reveals how domestic responsibilities are often divided along gendered lines, with women taking on more time-sensitive tasks that interfere with their personal time.

• Pressure on women: Eve shares troubling stats from her research on how mothers prioritize their children's health over their own, urging a shift in mindset.

• Advocating for yourself: Practical tips on how women can advocate for more equitable division of labor both at home and work.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this inspiring conversation coming later this month! 

Links:

• Fair Play Website

• Fair Play Cards

• Fair Play Book

• Find Your Unicorn Space Book

• Eve on IG

• Eve on LinkedIn

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We had the pleasure of sitting down over the summer with Ellie Rineck, on her show, A Day in Her Life podcast, for a close-up look at how we spend our time during the day.

Ellie, a fellow working mom and entrepreneur, has built an incredible platform where she shares real-life stories, wisdom, and practical advice from women navigating the balancing act of career, motherhood, and self-care. 

In this episode, we dove into the realities of juggling it all—how to manage your time, prioritize what matters most, and still make space for yourself. We also chatted about how being a mom shapes our professional lives, and the importance of building supportive communities for working mothers.

Here’s a sneak peek at what we talked about:

- The Working Mom Experience: Sharing the journey of balancing career with the demands of motherhood. - Tips for Finding Balance: We discussed strategies for staying organized, setting boundaries, and carving out time for self-care. - Building a Support Network: We opened up about the importance of surrounding yourself with a community that understands and supports your journey. - The Power of Vulnerability: Why it’s okay to not have it all figured out, and how sharing the challenges of motherhood helps create stronger connections.

Links:

1. A Day In Her Life Website
2. A Day In Her Life on Apple Podcasts
3. A Day In Her Life on Instagram

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Today is a day filled with a spectrum of emotions—both heavy and hopeful. In light of this, we’re re-releasing one of our most beloved episodes, where we explore the power of grace in political discussions. Join us as we engage with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, the insightful co-hosts of the acclaimed podcast Pantsuit Politics. 

How to Have Grace-Filled Political Conversations with Sarah and Beth of Pantsuit Politics

As we approach what many consider one of the most pivotal elections of our time, we’re excited to welcome Sarah and Beth, whose podcast has redefined how we engage in political dialogue. Since launching in November 2015, amidst a politically charged landscape, Pantsuit Politics has created a unique space for nuanced discussions that prioritize understanding over division.

In addition to their podcast, Sarah and Beth have co-authored two insightful books: *I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations* and *Now What?*, furthering their mission to encourage thoughtful political discourse. With Sarah’s background in politics and Beth’s expertise in corporate law, they offer invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of today’s political landscape while maintaining respectful conversations.

In this episode, we dive into:

- The Inspiration Behind Pantsuit Politics: Discover what drove Sarah and Beth to create a platform for respectful dialogue and how they engage a diverse audience. - The Role of Social Media: Gain tips on managing social media interactions and preserving your peace during political debates. - Respectful and Constructive Conversations: Learn strategies for navigating discussions with family and friends who may hold differing views. - Motherhood and Politics: Explore how their experiences as mothers shape their political perspectives and discussions with their children. - Beyond Presidential Elections: Understand how mothers can leverage their unique experiences to influence political discourse and policymaking, with suggestions for staying informed.

Links:

• Pantsuit Politics on Instagram

• Pantsuit Politics on Apple Podcasts

• Beth Silvers Instagram 

• Sarah Stewart Holland Instagram

• Books:

• I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations

• Now What?: How to Move Forward When We're Divided (About Basically Everything)

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Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including the loss of a child and cancer diagnosis. 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we welcome Katie Joy Duke, a breast cancer survivor, public speaker, life coach and mother whose journey and perspectives will leave you feeling hopeful. 

In todays episode you’ll be inspired by Katie shares her journey navigating the profound loss of her daughter, Poppy, who was stillborn in 2015. In the wake of this tragedy, Katie turned to writing as a means to process her grief, launching her blog in 2016 and finding solace in the community that rallied around her.

On the brink of becoming a published author, Katie faced a new challenge: a diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic breast cancer in March 2022. She discusses with us how this life-altering experience forced her to set aside her goals and fully commit to her healing journey, which included 15 months of rigorous treatments.  

Key insights from this episode:

• The importance of connection and support in overcoming adversity.

• Practical strategies for building resilience and self-care when it feels all hope is lost. 

• Transforming personal pain into purpose and empowerment.

• Learning to ask for - and accept - help. 

This episode serves as a message for women everywhere: even in the face of pain, there is purpose and power to be found.

Links:

• Katie Joy Duke website

• Katie Joy Duke on Instagram

• Still Breathing: My Journey with Love, Loss, and Reinvention by Katie Joy Duke

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If you’ve ever felt the desire to scream into a pillow, today’s episode is the one you need to hear. Join us as we take a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood human emotions: rage. 

We’re joined by Soraya Chemaly, mother, author, activist, and speaker known for her work in support of women's rights and gender equality. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt their anger simmering beneath the surface and desperately wondered how to channel it effectively. 

Soraya's book, “Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger”, explores the nuances of women's anger and how it can serve as a force for social change. If you are grappling with anger or frustration, we promise you’ll leave this conversation with a deeper understanding and the ability to better communicate your emotions constructively.

You will learn: 

- Defining Rage vs. Anger: Discover how Soraya distinguishes between these two emotions and the implications for women today.

- Understanding "Mom Rage": Explore the unique challenges that mothers face and what contributes to "mom rage" in particular.

- Transforming Anger into Action: Insights from *"Rage Becomes Her"* on how women can harness their anger for positive change.

- Effective Communication Strategies: Tips for mothers on how to express feelings of anger without escalating conflicts with partners or children.

- Support Systems for Mothers: Identifying community resources and strategies to help mothers manage their anger and frustration.

- Impact of Maternal Anger on Children: Understanding the effects of a mother's anger on her children and strategies to mitigate negative impacts.

- Advice for New Mothers: Practical tips for navigating anger and building resilience early on.

- The Resilience Myth: Soraya discusses her new book and critiques the notion that individual resilience alone can tackle systemic gender issues.

Links:

• Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger

• The Resilience Myth: New Thinking on Grit, Strength, and Growth After Trauma

• Soraya’s website

• Soraya’s Instagram

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In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Whitney Casares, the physician and mother behind the popular Instagram account Modern Mommy Doc. A Stanford-trained pediatrician and maternal-child health expert, Dr. Whitney is also the author of *Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning, and Become the Mom and Person You’re Meant to Be*. Her insights and practical advice have resonated widely, earning her a spot in prestigious publications like The New York Times, Forbes, Fortune, and Parents Magazine. Tune in as Dr. Whitney shares her unique framework for managing the multifaceted demands of modern motherhood without losing sight of joy and purpose.

1. Journey to Influence: Discover how Dr. Whitney transitioned from medical school to becoming a practicing physician and a social media influencer, blending her medical expertise with her passion for advocating for both parents and children.

2. Balancing Act: Learn how Dr. Whitney manages the demanding roles of being a doctor, a mother, and an online content creator, and the strategies she uses to maintain peace.

3. Combining Medical Knowledge + Parenting:  Dr. Whitney discusses her approach to making complex medical concepts accessible to parents and how she decides what information to share with her audience.

4. Centered Life Blueprint: Get an inside look at Dr. Whitney’s *Centered Life Blueprint*, a framework designed to help mothers focus on what matters most. Dr. Whitney outlines the six key areas every mom can say yes to, regardless of their circumstances.

5. Early Intervention Signs: Dr. Whitney explains the signs that parents should watch for that might indicate their child could benefit from early intervention services.

6. Raising a Neurodivergent Child: Dr. Whitney shares her personal journey and insights gained from raising a neurodivergent child, and how this has shaped her approach to parenting and medicine.

7. Advocating for Your Child: Effective ways for parents to advocate for their children in medical settings and ensure their voices are heard.

Links:

• The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast

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As we embark on arguably one of the highest-stakes elections this fall, we are thrilled to have Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, the dynamic co-hosts of the acclaimed podcast Pantsuit Politics, joining us. Their podcast offers a refreshing approach to political discussions, focusing on grace-filled conversations and understanding rather than fueling divisive rhetoric. Since its launch in November 2015 amidst a highly charged political climate, Pantsuit Politics has carved out a unique space for nuanced and respectful dialogue.

In addition to the podcast, Sarah and Beth co-authored the books I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations and Now What?, expanding on their mission to foster thoughtful political discourse. With Sarah’s background in politics and Beth’s experience in corporate law, their combined perspectives offer rich insights into both the political landscape and the art of maintaining respectful conversations.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Inspiration Behind Pantsuit Politics: Sarah and Beth share what motivated them to create a platform for respectful political dialogue and how they’ve managed to attract and engage a diverse audience.

• The Role Social Media Plays: Get advice on how to manage social media interactions and maintain personal peace amidst political debates.

• How to Have Respectful and Constructive Conversations: Hear strategies for having productive political discussions, particularly with family and friends who may have differing views.

• Motherhood and Politics: Explore how Sarah and Beth’s experiences as mothers have influenced their perspectives on politics and how they approach these discussions with their children.

• “Getting Political” Beyond Presidential Elections: Find out how mothers can use their unique perspectives to impact political discourse and policy-making, and get recommendations for staying informed about political issues.

Links:

• Pantsuit Politics on Instagram

• Pantsuit Politics on Apple Podcasts

• Beth Silvers Instagram 

• Sarah Stewart Holland Instagram

• Books:

• I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations

• Now What?: How to Move Forward When We're Divided (About Basically Everything)

For more authentic and honest motherhood conversation, subscribe to Mighty as a Mother:

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