Struggle Out Loud

This episode of Struggle Out Loud turned into the kind of mom therapy we all need. We sat down with Alexandra Swayne—mom of two and founder of Sunkissed Media—for an honest conversation about juggling motherhood, growing a business, and the burnout that creeps in when you're trying to do it all. We talk working through guilt, keeping your identity, and carving space for yourself while raising little ones and building big dreams. If you’ve ever cried during naptime or answered emails with a baby on your hip, you’re not alone—and this one’s for you.

https://sunkissedmedia.net/ 

https://www.instagram.com/sun.kissedmedia

Just us today—Sammi and Alexa—no guests, no plan, just real talk. We're catching up on life lately, juggling work and motherhood, Alexa’s trip to Italy (and being away from the kids), breaking points, self-care (or the lack of it), scary moments, and that ever-present mom guilt. It’s messy, honest, and a reminder that you're not the only one struggling. Let’s Struggle Out Loud together.

This week on Struggle Out Loud, we’re joined by Jess Federico — co-founder of Self Love Social Club LI, 5th grade teacher, and mama to two little ones under 2. Jess opens up about the raw, real side of postpartum, navigating back-to-back pregnancies, building community, and learning to show herself grace in the chaos.

From identity shifts to small moments of joy, this episode is a powerful reminder that loving yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.

✨ Tune in for a convo full of vulnerability, humor, and truth.

Follow Jess: @jess_federico_
Check out Self Love Social Club: @selflovesocialclubli

In this uplifting episode of Struggle Out Loud, Sammi sits down with Vanessa Quigley, co-founder of Chatbooks, mom of 7, and passionate voice reminding us that we’re doing better than we think. Vanessa shares how the idea for Chatbooks was born from her real-life mom chaos, why she believes in documenting the everyday, and how photos can be powerful reminders of the joy we often overlook.

From business-building to burnout, from raising a family to finding moments of peace—Vanessa gets honest about it all.

📸 Need a reminder that your messy, beautiful life is worth celebrating? This one’s for you.

Follow Vanessa: www.instagram.com/vanessaquigley
Check out Chatbooks: https://chatbooks.com

Lucie Fink (@luciebfink) joins us for a refreshingly honest convo on what life looks like behind the content—balancing two littles, building a brand, and navigating identity shifts in motherhood. From YouTube to diapers, Lucie opens up about the messy middle, managing the mental load, and how she's embracing the chaos (and joy!) of this season.

https://luciefink.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole T, the heart behind Mamas & Minis Long Island. She’s a passionate community builder, mental health advocate, and currently pregnant with baby #2. We dive into what inspired her to create a space for moms to connect, how she’s navigating pregnancy this time around, and why talking openly about mental health is more important than ever.

Whether you're looking for connection, support, or just a real conversation—you’ll find it here.

👉 Join the Mamas & Minis Long Island Facebook Group: Click here
👉 Follow Nicole on Instagram: @honestlynic_goal

In this episode of Struggle Out Loud, we sit down with Caitlin Silverstein, LCSW, a licensed therapist and passionate advocate for mental health in motherhood. Caitlin opens up about the importance of honesty in the postpartum journey, breaking through the pressures of 'perfect motherhood' and finding true support in the chaos. If you’ve ever felt alone in the overwhelm, this one’s for you.

Connect with Caitlin:
🖥️ CaitlinSilversteinLCSW.com
📸 @CaitlinSilversteinLCSW

Listen now and join the conversation. 💛

This week, we are joined by the amazing Meaghan Moran, a holistic health and mindset coach who’s all about helping you find balance, regulate your nervous system, and break free from burnout. Whether you’re deep in the chaos of mom life or just feeling stretched thin, Meaghan’s insights are a must-listen.

Connect with Meaghan on Instagram @meaghan.moran and mention "struggle" for 50% off her signature 1:1 sessions, or visit morewithmoran.com to learn more.

✨ Don’t miss this one if you need a reminder to slow down, breathe, and focus on what really matters.

This week we’re joined by the incredible Larisa Vivolo—mom, coach, entrepreneur, and now author of Change Your Glasses. We talk about what it really looks like to chase big dreams while raising little humans, how mindset shifts have changed her motherhood experience, and why she felt called to write a book. Larissa shares her journey of navigating identity, guilt, ambition, and the honest behind-the-scenes of trying to “balance it all” (spoiler: no one really does).

This one is for the moms who feel stretched thin, the business owners who wonder if they’re doing enough, and anyone who’s ever questioned if they’re failing at one thing just for trying to succeed at another.

🎧 Tune in to hear real stories, hard truths, and inspiration to start changing your own glasses.

Get Change Your Glasses: https://www.amazon.com/Change-Your-Glasses-Twelve-Approach/dp/B0DX6FR9LT

Instagram: instagram.com/theshiftretreat

*mental health tips and retreat updates

In this heart-to-heart episode, Sammi and Alexa get real about the invisible weight moms carry—judgment, guilt, and the constant feeling of not doing enough. From juggling careers and motherhood to the moments we feel like we’re failing at all of it, we’re unpacking the mental load and how simple things like community, sunshine, and a good walk can make all the difference. Because we’re not doing it perfectly—we’re doing it together.