In this episode, we dive into simple splurging and why it’s essential for moms. Whether it’s high-quality sheets, creating time for yourself, or saying “no” guilt-free, we’re talking about how to prioritize YOU amid the chaos of motherhood. Splurging isn’t just about spending money—it’s about giving yourself permission to slow down, enjoy life, and invest in things that make you feel special.

From bamboo sheets that feel like a hug to simple self-care rituals, we’ll explore the splurges that make life easier, more joyful, and downright luxurious. You deserve it!

What We Talk About in This Episode:

1. The true meaning of splurging (it’s not always about money!).
2. Why investing in quality—like Cozy Earth sheets—can change your life.
3. Small daily habits that feel like a splurge, from slow mornings to decadent meals.
4. How decluttering makes room for meaningful indulgences.
5. Permission to set boundaries and say “no” as a self-care practice.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets: Want to experience the best sleep of your life? Head over to Cozy Earth and use code BossMom for 40% off! Trust us, these sheets are worth every penny—they’ll make your bed feel like a sanctuary.

Connect with Us:

• Join the conversation in BossMom+.
• Check out our Boss Mom Favorites for more splurge-worthy ideas!

Don’t Forget: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with another mom who needs permission to treat herself. And leave us a review—it helps us reach more moms just like you!

2025 is a year of opportunity, but only if you’re equipped with the right strategies. Dana doesn’t just outline the trends; she shares how to apply them to your business in real and practical ways. If you’re ready to simplify your marketing while maximizing your impact, this episode is your roadmap to success. From the rise of messy marketing to the power of trust and user-generated content, you’ll learn how to navigate the shifting marketing landscape with ease.   What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why "messy marketing" is more than just a trend and how it’s helping brands connect authentically.
• The importance of user-generated content and how you can leverage testimonials and partnerships to drive sales.
• How trust has become the ultimate currency in a world of AI and hesitant buyers—and how to build it.
• Why smaller, bite-sized offers are easier to sell in 2025 (and how to structure yours).
• The critical role of messaging and consistency in standing out in today’s crowded market.
• Fresh ideas for diversifying your income streams, including affiliate marketing and Amazon Influencer opportunities.

  Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Boss Mom Plus – Join Now
• Nurture to Convert Messaging Course
• Email Dana at [email protected] to share your thoughts or ask questions!

Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you episodes that empower and inspire Boss Moms everywhere!

Choosing a word of the year sounds great, but let’s be honest, life rarely fits neatly into a 12-month plan. In this episode, Dana shares why she’s ditching the word of the year and embracing words of the quarter instead. She talks about navigating motherhood, business, and all the messy, unexpected challenges in between. From building systems to driving traffic, finding authority, and finishing those almost-done projects, Dana breaks down how quarterly focus can bring clarity and momentum.   Feeling behind or overwhelmed? This episode is packed with relatable stories and practical insights to help you take intentional steps forward—even if things feel messy.   Join BossMom+ and connect with like-minded moms who get  you!

Is your content feeling stale? Wondering what’s working in marketing right now? In this episode of the Boss Mom Podcast, Dana sits down with Shannon McKinstrie, an expert social media strategist, to talk about the shift in marketing trends, why user-generated content is crushing it, and how personal storytelling can help your brand connect and convert.   They dive deep into:

• Why high-ticket programs are declining and smaller solutions are thriving.
• How to leverage user-generated content marketing to build trust.
• Why people are taking longer to buy and how to nurture your audience effectively.
• Simple content strategies you can implement right now to grow your social presence organically.
•  

If you’re ready to simplify your content, make deeper connections, and stand out in today’s noisy online space, this episode is packed with actionable insights just for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why polished, high-end content isn’t connecting anymore.
2. How user-generated content marketing brings trust and relatability.
3. The power of POV-style storytelling and personal experiences.
4. Why specificity in your messaging is key to attracting your audience.
5. The “Age of Sleuthing” and why the buying process is now a long game.

Connect with Shannon McKinstrie:

• Instagram: @ShannonMcKinstrie
• LinkedIn: Shannon McKinstrie
• TikTok: @ShannonMcKinstrie
• Reels Lab: Learn More Here

About Shannon: Shannon is an engaging Social Media Strategist, Trainer & Mentor who guides small business owners into making a big splash online and growing their accounts through proven, organic, and sustainable strategies. Resources Mentioned:

• Reels Lab: Shannon’s go-to program for creating scroll-stopping Instagram Reels that actually work.

Moms are often told they need to master time management with rigid systems and perfect plans. But here’s the truth: moms are already amazing at time management skills! The constant juggling act of family, work, and life forces them to adapt and thrive in ways most people can’t imagine. In this episode, we’re diving into why moms are natural time management pros, how they find hidden pockets of productivity, and tools that can make their lives easier. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for ways to refine your approach, this conversation will inspire you to see your time management skills in a whole new light. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why moms are the best at time management skills: Hint—it’s not about perfection but adaptability.
• How to find hidden pockets of time: Practical examples of how moms turn downtime into productivity.
• The emotional side of time management: Balancing work, family, and self-care without feeling guilty.
• Tech tips for simplifying your day: Why tools like AI can save mental energy and free up your schedule.
• Embracing the season of chaos: A perspective shift to help you find gratitude amidst the busy moments.

Links and Resources:

• BossMom Daily Focus Board: Get access to this simple and effective tool to help you prioritize your day and stay on track! Join BossMom+ Today
• AI Tools for Moms: Save mental energy and streamline your workflow with smart tech solutions. Check out our favorite recommendations here.
• More Time Management Tips: Explore additional strategies to refine your skills on the BossMom Blog.

Connect With Us:

• Follow Dana on Instagram for more tips and inspiration.
• Learn more about BossMom+ and how it can support your journey at boss-mom.com/plus.
• Get the BossMom Daily Focus Board

The holiday season is often a time for joy and connection, but for many moms, it’s also a source of overwhelming holiday stress. In this heartfelt episode, Dana Malstaff dives deep into the challenges moms face during the holiday season and why it often feels like more of a burden than a blessing.   Dana shares her personal experiences as a mom, including the invisible labor of coordinating holiday logistics, managing family dynamics, and the emotional toll of trying to "do it all." She also offers a safe space to acknowledge the tough realities of the holiday season while giving listeners permission to feel and process their emotions without judgment. Key talking points in this episode:

• Why the holiday season amplifies holiday stress for moms
• The cultural and family pressures moms face during the holidays
• The emotional weight of balancing holiday traditions with everyday responsibilities
• Practical advice for simplifying your holiday season and setting boundaries
• How Boss Mom is creating a space for moms to feel seen, supported, and validated
•  

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of the holiday season, this episode is for you. Plus, Dana introduces the new Boss Mom Holiday Survey, a unique opportunity to share your experiences and help shape future resources for moms navigating holiday stress.   👉 Take the survey at boss-mom.com/holidaysurvey Tune in for an honest, compassionate conversation about what it really means to navigate the holiday season as a mom. You’re not alone, and your experiences matter.

From a book that gave me permission to lean into my strengths (Rocket Fuel), to a movie that taught me the importance of letting go (Dune: Part Two), and the amazing people who have shaped my year, this episode is all about how little things can create massive change.   What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why we don’t need to do it all alone and how embracing support can change everything.
• How Rocket Fuel helped me embrace my role as a visionary and find the integrator who changed my business.
• The powerful lesson I learned from Dune: Part Two about letting go of good things to make room for greatness.
• How the relationships you cultivate can create ripple effects that impact your business, life, and happiness.
• A few questions to help you reflect on the ripple effects in your life and what you want to change next.

Big Takeaways:

• Stop Trying to Do It All Alone: We’re not meant to juggle everything, and letting others help creates room for growth.
• One Moment Can Change Everything: Whether it’s a book, movie, or conversation, be open to the ripple effects that can spark big changes.
• Your People Matter: Surround yourself with those who lift you up and want to see you succeed—it makes all the difference.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters – If you’re ready to lean into your strengths, this book is for you.
• Boss Mom+ Community – Join us in a more intimate space where we can grow together.

Action Step for You: Think about the ripple effects in your own life. Who or what has made a big impact on you this year? Take a moment to reflect and, if you feel like sharing, let me know! I’d love to hear your story. Connect with Me:

• Website: Boss Mom
• Instagram: @DanaMalstaff
• Boss Mom+ Community: Learn more here

In today’s episode, Krista and Dana dive into the all-too-relatable concept of being a "single married mom." What does that mean? It’s that feeling of navigating family life, raising kids, managing a home, and even running a business solo—even if you technically have a partner. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of it all by yourself, you’re not alone, and we’re here to unpack what this experience is, why it happens, and how to find support that truly helps.

Topics Discussed:

• The Reality of Being a "Single Married Mom"

  • Why so many moms feel like they’re parenting and running a household alone, even with a partner.
  • The complex realities of balancing motherhood, business, and life responsibilities solo.

• Creating Systems Without Feeling Robotic

  • How setting up simple systems can be a lifesaver in managing family logistics.
  • Why these systems create breathing room for deeper connection with family and partners, helping us focus on what really matters.

• Why Paying Moms for Their Work Isn’t the Solution

  • Breaking down the idea of assigning monetary value to stay-at-home or working moms.
  • The real “pay” we need: feeling valued, seen, and connected with our partners and families.

• Shifting from Keeping Score to Building Connection

  • How true partnership is about collaboration and appreciation, not keeping score.
  • The role of community in helping us feel understood, especially when navigating feelings of overwhelm and burnout.

• Communicating Our Needs with Our Partners

  • The importance of understanding and sharing our love languages to build supportive, balanced relationships.
  • How finding the right support and having honest conversations can make partnership more fulfilling.

• Boss Mom Plus – A Community for Real Support and Connection

  • Discover how Boss Mom Plus offers a safe space to discuss the challenges of motherhood, business, and relationships with like-minded women who truly get it.

Key Takeaways: Being a “single married mom” isn’t about fault or blame; it’s about finding ways to feel supported, connected, and valued in the relationships we share. When we create manageable systems for the essentials, we open up more space for meaningful moments with our family. And ultimately, having a community where we can talk openly with other moms helps us build stronger relationships at home. You’re not alone in this journey, Boss Mom—you have support, tools, and a community that’s here to walk with you every step of the way.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Systems Mindset book, for creating practical routines in daily life.
• Boss Mom Plus – Join the Boss Mom Plus community for support, advice, and connection with other moms navigating similar challenges.
• Link: bossmom.com/join

Join the Conversation: If this episode resonated with you, let us know! Share your experience of the "single married mom" feeling and connect with other moms going through the same. Tag @danamalstaff on Instagram, or join our community at Boss Mom Plus to dive deeper into the topics we discussed today.

Leveling Up & Legacy Building with Michelle Dempsey In this episode, we’re talking with Michelle Dempsey, the founder of Moms Moving On and the Moving On Method. Michelle’s journey from client-facing divorce coach to certification leader is filled with insights for anyone looking to scale their business, shift from hands-on work to leadership, or create a lasting legacy. Michelle and Dana discuss what it truly means to level up in your career, the emotional hurdles that come with leaving the “trenches,” and the deep impact of building a legacy through mentorship and certification.   Michelle shares her journey of overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to embrace leadership without losing authenticity, and creating a certification program that empowers a new generation of divorce coaches. If you’re ready to move from direct service to mentoring others or simply want to feel inspired by Michelle’s story, this episode is a must-listen.   Key Points Covered:

• Why Leveling Up is Hard for Women: Michelle dives into why women feel guilt or hesitation when moving from hands-on work to leadership, and how she overcame these challenges.
• Building a Legacy through Certification: Learn how Michelle’s Moving On Method certification program is changing the landscape of divorce coaching, offering real-world skills and mentorship to her graduates.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Scaling with Integrity: Michelle opens up about her struggles with self-doubt and the importance of scaling her business while maintaining high ethical standards.
• The Power of Deep Thought in Leadership: Dana and Michelle discuss why leaders need to prioritize big-picture thinking, vision, and relationship-building over daily tasks.

  Episode Takeaways:

• Leveling up doesn’t mean losing touch with your audience—it can actually deepen your impact.
• Creating a certification program or mentorship opportunity is a powerful way to build a legacy and empower others.
• Real leadership requires making space for strategic growth and giving yourself permission to step back.

  Resources Mentioned:

• Michelle Dempsey’s Moving On Method – Discover Michelle’s certification program and learn more about her work with divorce coaching.

Getting Focused on Your Business as a Mom

In this episode of the Boss Mom Podcast, Dana dives into the journey of getting focused as a mom and entrepreneur. As Boss Mom prepares to launch its new website and shift into a media platform dedicated to supporting moms, Dana shares insights on clarity, focus, and setting milestones—tools every mompreneur needs for sustainable success.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• The Iterative Journey to Clarity – Why clarity isn’t a one-and-done discovery and how “clarity hangovers” are a normal part of the process.
• The Challenge of Staying Focused – How to recognize when you’re losing focus and why it’s okay to feel uncomfortable or nervous about new business strategies.
• How to Set Focus Milestones – Tips for setting achievable milestones that help you finish the important projects, even when new ideas and exciting distractions pop up.
• Finding Balance – Dana discusses the importance of aligning your business goals with your personal values and family life, especially for moms juggling work and caregiving.

Why Listen? This episode is all about getting focused, building a business that works for you, and finding clarity in your purpose—all while navigating the unique challenges of motherhood. Dana offers actionable advice on keeping your focus sharp, handling the inevitable distractions, and setting milestones that will help you reach your goals without burning out.

Links and Resources:

• Join the Boss Mom Community: Get updates on our new platform, resources, and more at Boss-Mom.com/community.
• BossMom+: Ready to go deeper? Join BossMom+ for more support, accountability, and resources to help you get focused on your entrepreneurial journey. Boss-Mom.com/join