The Successful Mama Podcast

69 - evolving through motherhood: navigating transitions and life with hector

In a bit of a twist this week, we asked for a mom from our Instagram community (@successfulmamapodcast) to come on and tell her story. Amy Mayfield stepped up as our very first Wild Card Guest, and her interview was such a treat!
Given Amy's daughter Abby is a young adult, we were able to spend time chatting about the full spectrum of motherhood and all the transitions along the way, to now dedicating much of her time to training Hector, her beloved English Mastiff.
Some topics that come up? Spontaneous trips and a lack of direction. Being best friends with your kids, while also being the parent. Changing relationships, not only with your children, but also with your friends. Navigating depression. Learning more about who you are apart from your child. Lessons that correlate in training dogs and raising children. And of course, Hector. He's a service dog who brings joy to some special kiddos each month, and he is cool enough to have his own Instagram. (@hectortheenglishmastiff)I hope you love our first Wild Card Guest as much as I did! From the feedback I've gotten so far, we may just have to do this again.

68 - finding your balance: stepping out of comfort zones and experiencing new things

This week, I chat with an inspiring mama named Katiya McKinney who says one of the most important things in her day-to-day life is finding her balance. We chat about how this looks different for us all, but for her, it means staying busy, taking on new projects, and always trying something new.
Katiya shares about a lesson she learned when she was 16 that has truly helped shape who she is today. She also opens up about getting out of her comfort zone, like when she spoke at her alma mater, and how important it is to set an example for her kids by embracing new experiences and showing them that the world doesn't revolve around them. We also dive into the challenges of being in the sandwich generation, juggling the care of aging parents and young kids.
This episode is full of wisdom and practical tips for any mom trying to find her balance. Tune in for some great insights and inspiration!

67 - navigating motherhood later: intentional parenting and self-compassion

When this week's guest, Valerie Grabowski, shared how being an "older parent" (her words) has led her to be more intentional in her parenting style, I knew it was a topic we had to dive into. While becoming a parent at a younger age used to be the norm, more and more adults are choosing to have kids later in life. Valerie gives us a glimpse into her journey, from meeting her husband (long before the days of Instagram, Facebook, and even Myspace!) to traveling and living in various places before welcoming their children. This episode is packed with valuable insights and nuggets of wisdom, so be sure to listen all the way to the end!Follow us on Instagram- @successfulmamapodcast

66 - embracing seasons: fitness, family, and entrepreneurial spirit

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of a mom who has worn many hats over the years. Meet our guest, Natalee Jean: a wife and dedicated mama of four boys, fitness enthusiast, podcaster, entrepreneur, teacher, and so much more. Natalee shares how her definition of success has evolved through different stages— from working in the corporate world, to owning and running a gym, to now focusing on her role as a stay-at-home mom and president of the PTSO (parent, teacher, student organization).
Join us as we explore her transition through various seasons, and how she is carrying lessons she learned forward to her next endeavors. A topic you won't want to miss- Natalee and her husband's creative way to bond and spend one-on-one time with their kids, . We'll also discuss how she's using her entrepreneurial background to teach and inspire young minds, helping them launch their own businesses through a unique vendor day event.
Whether you're balancing a career, family, or personal aspirations, this episode offers valuable insights into embracing the seasons of life and defining your success wherever you are right now.

65 - finishing summer strong: catching up, reflections, and what's to come

We're back!! I have missed you over these last few weeks, but this break has been good for my soul. Join me as I share some life updates and what we've been up to this summer, reflections from my time off (including on the podcast and on what I've deemed as stage 2 of motherhood), and some discussion on getting ready for fall.What have you been up to this summer? Are you in stage 2 of motherhood? I'd love to hear from you over on Instagram!  @successfulmamapodcast

replay - 16 - claiming a seat at the table: from childhood adversity to CEO

A troubled childhood didn't stop Demetria Horton from graduating with more degrees than anyone in her high school class and eventually building her own successful business. She isn’t afraid to get vulnerable and tell her story, and she shares of how those moments of adversity led her to become the person she is today. She has grown through her experiences as an individual, a business professional, a wife, and a mother and wants to spread the word that your circumstances don't define who you can become. Get ready to be inspired as you listen to Demetria share her story.

replay - 27 - through the lens of change: betting on dreams, pivoting with a surprise little one, and shifting seasons

Hey, Mama! I want you to meet Tiffany Crenshaw. She is a beautiful mama of three and the owner of Animal House Photography. (See what I did with the title? the "lens" of change? Because she's a photographer... clever, right? Ha!) I could've sat and talked with her all day... I did, actually and totally regretted not recording it all, because while everything we recorded was SO perfectly fitting for this podcast, there was so much we discussed that you would've loved. Now enough about what we didn't record. Let's talk about what we did capture. (See what I did again? Capture. Okay, I'll stop. Have I mentioned I love cheesy puns and dad jokes?)This week, we talk about the family move to a new city at the beginning of March in 2020, just a few days before the entire world shut down. Tiffany shares a fun story about an impulse buy that led to a flourishing business. We also chat about the family's journey through the beginning stages of foster care and adoption, only to find out that she was pregnant with a sweet little one. The themes of our conversation can be applied to so many different stages and happenings of motherhood, so I know you will take away something good from this episode.Make sure you're following along over on Instagram - @successfulmamapodcast

replay - 12 - paying off your home and decluttering your space

Lauren Hooper shares how she went from worrying about what others think and carrying $26,000 in student loans and $6000 in additional debt to now paying off her home in just a few years and helping others learn how to prioritize their finances. She talks on finding minimalism and how to go about doing the work of getting rid of excess. And don’t miss the toy challenge. You need this in your life. This episode is relevant for everyone, so grab your coffee and get ready to think more intentionally about your finances and belongings.

64 - understanding adhd: a therapist's path from parent to expert

In this week's episode, we chat with Stacey Gardner, a dedicated mom and therapist who turned her personal journey with her child's ADHD into a mission to educate and support others. After her son's diagnosis, Stacey sought out resources and eventually decided to go back to school to become a therapist, also earning special certification in ADHD. Now, she helps other parents and children navigate the complexities of ADHD with compassion and expertise.
Join us as Stacey shares her story and provides valuable insights into ADHD, highlighting the importance of education and awareness. Whether you're a parent dealing with ADHD in your family or simply interested in learning more, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement for all.Don't forget to follow us on Instagram: @successfulmamapodcast

63 - part 2 - big story, bigger impact: rising above the victim mindset

When I first connected with Sonya Bailor about joining the podcast, I knew her story included quitting her job to live in the hospital with her son during his battle with brain cancer. What I didn't realize was that this was just a small part of Sonya's incredible journey. In this compelling two-part series, Sonya opens up about her tumultuous childhood, marked by kidnapping, abuse, time in an orphanage, and foster care.
We dive into her experiences with house fires, trauma, motherhood, divorce, and faith, while also highlighting moments of joy and resilience. Sonya shares her deep fascination with personal growth and development and how it has shaped her life.
This series is not just about recounting past struggles; it's about focusing on the remarkable impact and strength found on the other side. Sonya’s story is a powerful reminder that the victim mentality does not have to define you.Follow along on Instagram: @successfulmamapodcast