Start to Finish Motherhood with Aisha

Add this to each podcast episode: If this podcast has helped you in any way, consider buying me a coffee. No pressure. Just know it keeps the mic on.

Aisha engages in aa funny, insightful and heartfelt conversation with her guest, Kimberly, about the challenges and strategies of dating as a Single Mother by Choice (SMC). Kimberly shares her personal journey of becoming an SMC, her experiences with the resilience needed to balance motherhood and dating, and detailed strategies for dating successfully. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-care, maintaining a support network, advocating for oneself, and dating intelligently and safely while managing the unique challenges faced by single mothers. Listeners gain practical advice on everything from preparing for dates, utilizing online dating, to maintaining enthusiasm and energy in the dating process. The episode also explores the importance of dating oneself and keeping a positive self-image.

If this podcast has helped you in any way, consider buying me a coffee. No pressure. Just know it keeps the mic on.

In this episode, Aisha and her guest, Jas (aka @blackexpatmom on IG), mom to a school age child who does summers abroad, discuss how to plan a summer sabbatical with children. Aisha has always loved traveling and is now ready to plan her first family sabbatical with her two daughters, who will be five and ten when they take the trip. Aisha shares how she joined Facebook groups to find accountability partners and is now excited to start planning her trip next summer. Jas shares her experience of taking sabbaticals with her daughter and how she has managed to travel for extended periods while working remotely. She explains how she strategically uses credit card hacking and point systems to reduce costs.  They also discuss the first steps Aisha can take to plan her sabbatical, such as determining her budget and identifying travel destinations. Aisha plans to invite Jas back on future episodes to continue her travel planning.  We hope you consider following Aisha and Jas as they plan an epic sabbatical.

View the video on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/uBuLCjrPcII

Jas can be found on Instagram and TikTok:

If this podcast has helped you in any way, consider buying me a coffee. No pressure. Just know it keeps the mic on.

In this episode, Aisha provides comprehensive tips for planning travel with children, like: including involving children in the planning process, maintaining flexibility, getting trip insurance, and preparing for unexpected challenges. Key advice includes managing itineraries, printing essential documentation, breaking down the trip into manageable parts, carefully packing carry-on luggage, and ensuring support from your local community. The video also emphasizes the importance of tailoring travel plans to accommodate children's needs while making the trip enjoyable for everyone. The tips are backed by personal anecdotes from a mother's 24-day international travel experience with her kids in Sri Lanka.

Travel was arranged and coordinated in part by Lia Travels

If this podcast has helped you in any way, consider buying me a coffee. No pressure. Just know it keeps the mic on.

If this podcast has helped you in any way, consider buying me a coffee. No pressure. Just know it keeps the mic on.

A conversation with Aja Rutledge In this episode, host Aisha sits down with certified trauma recovery coach Aja Rutledge for a deeply insightful conversation on trauma's impact on parenting, particularly for Black women. They explore recognizing and healing from childhood traumas, the distinction between big T and little t traumas, and how generational trauma can be passed down. The episode also delves into practical strategies for self-regulation, understanding the body's responses to trauma, and fostering a supportive environment for children. Jenkins and Rutledge share personal stories and provide valuable advice for single mothers by choice navigating complex emotional landscapes.

Learn more about Aja and to check out her curated selection of books: The Healing Shelf - Trauma Informed Book Club

If this podcast has helped you in any way, consider buying me a coffee. No pressure. Just know it keeps the mic on.

In this podcast episode, Aisha and Dawn discuss Dawn's life and career. Dawn is a chief scientist, keynote speaker, and author who became the first Black person to go to the deepest part of the ocean. Aisha and Dawn discuss the struggles of being the only Black person in their respective workplaces and the importance of diversity and representation. They also talk about the impact of Dawn's mother on her life and career, and how her mother's words of encouragement have stayed with her throughout her life. Additionally, they touch on Dawn's experiences growing up in Hawaii, her work as an ocean-going science technician, and her pursuit of a PhD at UC Santa Barbara, which led her to discover her passion for GIS. Overall, the podcast is a heartfelt conversation about the challenges of navigating academia and science as a person of color, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of supportive parenting.

To learn more about Dawn's Expedition:  

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/08a75d3687e749989840e7d236aab74d

If this podcast has helped you in any way, consider buying me a coffee. No pressure. Just know it keeps the mic on.

Join Aisha as she partners with her longtime friend Priyamal, while they delve into the meticulous planning process, give tips on navigating international travel with kids, and share cultural insights about Sri Lanka. Learn about the local cuisine, must-visit spots, useful phrases in Sinhalese, and the journey from initial concept to enjoying the vibrant beaches and warm hospitality of Southeast Asia. Get ready for practical advice and a peek into an unforgettable travel experience!

If this podcast has helped you in any way, consider buying me a coffee. No pressure. Just know it keeps the mic on.

In this episode, Aisha delves into the crucial concept of creating "margin" in our lives. She discusses how margin refers to making space for unexpected but predictable occurrences like flat tires, sick children, or personal health issues. Aisha shares her approach to balancing social commitments and self-care, especially as a single mother. She reflects on how stress can affect her and, in turn, her children, and offers insights into managing her mood and boundaries to alleviate stress. Aisha's candid and relatable discussion provides valuable tips for parents striving to create balance and margin in their lives, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling parenting journey.

This is an updated article of the one that is mentioned in the episode: Busyness & The Lack of Margin in Our Lives - Appreciation at Work

Journal can be found here: https://starttofinishmotherhood.com/products

In this somber episode, Aisha delves into the challenges of navigating uncertain times, drawing historical parallels to emphasize current societal shifts. Aimed at single mothers by choice, the episode discusses the impact of election results, the turbulence in the tech industry, and the complex emotional landscape many are experiencing. The host offers practical strategies for coping, such as finding community, setting priorities, managing resources, and maintaining mental and physical well-being. Emphasis is placed on community care, resilience, and taking control over what one can, while acknowledging the valid fears and uncertainties that prevail.

In this, the season 4 premier episode, Aisha shares her journey and experiences since September. She discusses the challenges and rewards of parenting two children, her personal growth following the end of a toxic work situation, and her steps towards healing including talk therapy and setting boundaries. She also touches on memorable moments, such as a life-changing trip to Sri Lanka, and her decision to return to teaching. Aisha updates listeners on her daughters' developments, the state of the Melanated Single Mothers by Choice community, and the exploration of new living and schooling options. The episode is a heartfelt reflection on the difficulties and triumphs of single motherhood, personal growth, and the importance of self-care.