Mommywood

Emily Barth Isler

Introductions and background @ 0:00

Emily Bolt and Emily Barth Isler introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds. Emily Barth Isler shares that she grew up in Maryland, went to college in Connecticut, and then moved to New York City with her husband before having two children. They later decided to move the family to Los Angeles about 5 years ago.

Reflections on parenting and childhood @ 3:48

The two Emilys discuss the challenges of parenting and how perspectives on their children's ages and stages of life have shifted over time. They reflect on the impact of the pandemic on their kids' development and the difficulty of untangling that from other factors.

Emily Barth Isler's career transition @ 8:08

Emily Barth Isler shares her journey from pursuing acting early in her career to eventually transitioning to becoming a writer. She discusses the fear and hesitation she felt about making that change, as well as the privilege and support that enabled her to take that leap.

The realities of being a writer @ 17:01

Emily Barth Isler provides an in-depth look at the publishing industry, including the long timelines involved in getting a book from concept to publication, the need to constantly be writing new material, and the challenges of balancing creativity with the business side of being an author.

The importance of acknowledging privilege @ 25:28

Emily Barth Isler emphasizes the significant role that privilege and access to resources play in enabling creative pursuits. She discusses the compromises and barriers faced by those without the same level of support, and her desire to help create more equitable opportunities for underrepresented voices.

Finding balance and fulfillment @ 1:04:08

Emily Barth Isler shares the activities and habits that have become "life savers" for her, including the use of audiobooks and the mental benefits she derives from regular lap swimming. She reflects on how these practices have helped her find balance and fulfillment in her writing career and personal life.

Liz's An Unorthodox Pregnancy Announcement article

Best Friend's Forever: A Horror Comedy by Liz Kickstarter

Liz Manashil and Emily Bolt introduce themselves and discuss Liz's background, including growing up in the Bay Area, attending Washington University in St. Louis, and then going to USC for film school. Liz shares that she knew she wanted to be a director from a young age, preferring the control and creative freedom of directing over acting.

Balancing motherhood and filmmaking @ 5:06

Liz discusses the challenges of being a mother in the male-dominated film industry, including feeling like she needs a "wife" to help support her creative pursuits. She shares how becoming a parent has impacted her work, including having to take time off for pregnancy and childcare. Liz and Emily also discuss the societal expectations and stigmas around mothers in the workforce.

Financing independent films as a parent @ 32:20

Liz and Emily discuss the financial challenges and fears of pursuing an independent filmmaking career while also raising a family. Liz shares how she and her husband try to be fiscally responsible, including maintaining an emergency savings fund, in order to weather the ups and downs of the industry.

Involving children in the creative process @ 37:00

Liz talks about how she and her husband have involved their son in their filmmaking work, including giving him cameos in their projects. They discuss their hopes and concerns around their children potentially pursuing careers in the entertainment industry in the future.

The decision to have a second child @ 41:22

Liz shares her personal journey in deciding to have a second child, including initially being adamant about only having one, and then changing her mind after feeling a strong desire for another child. She discusses the differences in her two pregnancies and births, and offers advice for others considering expanding their family.

Self-care and work-life balance @ 48:18

Liz and Emily discuss the importance of making time for self-care activities, such as exercise, socializing, and hobbies, in order to maintain their well-being and creative energy as working mothers. They share their personal "lifesavers" that help them get through the daily challenges.

Practicing mindfulness and gratitude @ 0:00

Emily discusses the importance of practicing mindfulness and gratitude, such as through meditation, journaling, and taking deep breaths, as a way to start the day on a positive note, reduce stress, and build patience.

Setting realistic expectations @ 2:13

Emily emphasizes the need to set realistic expectations, especially in the acting industry and parenting, to prevent frustration. She notes that having a positive but pragmatic mindset can help manage challenges and maintain patience.

Prioritizing self-care @ 4:14

Emily stresses the importance of prioritizing self-care through rest, exercise, nutrition, and taking mental/physical breaks, as this can help maintain patience and resilience in both acting and parenting.

Effective time management @ 4:42

Emily discusses the value of developing strong time management skills, such as planning schedules and to-do lists, to reduce stress and allow for more patience in managing the demands of acting, parenting, and life in general.

Embracing flexibility and adaptability @ 7:45

Emily emphasizes the need to be flexible and adaptable, as unexpected situations and changes are inevitable in both acting and parenting. Embracing this mindset can help handle challenges with more patience.

Communicating effectively @ 8:57

Emily highlights the importance of clear, open, and honest communication, especially with partners and others involved in acting and parenting, as this can prevent misunderstandings and reduce stress, ultimately supporting patience.

Seeking support and reflecting on successes @ 10:23

Emily encourages seeking support from others and reflecting on positive moments and successes, as these can provide relief, perspective, and a boost to patience and resilience in both acting and parenting.

Recap and final thoughts @ 15:43

Emily concludes by emphasizing the importance of giving oneself grace, as patience can be challenging to maintain in the acting and parenting realms. She encourages deep breathing, positive reflection, and a compassionate mindset towards oneself and one's children.

In this episode, I answer the questions that 25 year old Emily who just moved to LA and met a cute guy would ask 37 year old Emily who is now married, has two year old daughter, and is still acting in Los Angeles.

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals Break your long-term career aspirations into smaller, actionable steps. This makes the process feel more manageable and gives you a sense of accomplishment along the way.

2. Create a Flexible Schedule Balancing auditions, rehearsals, and acting gigs with parenting is tough. Create a flexible routine that accommodates both, ensuring you’re dedicating time to your craft without compromising family time.

3. Find a Support Network Surround yourself with other actor moms or creative parents who understand your struggles. Sharing experiences and receiving encouragement from people in similar situations can be incredibly motivating.

4. Prioritize Self-Care Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is key to staying motivated. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, or simply taking time to relax, self-care ensures you’re in the right mindset to pursue your acting career.

5. Celebrate Small Wins Recognize and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Whether it’s landing a role or simply nailing an audition, these victories can keep your passion alive.

6. Stay Connected to Your Passion Remind yourself why you started acting in the first place. Watch performances or read scripts that inspire you. Engaging with your craft for pure enjoyment can reignite your passion when things feel difficult.

7. Get Creative at Home If time away from family feels limited, bring acting into your home life. Practice monologues with your kids, turn family activities into creative projects, or rehearse lines while doing household tasks.

8. Keep Learning Take online acting classes, workshops, or join virtual theatre groups. Continual learning keeps your skills sharp and motivates you to stay connected to your craft, even if you can’t attend in-person classes or auditions.

9. Embrace Your Unique Perspective Motherhood can deepen your emotional range and add complexity to your acting. Use your experiences as a mom to enhance your performances. Embracing how your journey enriches your acting can be motivating in itself.

10. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself Accept that your career path might look different now, and that’s okay. It’s important to allow yourself the space to grow at your own pace, knowing that balancing motherhood and acting is an achievement in itself.

What aspects of these tips resonate with you most for “Mommywood”?

Meg Braxton co-owner of The Work BFF

Meg's background and career journey @ 0:00

Meg grew up in a small town in Connecticut, where she was a competitive dancer as a child. She later pursued a liberal arts degree and worked in the White House during the Obama administration, which sparked her interest in recruiting and sales. In 2018, Meg made the decision to leave her corporate job and pursue acting, focusing on commercials. This was a major transition, but within four months she booked her first commercial and has been working in the entertainment industry while maintaining a flexible recruiting job.

Meeting and marrying her husband @ 12:58

Meg met her husband, who is also an actor, at an acting workshop in New York City in 2019. They quickly fell in love and got engaged in 2020, though their wedding was delayed due to COVID-19. In 2020, they decided to move to Los Angeles together to pursue their acting careers.

Becoming parents and navigating postpartum @ 21:03

Meg and her husband had their first child, a son named Teddy, in June 2021. Meg struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety, which was exacerbated by the sudden loss of her cousin to suicide a few months after Teddy's birth. This was a very difficult time, but Meg made the decision to prioritize her mental health, taking time off work and seeking support. She has continued to manage her mental health while balancing work, acting, and motherhood.

Reflections on body image and self-acceptance @ 29:09

Meg has had a complex relationship with her body image, including past struggles with disordered eating. During her pregnancy, she embraced the changes to her body, but the postpartum period has presented new challenges. Meg has worked to be more accepting and compassionate with herself, focusing on how she feels rather than just physical appearance.

Childcare and work-life balance @ 40:00

Meg and her husband initially cared for Teddy at home full-time, but recently enrolled him in part-time daycare to provide more support and flexibility. This was a challenging decision, but has allowed them both to have dedicated time for work, creative pursuits, and self-care. Meg has been very intentional about advocating for her needs and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Recap and key takeaways @ 1:04:58

Meg and Emily conclude the conversation by discussing the importance of self-care, with Meg highlighting the value of daily walks as a "lifesaver" for her mental health. They reflect on the shared experiences and challenges of motherhood, and Meg expresses her appreciation for the Mommywood Podcast as a platform for open conversations.

HIGHLIGHT

- Meg recounts moving across the country with her husband during COVID. - WATCH (40 secs): https://fathom.video/share/wf_6QdYLGdxWBnriquoMCXx-JwdAFPaS?timestamp=878.851495

- Meg explains she was rushed and wants to part ways from collaborating. - WATCH (30 secs): https://fathom.video/share/wf_6QdYLGdxWBnriquoMCXx-JwdAFPaS?timestamp=1083.362574

- Meg discusses her excitement and struggles with body image during pregnancy. - WATCH (2 mins): https://fathom.video/share/wf_6QdYLGdxWBnriquoMCXx-JwdAFPaS?timestamp=1761.597491

- Meg explains setting boundaries at work as she's gotten older. - WATCH (1 min): https://fathom.video/share/wf_6QdYLGdxWBnriquoMCXx-JwdAFPaS?timestamp=2733.097386

Corey Clifford

Writer, Director and Star of Boss Babes

Her podcast - Cinema Obsessed

VIEW RECORDING: https://fathom.video/share/FGn-pqpJTFrqJDptk5Q2RJPu12pWqYS4

Pregnancy journey and experiences @ 0:00

Corey discusses her pregnancy journey so far, including navigating her acting career while pregnant, dealing with morning sickness, and the excitement and nerves of becoming a first-time mom. She shares how she has been able to continue working on some projects by hiding her pregnancy early on, and the supportive reactions from her agents and the production teams when she did reveal it.

Balancing acting and motherhood @ 11:45

Corey and Emily discuss the challenges and considerations of pursuing an acting career while starting a family. They touch on Corey's concerns about her child potentially entering the entertainment industry, the flexibility of their freelance/creative careers, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Pregnancy and body image @ 48:00

Corey shares her surprisingly positive experience with body image during pregnancy, noting that she has been more accepting of the changes. They discuss the pressures in the industry around "bouncing back" after having a baby and Corey's efforts to stay focused on feeling strong and healthy.

Pregnancy hacks and support systems @ 53:10

Corey shares some of her "lifesavers" during pregnancy, including specific products, snacks, and the support of her husband, friends, and family. They also discuss the benefits of having a flexible schedule and access to resources like the AMC Stubs program.

Recap and well-wishes @ 55:41

Emily expresses her excitement for Corey and wishes her an amazing birth experience as the due date approaches. Corey shares her anticipation and nerves, noting that she is likely to continue making lists to prepare.

HIGHLIGHT

- Corey discusses telling her agent about a scheduling conflict for a small acting role. - WATCH (1 min): https://fathom.video/share/FGn-pqpJTFrqJDptk5Q2RJPu12pWqYS4?timestamp=310.402926

- Corey discusses acting class and perspective on motherhood - WATCH (1 min): https://fathom.video/share/FGn-pqpJTFrqJDptk5Q2RJPu12pWqYS4?timestamp=2672.667436

- Corey discusses acting career concerns and body image pressures in LA. - WATCH (2 mins): https://fathom.video/share/FGn-pqpJTFrqJDptk5Q2RJPu12pWqYS4?timestamp=2860.401507

Alanna Fox

VIEW RECORDING: https://fathom.video/share/JoqECGSiBUT_EXS6bsS7EL35a6BdAoi6

Pregnancy and life changes @ 0:00

Alanna discusses her pregnancy, including her due date, finding out she was pregnant unexpectedly, and the emotional and physical changes she has experienced. She shares her excitement about starting a family but also some of her concerns, especially around balancing her acting career with motherhood.

Navigating the industry as a pregnant actor @ 7:52

Alanna talks about the challenges she has faced auditioning and working as a pregnant actor, including having to turn down certain roles due to safety concerns. She shares insights from conversations with other actors and casting directors about the best ways to handle being transparent about her pregnancy.

Preparing for the baby's arrival @ 24:09

Alanna discusses getting the nursery ready, setting up a new home office space, and preparing for the financial and logistical changes that come with having a child. She talks about relying on her support network of family and friends, as well as utilizing resources like registries and return policies.

Balancing career and motherhood @ 42:20

Alanna reflects on how her priorities and creative process have shifted during her pregnancy, and she shares her hopes and concerns about returning to acting after the baby is born. She discusses the pros and cons of potentially booking high-profile acting jobs that could take her away from the baby.

Closing thoughts and reflections @ 1:05:03

Alanna expresses her excitement about starting this new chapter of her life and how becoming a mother has already impacted her emotionally and creatively. She discusses finding a balance between her career ambitions and her desire to be present for her child.

Lily Harrison

VIEW RECORDING: https://fathom.video/calls/132175818

Lily's background and path to acting @ 0:00

Lily discusses growing up with actor parents who moved the family from LA to Oregon to give their children a more normal childhood. She was initially shy about pursuing acting but eventually took acting classes and moved to LA, where she found success in commercials and comedy writing.

Navigating parenthood and career @ 6:03

Lily shares how becoming a mother significantly impacted her creative process and career goals. She initially struggled with the loss of creative freedom and solitude, but eventually embraced focusing on motherhood and writing her own material. Lily and her partner Peter have found flexibility in their schedules to accommodate their family needs.

Deciding to have a child @ 39:44

Lily was initially unsure about having children, but after fertility concerns at age 30, she and her partner decided to try. Lily was surprised when she became pregnant quickly, and she reflects on the challenges and joys of new motherhood.

Balancing self-care and family life @ 56:07

Lily shares how she carves out 30 minutes of alone time each night after her son Jack goes to sleep, which helps her recharge and be more present for her family. She emphasizes the importance of giving yourself grace as a parent.

Recap and closing @ 1:00:14

Emily and Lily wrap up the conversation, expressing gratitude for the discussion and the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Katie Locke Obrien

Watch "Dick Bunny" NOW

VIEW RECORDING: https://fathom.video/calls/128992166

Flexible work-life balance @ 0:00

Emily and Katie discuss the challenges and benefits of having flexible schedules as creative professionals with families. They share how their husbands' careers in writing and directing have allowed for a more fluid work-life integration, though it requires constant coordination and adaptation.

Maintaining creativity and focus @ 27:29

Both Emily and Katie discuss the challenges of maintaining creative focus and productivity after having a child. They share strategies like working in separate environments and setting aside dedicated writing time, while also acknowledging the persistent "mental load" of parenthood that can be difficult to fully disengage from.

Transitioning to parenthood @ 32:41

Katie reflects on the decision to have a child, noting the difficulty of finding the "right" time given the unpredictability of creative careers. She shares how a conversation with a friend helped her realize there is no perfect moment, and that having a child is a deliberate choice rather than waiting for the stars to align.

Navigating the entertainment industry as parents @ 32:41

Katie describes the ups and downs of trying to establish her directing career while also starting a family, including the uncertainty of project development and the need to be flexible with travel and schedules. They discuss the unique challenges faced by creative professionals in balancing their careers and family life.

Recap and closing thoughts @ 38:17

The conversation concludes with Emily and Katie reflecting on the overall experience of parenthood and the importance of being adaptable and making deliberate choices, rather than waiting for the "perfect" time to have a child.

katie locke obrien - August 03

VIEW RECORDING: https://fathom.video/calls/128994055

Balancing career and motherhood @ 0:00

Katie discusses the challenges of navigating her creative career as a director while also being a mother. She shares how having her son Julian has impacted her work, both positively and negatively, as she tries to find the right balance between her professional and personal life. Katie notes that being a "mom who's also creative is just a constant exercise in feeling bad about whichever thing you're not doing."

Embracing flexibility and support @ 10:30

Katie explains how the increased resources and flexibility from her success have helped, but also introduced new challenges, as she and her husband David navigate decisions around travel, childcare, and family commitments. She emphasizes the importance of being open about her needs as a working parent, and how the industry is becoming more accommodating and supportive of parents, especially mothers, behind the camera.

Developing the "Dick Bunny" project @ 15:15

Katie describes her passion for the magical realism comedy series "Dick Bunny", which explores postpartum anxiety and the isolation of new motherhood through a surreal, darkly humorous lens. She discusses the lengthy process of developing the project, assembling the talented cast and crew, and her desire to share this unique perspective on the motherhood experience with audiences.

Lifesavers and advice @ 23:14

Katie shares her current "lifesavers" - coffee and durable clothing labels - as well as the importance of finding practical solutions to the everyday challenges of parenting. She emphasizes the value of these small but impactful tools that help make life a bit easier amidst the chaos.