Mom To MORE® | Midlife Reinvention for Moms

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Cristan Crocker—a former actress turned stay-at-home mom turned celebrated documentary filmmaker and producer. Known for powerful projects like The Other F Word and Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie, Cristan is co-founder of Rare Bird Films, where she tells stories that unpack identity, challenge societal norms, and celebrate change.

Cristan shares how raising twin boys and a third son in the Pacific Palisades shaped her creative lens, giving her new perspective, purpose, and persistence. Deeply committed to both family and filmmaking, she and her producing partner carved out space for storytelling during school hours—proving that big ideas can grow within the margins of busy mom life.

Tune in as Sharon and Cristan dive into creative reinvention, parenting with purpose, building tiny but mighty teams, and the untold story of Barbie's real-life creator. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, Cristan reminds us: reinvention doesn't require reinvention overnight—it just takes one brave step at a time.

[00:00] Introduction [01:39] Meet Cristan Crocker [02:15] Motherhood by surprise (twins!) and the NICU journey [05:22] Creating space for creativity while raising three boys [08:59] The power of collaboration and creative routines [13:00] Mom traits turned career skills [17:46] Behind the scenes of Tiny Shoulders [22:53] Using storytelling to raise compassionate, curious sons [28:10] Cristan's advice to moms thinking about what's next [33:55] Cristan's passion for local news and community storytelling

Meet my guest Cristan Crocker:

Instagram: @cristan4

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0188383/?ref_=fn_rvi_i_1

Tiny Shoulders, Rethinking Barbie: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=tiny+shoulders+rethinking+barbie

The Other F Word documentary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.caa9f7a2-a66f-673e-96e8-7530def02d63?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

@Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #42 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Deb Mallin, founder of Mighty Doodle. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

We're hitting rewind with this encore replay of the Mom to MORE® debut episode, featuring a bold reinvention that set the tone for everything that followed.

Meet Ellen Friedlander. Originally from Upstate New York, Ellen has lived a life of creativity, movement and reinvention. She has lived in numerous cities across the United States, as well as fifteen years abroad in Hong Kong where she raised her two children. After moving back to the States with her kids and becoming an empty-nester, Ellen moved to Los Angeles in order to pursue her lifelong dream of being an artist. Ellen's career has seen international success as a result of her unwavering commitment to her craft and her community. Join Sharon and Ellen as they discuss the many rewards of motherhood, the importance of finding time everyday to do what you love, being resilient when starting something new, finding your voice and ultimately, your MORE. Ellen's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passion, kickstart a previous career or chart an entirely new path. As a stay-at-home mom, you can find a way to make your dreams a reality. It will take time, effort and deep belief in yourself - but the transformation that follows is proof that your second act can be your most powerful yet.

Recommended books:

Brené Brown: Atlas Of The Heart

Elizabeth Gilbert: Big Magic

Richard Templar: The Rules Of Life

Twyla Tharp: The Creative Habit

Where to find Ellen Friedlander:

Instagram: @emfphoto59

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063961600555&sk=about

https://www.ellenfriedlanderphotography.com/

Ellen's Candid Frame Series: https://www.ibarionex.net/thecandidframe/2020/1/20/the-candid-frame-499-ellen-friedlander

Looking for more? Follow along @momtomore on Instagram and Tiktok.

Keep an eye out for episode #41 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Cristan Crocker, documentary filmmaker and producer. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Ali Essig—a former Capitol Hill communications director who now empowers women from the kitchen and the Pilates studio. As a holistic plant-based nutritionist, Pilates instructor, and mom of six (including twin boys!), Ali is the founder of PlantWhys, where she helps women heal from the inside out through plant-predominant eating and core-focused movement.

Ali's journey began when her husband suffered a stroke at just 37. Paired with the early loss of her father, this sparked a deep dive into holistic wellness and a shift that transformed her family's lifestyle. What started as a personal transformation became a passion-fueled purpose to support other moms in building vibrant, resilient lives.

Tune in as Sharon and Ali explore practical wellness, finding joy in the mundane, raising responsible kids, and the power of small steps in creating real change. Ali's motto? Paced progress over perfection.

[00:00] Introduction [00:55] Meet Ali Essig [03:20] A family health crisis sparks a mission [06:45] Transitioning a family of eight to plant-predominant eating [08:40] What sets PlantWhys apart from other programs [13:50] Transferring mom skills into entrepreneurship [17:35] Pushing through imposter syndrome [22:45] Non-negotiables for balance as a mom and business owner [25:30] Ali's advice for her younger self [29:30] Favorite plant-based comfort food

Meet my guest Ali Essig:

Website: plantwhys.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@plantwhys

Instagram: @plantwhys

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #40 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Cristan Crocker, documentary filmmaker and producer. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Ashley Flanagan Slaughter, founder of Sweat for Smiles—a new and unique organization that brings together fitness, wellness, and philanthropy through energizing community events. A former NCAA Division I swimmer and certified nutrition coach, Ashley has raised over $31,000 for charitable causes while inspiring others to move with purpose.

Ashley's story is one of intentional reinvention. Motivated by her own health journey and passion for giving back, she created Sweat for Smiles as a way to connect people through movement and meaningful action—building a community that thrives on service, strength, and joy.

Tune in as Sharon and Ashley discuss the power of listening, raising active kids in New York City, the hustle of getting people off screens and into shared spaces, and why Ashley believes movement is more than fitness—it's a way to build confidence and make an impact.

[00:00] Introduction [00:55] Meet Ashley - athlete, mom, and creator of Sweat for Smiles [03:31] How a health scare sparked a fitness mission [06:57] Memorable moments and meaningful impact [08:58] Mom skills that transfer to entrepreneurship [13:46] Overcoming the challenge of getting people in the room [16:48] Raising active boys with balance and boundaries [17:58] Sleep, self-care, and knowing what works for you [18:23] The future of Sweat for Smiles [20:50] Expanding impact through fitness and connection

Meet my guest Ashley Slaughter:Instagram: @sweatforsmiles Website: sweatforsmiles.com (everything's here including a link to sign up for the newsletter) YouTube Fit It In Video Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Tj-1_ew-kHI

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #39 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Ali Essig, Holistic Plant-Based Nutritionist and Founder of PlantWhys. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Lisa Johnson, co-founder of Been There, Got Out and a powerful voice for women navigating high-conflict relationships and legal battles.

Lisa is a certified domestic violence advocate, high-conflict divorce strategist, and self-represented litigant whose case was published in the Connecticut Law Journal, a rare honor for a self-represented litigant. Her testimony helped pass Jennifer's Law in Connecticut, expanding domestic violence definitions to include coercive control. Her reinvention began as she fought to protect her children and herself, ultimately turning her experience into a mission to empower others. A former stay-at-home mom, Lisa now guides people through the toughest parts of divorce and co-parenting.

Tune in as Sharon and Lisa dive deep into how motherhood shaped her decisions, the slow unraveling of an unhealthy marriage, and the power of education and advocacy in reclaiming your voice.

[00:00] Introduction [00:55] About Lisa Johnson: mom, educator, and advocate [02:41] Choosing stay-at-home motherhood and early dreams of parenting [04:41] Recognizing dysfunction in marriage [07:07] The decision to leave: from fear to action [10:56] Representing herself in court and building a new identity [14:25] Creating Been There, Got Out and finding purpose in advocacy [17:40] Helping others survive family court and toxic co-parenting [21:10] The role of education in healing and change [24:55] Advice for anyone feeling stuck in a harmful relationship [29:03] Why reinvention isn't just survival—it's transformation

Meet My Guest Lisa Johnson:

Website: beentheregotout.com

If you would like to reach out to Lisa privately: [email protected]

Co-Author, Been There Got Out-Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, And How To Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances: https://go.sylikes.com/eYDpcJHxN4cT

Instagram/TikTok/Pinterest: @been_there_got_out

YouTube/Facebook/Twitter @beentheregotout

Podcast: https://beentheregotout.buzzsprout.com/

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #38 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Ashley Flanagan Slaughter, Founder of Sweat For Smiles. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this special Mother's Day mini episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon reflects on what ducks can teach us about reinvention after motherhood. Sharon shares why your ducks don't need to be in a row to start your next chapter—and how the messy work you're already doing is moving you forward. It's the pep talk every mom needs today.

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #37 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Lisa Johnson, co-founder of Been There Got Out, a high conflict divorce strategist and certified domestic violence advocate. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Neha Ruch, a visionary redefining the narrative around motherhood, ambition, and career.

Neha is the founder of Mother Untitled, a platform empowering ambitious women who choose to pause or downshift their careers for family life. A Stanford MBA and former brand strategist, she launched Mother Untitled in 2017 to dignify the caregiving years and reframe career breaks. Her debut book, The Power Pause, is already making waves for its empowering take on modern motherhood and identity.

Tune in as Sharon and Neha unpack the stereotypes around stay-at-home motherhood, the undervalued skills it builds, and how women can use this time as a powerful launchpad for what's next.

[00:00] Introduction [03:06] Why Neha paused her career despite having her "dream job" [05:30] Discovering identity, belonging, and purpose in early motherhood [06:36] Dealing with pushback from others [08:27] The skill-building power of caregiving [11:30] COVID's role in validating the "power pause" [15:25] Letting go of outdated motherhood narratives [18:45] Redefining success and writing your own script [22:06] Creating a confident response to "What do you do?" [32:45] How to turn your pause into a foundation for reinvention

Meet My Guest Neha Ruch:

Website: motheruntitled.com Instagram: @motheruntitled Find The Power Pause here: https://go.sylikes.com/eYxcL44QOZPd

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #36 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Lisa Johnson, co-founder of Been There Got Out, a high conflict divorce strategist and certified domestic violence advocate. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Jennifer Rawlings, a fearless force in comedy, filmmaking, and motherhood.

Jennifer is an award-winning performer, writer, and documentarian whose sharp humor has taken her from comedy clubs to war zones. She's done over 350 military shows, given three TEDx Talks, and created the acclaimed documentary Forgotten Voices: Women in Bosnia, now used at Harvard and UCLA as part of their curriculum. She's also a proud mom of five.

Jennifer shares the tension between motherhood and ambition, from driving carpool in her robe to performing for troops overseas. She opens up about guilt, growth, and how being "just a mom" sparked her filmmaking journey—and why moms are built for reinvention and real-world impact.

Tune in for a real, hilarious, and inspiring conversation on finding your "more" beyond motherhood, listening with empathy, and raising your hand—even when you're scared.

[00:00] Introduction [01:40] Jennifer's background and raising five kids in LA [04:05] Trading biology for comedy and taking the leap to stand-up [06:15] The emotional tug-of-war between parenting and pursuing one's passion [10:44] Saying yes to unexpected opportunities and finding purpose in the process [14:25] Embracing imperfection and how a simple question sparked change [16:36] Making a documentary with zero experience (and zero budget) [21:14] Mom skills that became filmmaking strengths [22:57] Why finding common ground and listening matters more than ever [30:05] Jennifer's "MORE" and what continues to drive her forward

Meet My Guest Jennifer Rawlings:

Website: jenniferrawlings.com

Instagram: @jenniferrawlings Substack: https://jenniferrawlings.substack.com/

Available on Amazon:

"Forgotten Voices :Women in Bosnia" a film by Jennifer Rawlings

https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Voices-Bosnia-Jennifer-Rawlings/dp/B07475LS8G

Please click below to watch Jennifer's TEDX talks and read an essay from The New York Times:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWp3jzwOK40&t=180s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHYcJE6gmsw

http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/in-a-comics-war-stories-humor-sometimes-takes-the-back-seat/

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #35 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Neha Ruch, Founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Natalie Silverstein, a powerhouse in the world of service, philanthropy, and family engagement.

Natalie is an author, speaker, nonprofit founder, and advocate for youth and family service. She wrote Simple Acts: The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back and The Busy Teen's Guide to Making a Difference, both of which provide practical ways for families to incorporate service into their lives. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Simple Acts, Big Impact, where she celebrates young changemakers.

Natalie shares her journey from public health to full-time motherhood, discovering her passion for youth-focused philanthropy along the way. She opens up about the challenges of stepping away from her career, the impact of raising compassionate children through volunteering, and how small steps in service and reinvention can lead to life-changing outcomes. She also discusses her family's experience with her husband's early-onset Parkinson's diagnosis and how they transformed it into a mission for advocacy and scientific advancement.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on following your passions, raising service-minded children, and taking that first leap toward your "more."

[00:00] Introduction [01:40] Natalie's background and transition to full-time motherhood [05:09] Feeling lost after stepping away from a career [07:40] The power of volunteering and modeling service for children [10:44] Creating a community resource for family-friendly service opportunities [13:53] Essential mom skills that translate to leadership and nonprofit work [19:03] The science behind the "helper's high" and why giving back feels good [22:38] Taking risks and why you miss 100% of the chances you don't take [30:17] Turning a family challenge into a mission [34:33] The power of kindness and giving yourself and others grace

Meet My Guest Natalie Silverstein:

Website: SimpleActsGuide.comInstagram + Facebook: @SimpleActsGuide

Natalie's books:

Simple Acts, The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back: https://go.sylikes.com/eYqgiveIvSnb

Simple Acts, The Busy Teen's Guide to Making A Difference: https://go.sylikes.com/eYqgiFRZsNHy

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

@Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #34 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Jennifer Rawlings, comedian, award-winning writer, filmmaker and mom of 5. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Kathleen Smith, founder of MorphMom, a multimedia platform dedicated to educating, inspiring, empowering, and connecting women as they navigate their next chapters.

After earning degrees from Holy Cross and Georgetown Law, Kathleen served as an assistant prosecutor before stepping away from her career to raise her children. She soon realized re-entering the workforce wasn't as simple as she had hoped. This inspired her to create MorphMom, a space where women could share their journeys, support one another, and find inspiration to take their next steps.

Kathleen shares her personal story of reinvention, the challenges of rediscovering her identity, the importance of saying yes to opportunities, taking baby steps, and embracing the power of storytelling. She also discusses the impact of MorphMom's live events, where women come together to connect and support each other in their career and life transitions.

Tune in for a conversation filled with encouragement, practical advice, and empowering insights for any mom considering her next move in life.

[00:00] Introduction [02:45] Kathleen's journey from prosecutor to full-time mom [06:29] The struggles of stepping away from a career [09:30] Lessons learned from working in the prison system [12:55] The moment Kathleen realized she had lost her sense of identity [17:51] The power of storytelling in personal growth [20:44] Advice for moms considering their next chapter [22:26] The importance of pivoting and evolving in career reinvention [26:53] MorphMom's impact and how women can get involved

Meet My Guest Kathleen Smith:

Website: https://www.morphmom.com Check for upcoming events on the website!

Instagram: @morphmomFacebook: MorphMom

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #33 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by the multi-hyphenated mom Natalie Silverstein, author, writer, nonprofit founder, and passionate advocate for family and youth service. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥