Mom To MORE

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by Kay Paschal, entrepreneur, early childhood educator and author.

After leaving a corporate career to raise her two  sons, Kay and her husband founded a preschool in Atlanta…with no previous early childhood experience…what could go wrong…which expanded to two locations, and thrived for over 25 years.  Kay served on the Georgia Child Care Association Board, contributed parenting articles to local publications, and wrote her book entitled Insert Giggle Giggle – Laughing Your Way Through Raising Kids and Running a Business.  Kay now speaks nationally on motherhood and business.

Join Sharon and Kay as they explore Kay's journey balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, her early challenges, and the joy of building a supportive community for parents and educators. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with lots of laughter, wisdom, and the spirit of reinvention as Kay encourages moms to explore new opportunities, remain open-minded, and embrace every stage of motherhood!

[00:00] Introduction [01:26] Kay's unique journey from motherhood into preschool ownership [05:46] Building a community-centered preschool [07:00] Early challenges and growth in the business [11:16] Creating a family atmosphere in the preschool [16:16] The inspiration behind Insert Giggle Giggle [25:43] Advice for moms considering their next chapter [29:29] Where to find Kay online

Meet My Guest Kay Pascal: Instagram: @insertgigglegiggle Website: insertgigglegiggle.comBuy The Book: https://go.sylikes.com/eNqScgnF6R7Z Want to connect with Kay or have her speak to your group? Email her at:  [email protected]

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

Keep an eye out for episode #26 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by the very talented Nancy Travis, actress and mom who is creating her next chapter. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by Heidi Johnson, nonprofit founder, author, host of the Charity Matters podcast and a mom dedicated to making a difference in the world through her charitable work.

Join Sharon and Heidi as they discuss how a personal tragedy motivated Heidi to dedicate her life to serving others, the importance of introducing children to philanthropy, modeling charitable behavior and the physical and emotional benefits of helping others. Tune in to be inspired by Heidi's journey of turning her pain into her passion and purpose, and discover how embracing service and philanthropy can create a positive impact on your family and community.

[00:00] Introduction [00:00:45] Heidi Johnson’s background and motherhood journey [02:00] Balancing motherhood and philanthropy and introducing children to charitable causes [07:29] The personal tragedy that changed Heidi’s life and led to a deeper commitment to philanthropy [13:31] The origin of the Charity Matters podcast [21:12] Resource for moms considering nonprofit involvement [29:44] Where to find Heidi online

Meet My Guest Heidi Johnson: Heidi’s new book, Change for Good: https://go.sylikes.com/eNkv5bF8ebUU Website: charity-matters.com Instagram/Facebook: @charitymatters X: @Charity_Matters LinkedIn: Heidi McNiff Johnson Catchafire.org:  https://www.catchafire.org/

Catchafire.org is an amazing resource for people wanting to get into the workforce from volunteer work. As moms, we excel at volunteer work!

On Catchafire, your skills support nonprofits on the frontlines solving critical community issues. Build your resume and portfolio while directly supporting the causes you care about.  With over 150 project types, customize your support based on your skills and availability while gaining connections, resume building, and targeted volunteer experience.

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.  @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #25 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Kay Pascal, entrepreneur, early childhood educator and author of Insert Giggle Giggle. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this “Expert Episode” of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by Erica Humbert, a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner and owner of Optimized Life Health, a medical practice that specializes in 1 on 1 care and finding the root cause of common problems in all areas of women’s health and wellness. 

Erica is the kind of women’s advocate we need.  

She understands WHY we’re exhausted, WHY we have trouble losing weight, WHY we aren’t sleeping well, WHY our hormones are out of whack, and what we can do to get our act together NOW for optimized health going forward. 

Erica treats hormone imbalances to achieve weight loss, optimize vitamin levels, and find mental and physical wellbeing.

Erica’s transition from traditional medicine to a more personalized, holistic practice highlights her dedication to empowering women to take control of their health. Erica’s focus on addressing hormone imbalances, strength training, and proactive self-care reflects her belief in the importance of tailored solutions for each individual. Her journey inspires others to advocate for themselves in healthcare, pursue their passions, and embrace a balanced, fulfilling life at any stage.

Erica has 21 years of healthcare experience, including 11 years as a family practice nurse practitioner, 10 years of nursing, and served our country for 5 years as a Navy Nurse.  She received her training at the University of Florida.

She is also a motivational speaker for organizations, conferences, and podcasts (now adding Mom To MORE™️!) on topics such as the importance of hormone and vitamin assessment and treatment, the mind-body connection and living a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Join Sharon and Erica as they discuss hormonal changes, advocating for yourself in healthcare, and the importance of strength training while you age.

[00:00] Introduction [02:26] Erica Humbert’s background and expertise in women's health and wellness [03:33] Transitioning to a new model of care [05:09] Common health issues for women at different stages of life [06:43] Challenging the aging narrative [07:57] Understanding hormone replacement therapy [10:10] Research on hormone therapy and its effects on long-term health [12:09] The role of strength training in support of women’s health and longevity [15:32] Finding joy and time for yourself and strategies to prioritize self-care [19:25] Tips for finding the right doctor [22:14] Recognizing perimenopause symptoms [29:42] Find Erica Humbert and her work online

NOTE: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.  Please speak with  your own health practitioner to determine what the correct and appropriate protocols are for you. 

Learn more about Erica Humbert:

website: optimizedlifehealth.com Facebook: @optimizedlifehealth Instagram: @optimizedlifeaprn

Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.  @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #24 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Heidi Johnson, nonprofit founder, author and host of the Charity Matters podcast. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by Melissa Dean, homeschooling mom, midwife and founder of  Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center, in Los Gatos, CA.

As a functional and integrative medicine practitioner, Melissa combines her expertise in women's health with her midwife practice. She provides care with an emphasis on holistic health modalities to bring wellness to women in every stage of their health journey,  including childbirth, transition to motherhood and beyond.

Melissa’s expertise has been featured in leading publications such as The Bump, Today’s Parent, and The CheckUp. She has been a featured guest on leading podcasts such as Dear Doula, The Hypnobirthing Podcast, and The Go Deeper Podcast by Floka. And now she can add Mom To MORE! 

Melissa serves as an inspiration to other moms through her journey of personal and professional reinvention. As a stay-at-home mom who chose to homeschool her 4 children, Melissa exemplifies dedication to family while also showing that motherhood can be a springboard for personal growth. Her decision to incorporate a part-time career as a doula into her family life, and later become a certified midwife, is a powerful example of how balancing family life and a personal calling is not only possible but incredibly rewarding, as it benefits women in her local community and beyond..

Melissa’s journey proves that it’s never too late to follow a passion, and that motherhood can be an incredible foundation for achieving professional success and making a lasting and meaningful impact on others.

[00:00] Introduction [01:30] About Melissa Dean and her background [02:59] Melissa's Family and Homeschooling Journey [04:32] Homeschooling approach and benefits [08:12] Practical education and teaching life skills [10:52] Transition from homeschool to high school and college [11:53] Skills learned from being a stay-at-home-homeschooling mom [16:27] Melissa's path to becoming a midwife [19:26] Founding Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center [21:00] Comprehensive care provided at Casa Natal [23:37] The importance of supporting mothers postpartum [24:43] Involvement of Melissa’s family in Casa Natal [26:23] Melissa's MORE [28:16] Where to Find Melissa Online

Learn more about Melissa:

Website: https://casa-natal.com/ Instagram: @casanatalbirthcenter

Looking for MORE? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.  @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #23 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by women’s health expert Erica Libby Humbert - Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by Amanda Parton who took a career pause to "mother her brood", entered the world of competitive ballroom dance and followed a lifelong passion of home design to start her own business.

Amanda Parton grew up in a mining town in West Yorkshire, England.

Her career trajectory took her to London at Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, to Singapore to be Creative Director of Ogilvy 1 and finally to the United States where she took a career pause to “mother her brood”.

As her kids got older, Amanda, like so many SAHM’s who are looking to redefine their next chapter in life, started her introspection about her next steps. And step she did…or rather brilliantly danced into the world of competitive Standard Ballroom and as co-owner of The Dance Collective in Westport CT.

More recently, following a lifelong passion of home design, she started Homebird Interiors.

Join Sharon and Amanda as they discuss transitioning from a successful career to motherhood, reinventing yourself through your passions, and leveraging your many mom skills to launch new ventures.

Amanda Parton is a shining example of reinvention and her story is a testament to the power of embracing new passions and the courage it takes to step away from a traditional career path to explore the unknown. Amanda's transition into the dance world and later into interior design reflects her belief in personal growth and the importance of pursuing what truly fulfills you.

Amanda’s journey underscores the importance of maintaining a sense of self, even while nurturing others. She advocates for personal challenges as a means of growth, emphasizing that pushing beyond comfort zones can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities. Her story inspires others to embrace change, seek new challenges, and recognize that it's never too late to pursue new dreams.

[00:00] Introduction [02:50] Importance of a career pause for Amanda [05:32] Decision to transition to a stay-at-home mom  [08:02] Moving to Singapore and social life as a new parent [09:01] Transition to the United States and making friends as a mom [11:13] Involvement in children's school life and becoming a personal trainer [13:14] Discovering Latin dance and facing new challenges [15:53] Balancing dance with family life [19:05] Embracing new challenges and personal growth [22:55] Starting Homebird Interiors and returning to school in midlife [25:10] Launching a business and overcoming fear [31:36] Amanda's future plans [34:08] Where to find Amanda online

Learn more about Amanda:

Website: https://www.homebirdinteriors.com/ Instagram: @homebirdinteriors1 and @partonia

Looking for MORE? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.  @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #22 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Melissa Dean, homeschooling mom, midwife and founder of Casa Natal Birth and Wellness Center in Los Gatos, CA. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by Melissa Llarena:  Author, imagination coach and podcast host.

Melissa, a multi-hyphenated mom to 3 high energy boys, is also a contributor to Forbes Women articles that have garnered over 4 million views. She is the host of the Mom Founder Imagination Hub podcast (formerly Unimaginable Wellness podcast) for entrepreneurs, founders, and creators who are also moms. 

Melissa is a beacon of inspiration for moms who want to integrate creativity and resilience into their lives. As an imagination coach, she blends managing a business and raising her boys with innovative problem-solving and adaptability. Her journey highlights the power of creativity in overcoming challenges and balancing chaotic schedules, offering a motivating example for other moms striving to handle their multifaceted roles with confidence.

Her emphasis on creativity, resilience and a gradual, long-term progress on a mom’s personal timeline, provides valuable guidance for moms looking to enhance their lives and achieve fulfillment. Melissa’s story is a compelling reminder that creativity and determination can transform challenges into opportunities, inspiring moms to embrace their own journeys with courage.

Melissa holds a psychology degree from NYU, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and a Transformational Coaching Academy certificate. She is training to become a meditation practitioner.

Join Sharon and Melissa as they discuss balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, facing fears to unlock creativity, and leveraging imposter syndrome as an asset for success.

[00:00] Introduction [02:16] About Melissa Llarena and her background [04:19] Managing a busy schedule and motherhood [07:24] What is an Imagination Coach? [10:14] Validating intuition over data [13:11] Facing fears and unlocking your imagination [17:02] The role of fear in creativity [21:04] Giving yourself permission to be weird [25:04] Leveraging imposter syndrome as an asset [29:57] Melissa’s MORE [31:00] Where to find Melissa online

Learn more about Melissa:

Website: https://www.melissallarena.com/ Instagram: @melissallarena 

Say HI👋 to Melissa on IG and tell her what you liked about the episode.  She will respond back!

Thanks to our Sponsor ALLY Shoes! 

Looking for MORE? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.  @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #20 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Amanda Parton who took a career pause to "mother her brood", entered the world of competitive ballroom dance and followed a lifelong passion of home design to start her own business. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by Samantha Danielle, a Nashville native and mother of three teens, who advocates for women's empowerment and self-care through her platform samanthadanielle.com and on social media. As a blogger, content creator, and keynote speaker, she shares personal stories and practical tips, guiding women through motherhood and self discovery while emphasizing the importance of self-care, joy, and purpose.

Join Sharon and Samantha as they discuss overcoming trauma, starting over, why moms need to put themselves on their own to-do list, superpowers, and embracing change.

Drawing from her own experiences, including overcoming challenges like divorce and single parenthood, Samantha inspires women to embrace their worth and navigate life's complexities with resilience and self-preservation.

Her story isn’t perfect – and let’s be honest – no one’s is – which is why Samantha’s story resonates so strongly. She has pushed through adversity and hard seasons and encourages and inspires other moms to do the same.

[00:00] Introduction [00:40] About Samantha Danielle and her background [02:19] Importance of Being Present with Children [04:09] Advocacy for Women's Empowerment and Self-Care [06:02] Personal Trauma and Healing [10:01] Lessons from Divorce and Therapy [13:13] Realization of Personal Strengths [14:39] Identifying and Leveraging Superpowers [16:21] Importance of Online Safety for Kids [23:37] Reflection on Personal Growth and Gratitude [25:57] Future Plans and Projects

Learn more about Samantha Danielle:

Instagram: @heysamanthadanielle

Website: https://samanthadanielle.com/

Looking for MORE? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #20 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Melissa Llarena, author, imagination coach and podcast host. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by Amy Schmidt - Best-selling author, speaker, podcast host and “Beyond 50” visionary.

Amy Schmidt is an award winning television and podcast host, best-selling author, TEDx Speaker, motivational speaker, confidence, reinvention & parenting media expert, and founder of the brands, Fearlessly Facing Fifty™ and Your Confidence Connector.

She was nominated to the Inaugural Forbes 50 over 50 - Women shattering age and gender norms, 2021 list. In May, 2021 she also became the CEO and Founder of Meant For More. Transformative events for women, curating thought leaders around top of mind topics for women at midlife and beyond.

Join Sharon and Amy as they discuss the significance of stepping outside one's comfort zone, courageously embracing new challenges, and earnestly learning from failures along the journey of personal growth and empowerment. Amy Schmidt is a true inspiration for those seeking to redefine their lives and pursue new passions. Transitioning from a dedicated stay-at-home mom to an award-winning television and podcast host, bestselling author, and motivational speaker, Amy exemplifies fearless reinvention. Her journey underscores the transformative power of embracing creativity and leveraging personal experiences to forge a fulfilling path forward, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.

Amy's resilience, cultivated through her years as a stay-at-home mom, shines through her emphasis on patience, spontaneity, and flexibility. Her advocacy for courageous conversations and the importance of a supportive network reflects her commitment to empowering women. Amy's insights on embracing failure as a catalyst for growth, paired with practical advice on self-affirmation and overcoming perfectionism, offer invaluable guidance for those striving for contentment and fulfillment in the present moment. [01:59] Amy’s background and achievements  [04:05] Importance of being a stay-at-home mom [06:17] Parenting superpowers and the 30-minute decompression rule [08:50] Inspiration behind the name "Cannonball" [11:05] Fearlessly embracing new challenges [14:42] Overcoming perfectionism and procrastination [16:50] Being present, appreciating the moment and turning off the noise [23:27] Accepting compliments and creating greatness statements [28:41] Advice to your 30-year-old self and Amy’s “More” [34:47] Where to find Amy and her book online Learn more about Amy Schmidt:

Websites: Fearlesslyfacingfifty.com and Theamyschmidt.com Amy's book "Cannonball!: Fearlessly Facing Midlife and Beyond": https://www.amazon.com/Cannonball-Fearlessly-Facing-Midlife-Beyond/dp/057869901X

Facebook: @theamyschmidt (Your Confidence Connector) and @fearlesslyfacingfifty

Instagram: @theamy.schmidt 

Have a book club? Connect with Amy at: [email protected]

Looking for MORE? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.  @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #19 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Samantha Danielle, content creator, keynote speaker and advocate for women's empowerment and self-care. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this ‘flipped’ episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is interviewed by former podcast guest and best-selling author, Lee Woodruff (catch Lee’s episode here: https://www.momtomore.com/podcast/episode-8-lee-woodruff)

Sharon Macey is a mom, wife, content creator, blogger, speaker and host of the Mom to MORE podcast. She created the Mom To MORE™ community for women rediscovering themselves beyond motherhood, sharing the multi-faceted, diverse and often untold stories of moms and their personal transformations..

Sharon enjoyed a successful career as an award-winning copywriter and marketer before proudly embracing the role of stay-at-home-mom. During the years of raising her 3 kids, she realized that while doing all of the expected mom things, she had developed skills that served as the foundation for her own personal reinvention.  Sharon knows that moms of any age can use their talents, wisdom and unique gifts to create their empowering and fulfilling next chapters in life, their “MORE”.  She proudly uses her many mom-skills daily.

Sharon holds a BA in advertising from the University of Texas at Austin and a Digital Marketing Strategies certification from the Kellogg School of Management. She lives her empty-nest life with her husband and comedic doodle, Comet.

Join Sharon and Lee as they discuss practical advice on maintaining mental and physical well-being as mothers, career transitions and growth, and lessons learned from past podcast guests. Through her podcast, Sharon highlights stories of women who have reinvented themselves, whether by returning to previous careers, pursuing new entrepreneurial ventures, or exploring personal passions, which often become a business.  Sharon's guests share their challenges, successes, and insights, offering listeners motivation and practical advice on how to approach their own post-parenting chapters. Sharon's own story is emblematic of resilience, vision, and taking chances,, making her an inspiration to moms looking to redefine themselves and pursue their dreams beyond motherhood. Her podcast not only celebrates the achievements of women but also serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for those navigating similar paths of personal and professional growth.

[00:00] Introduction [03:06] Sharon’s background and her journey. [05:29] The genesis of Mom to MORE™ and its purpose. [08:23] Lessons learned from past podcast guests and their success stories [11:19] Sharon’s personal journey into motherhood. [13:31] Challenges faced by working moms. [15:22] The inspiration behind starting the Mom to MORE™ podcast.[18:01] The uniqueness of Mom to MORE™ in the podcast landscape.[19:53] Aging and reinvention for women. [21:40] CelebratingMom to MORE™’s first sponsor,  ALLY Shoes. [23:22] Sharon shares the best advice she gave her children and their reflections. [26:58] Sharon shares her “MORE” [30:45] Where to find Sharon online

Learn more about guest host, Lee Woodruff:Lee’s website: https://leewoodruff.com/Instagram: @leewoodruff

Looking for MORE? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.  @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for episode #18 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Amy Schmidt - Best-selling author, speaker, podcast host and “Beyond 50” visionary.. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by Zibby Owens, award-winning podcaster, best-selling author, bookstore owner, publisher and CEO who has been called the “Literary Fairy Godmother” of the book world. Her remarkable journey that started as a stay-at-home-mom is beyond inspiring.

Zibby, like most moms, wears many hats.  She is the award-winning podcast host of Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books; CEO of Zibby Media, (aka: The Zibby-Verse) which includes the publishing house Zibby Books, a book club, retreats, classes & events; and is the proud owner of Zibby’s Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Santa Monica. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America, Katie Couric Media and other outlets.

She is, quite simply, the IT GIRL in publishing. But most of all, she is a mom.

Join Sharon and Zibby as they discuss not being fearful of trying new things, taking small steps in a direction that excites you and not giving up on the journey to achieving your goals. Zibby’s story showcases the power of perseverance, determination, and resilience in the face of rejection and setbacks. Her ability to reinvent herself and pursue her passion for writing despite initial failures is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to chase your dreams. Zibby’s journey serves as a reminder to other moms that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, they can also create their own path to success and fulfillment. Her story is a beacon of hope and motivation for moms who are looking to embark on their own journey of reinvention and self-discovery. And it’s a reminder to moms to take time for themselves and stay connected to their own interests and passions.

[00:00] Introduction [02:31] Zibby’s Background [06:52] Starting a Podcast and Overcoming Fear [12:00] Skills Developed as a Stay-at-Home Mom [15:16] Handling rejection and perseverance [19:44] Never giving up and the impact on Zibby's children [22:08] Zibby's New Book: Blank [25:09] Advice for Moms Starting Their Next Chapter [27:36] Where to Find Zibby Online Learn more about Zibby Owens:

Website for everything in the” Zibby-Verse”: https://zibbymedia.com/

Website for Zibby’s writing: https://www.zibbyowens.com/ Instagram: @zibbyowens

Sign up for the Zibby-verse newsletters!

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

Keep an eye out for episode #17 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast when Sharon will be interviewed by Lee Woodruff to celebrate the one year anniversary of the podcast🎙️ Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥