The Successful Mama Podcast

62 - part 1- 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

61 - beauty in the trenches: embracing faith, grace, and aspirations in early motherhood

Some days in early motherhood, I wondered how I could take on anything else. When I met Kaitlin Chappell Rogers, I was immediately taken back to those early days when I realized how much we had in common, except that she was pursuing her goals in that season when I could barely keep my head above water. I don't say this to compare our journeys, but rather, to say how much I appreciate her honesty in this conversation. She compared these early years of motherhood to crawling in the trenches, but she reminds listeners that there is beauty, even on the ground. She shares the messy, along with the goodness that comes with motherhood. I also love how bold she is in sharing her faith as she tells her story.Whether you are living in this season now, or like me, you are taken back to this time frame to think of just how far you've come since then, I know you'll enjoy my conversation with Kaitlin. Want more? Make sure to check out her podcast, The Comeback Couch, where our roles were swapped, and I was able to be a guest. Plus so much other great content.Make sure you're following along on Instagram - @successfulmamapodcast.

60 - made for more

Are you ready for a season of more? May is crazy, but I couldn't help but feel like this was the message I needed to share this week. Join me as I walk you through 3 steps to help you move forward into more.

59 - from teen mom to team mom: shifting from solo to shared parenting

Navigating motherhood often means juggling the belief that we should handle everything ourselves. This week, we're joined by Sierra Holden, who opens up about her evolving journey through different layers of support. From the shock of becoming a mom at 17 and relying on her family and friends, to embracing partnership with her new husband in parenting, Sierra discusses the invaluable role of community in her life as a mother.
In our conversation, we also explore the challenges and surprises of introducing a second child into the family, revealing that what works for one child may not work for another. Sierra's insights as a young mom are both refreshing and enlightening.
Hit play now to dive into this heartfelt discussion with Sierra. Don't forget to leave us a review and share your thoughts!You can find show notes at successfulmamapodcast.com.And make sure you're following along over on Instagram.

58 - caring for the caregiver: cystic fibrosis, fostering child independence, and prioritizing personal well-being

In this week’s episode, we are joined by a mama on a mission of living a calm and joy-filled life, despite the challenges set before her. Jamie Roney shares about navigating motherhood with four children and the added stress and to-dos that come along with her daughter’s diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Not only does she pass along words of wisdom on methods to foster independence in children to raise productive and kind adults, but she also shares the profound lessons on how to prioritize caring for the caregiver. Her background as a Child Life Specialist and Montessori educator could have never prepared her for what was ahead, but Jamie has no doubt used her schooling to better her family and encourage other moms to do the same.Join us as we explore these themes and as Jamie shares specific strategies to help get your life in order (including a final challenge to start moving in the right direction). I have no doubt you’ll have some great takeaways in this conversation.
Check out the show notes at successfulmamapodcast.com.
Follow along on Instagram!

57 - cultural canvases: a mother’s tale of dance, art, and identity

In this week's episode, we delve into the colorful life of Rossina Boyer who bridges continents and cultures with her work. Born in Peru, she recounts her father moving to the U.S. when she was just a child, and after eight years of waiting, she and the rest of her family were finally able to join him. In the U.S., she found solace and community through Peruvian dance.
Her childhood and the challenges of immigrating forged her path to becoming a children’s book author, aiming to connect with others who share similar stories. After becoming a mother, art time with her daughter built a newfound passion for painting, eventually transforming it into a thriving career that now shapes her everyday life.
Whether you’re an art aficionado or a mom looking for inspiration on how to reconnect with your passions, this episode promises rich insights into how art and heritage can paint a path to community and self-discovery.
Join us as we explore the powerful ways in which personal history, culture, and the arts can influence parenting and personal growth. It’s a conversation that celebrates resilience and creativity - perfect for anyone looking to add a splash of color to their listening routine.Find show notes at successfulmamapodcast.com.Connect with us on Instagram! @successfulmamapodcast

56 - throwing clay, seeking self: highs and lows in parenting, pottery, marriage, and entrepreneurship

Have you seen a mesmerizing video of an artist sitting in front of a pottery wheel with a ball of clay? To me, it’s virtually impossible to not get sucked in as they mold it into something beautiful. This week’s guest is Jordyn Brummett, and she shares her journey from childhood to motherhood to owning her own pottery studio (The Vessel in Huntsville, AL), and how she herself has been molded along the way.Jordyn talks about losing herself in motherhood and rediscovering that part of who she is that was there all along… an artist with a need to create. In her desire to fund her hobby and build a community, she went from idea to opening a studio in just 8 months. I love her willingness to share the real truth behind highs and lows of her story and the importance of prioritizing her family’s values and needs.You’re going to love this episode and take away so many great reminders, not limited to the necessity for self care, finding balance, and building a stronger marriage after walking through challenges together.Find the show notes at successfulmamapodcast.com.Follow us on Instagram! @successfulmamapodcast

55 - beyond the big moments: finding joy in the journey and beauty in the ordinary

We all could use a refresher from time to time, right? I know that you know the ideas I'm sharing this episode and have likely heard them before, but I needed the reminder this month, and my guess is you might could stand to hear it too.This episode, we take a heartfelt look into the seemingly mundane moments of motherhood that, in truth, form the foundation of our most cherished milestones. It's an invitation to pause and find the extraordinary within the ordinary, to appreciate the beauty in the everyday chaos of parenting.
We delve into the concept of the arrival fallacy, challenging the notion that happiness is always on the horizon, and instead, celebrate finding joy in the present. I hope that no matter the season you’re in, this episode will give you a positive takeaway that you can remind yourself of regularly.Remember, you can always find show notes at successfulmamapodcast.com.Make sure you're following over on Instagram!

54 - here for the food: nurturing a love for local through taste

This week on the podcast brings my friend and fellow food lover, Rachel Brown. You may also know Rachel as the Rocket City Dietitian! One of my favorite things about Rachel is not just that she knows the best places to check out in town, but she's also passionate about supporting local businesses and using her platform to connect them with food enthusiasts like us! I have learned of so many great spots from her and now know that it is best to request a table by the window in order to get the best shot of my food. We dive into how on Earth she managed to restaurant hop as she launched her food-blogging journey with tiny kiddos in tow, as we all know what a nightmare it can be to try to dine out with littles. Rachel also shares her thoughts on getting started on social media and a bit more about her area of expertise as a licensed dietitian who specializes in diabetes education and insulin pump training.For show notes, check out successfulmamapodcast.com. And make sure you're following on Instagram!

53 - saying no to say yes: prioritizing time for dreams of writing

Have you ever thought of being selfish as a positive thing? Our guest this episode is Georgina Cross, a bestselling author who shares how moms need to take back the word “selfish” and shift our perspective a bit. By making her time a priority, channeling her energy wisely, and dedicating herself actually doing the work, she hit her goal of publishing her first book — all while navigating single motherhood. She then went on to publish five more (with another in the works!) and was able to leave her job to write full time. None of this would have been possible without taking those first steps of saying no to other activities and yes to herself. This conversation with Georgina will encourage you, whether you are an aspiring author, you have a hobby that might one day be a career, or you simply love a good story. I walked away from our conversation inspired and with a list of takeaways. (And if you love a good thriller, make sure to pick up a copy of one of Georgina’s books! I really enjoyed Nanny Needed.) Also, make sure you are following along on instagram.com/successfulmamapodcast !