Today, I’m so excited to welcome the incredibly talented Lauren Marcus to the show! Lauren is a powerhouse in the theater world, currently performing in The Jonathan Larson Project at the Orpheum Theater, celebrating the lesser-known works of the legendary Rent composer. You might also recognize her from the film adaptation of Tick, Tick… Boom!, which she filmed during the early days of the pandemic. But beyond her impressive resume, Lauren is also a mom—navigating the ups and downs of parenting while balancing a busy career in entertainment.

In this episode, we get real about what it means to be both an artist and a mother—the joys, the struggles, and those moments when you’re just trying to survive on broken sleep and sheer determination. Lauren opens up about her journey through pregnancy, her challenging birth experience, and how she’s adjusting as her daughter approaches her first birthday. We talk about everything from the pressure to “bounce back” after having a baby to the constant juggle of work, childcare, and personal identity. And, of course, we share some laughs (and maybe a few rants) about things like baby sleep schedules, toddler tantrums, and the challenge of keeping our language in check around little ears!

Lauren also shares what it’s like to take her daughter on the road while performing, the realities of finding childcare when you work unpredictable hours, and the emotional weight of being away from home for long stretches. It’s a conversation full of honesty, humor, and that deep understanding

that only comes from talking to another mom who gets it.

We also dive into the emotional tug-of-war so many of us feel—missing the freedom of our pre-motherhood selves while absolutely loving this new, all-consuming role as parents. Lauren and I talk about how our careers have shifted since having kids, the guilt that creeps in whether we’re working or at home, and the constant challenge of making it all work. Spoiler alert: no one has it figured out, and that’s okay!

Whether you’re a working mom trying to balance it all, a fellow theater parent navigating unpredictable schedules, or just someone who loves a good, honest conversation about the beautiful mess of motherhood, this episode is for you. So grab a cup of coffee (or reheat the one you forgot about three hours ago), get comfy, and join us for a heart-to-heart with the amazing Lauren Marcus.

Let’s get into it! 🎤✨