The Successful Mama Podcast

11 - adapting when things don’t go as expected

This week, our guest Darra Varlas shares her story on acclimatizing to motherhood, building her cupcake-turned-cookie business, and navigating an unexpected homeschool journey. In each of these situations, she has had to adjust and create something beautiful out of the unexpected.

10 - how emptying my coffee maker changed my life

In this solo episode, I revisit the days when my boys were tiny and life was completely overwhelming. I talk about how the simple act of emptying out the soggy grounds each day acted as a catalyst for change in my life.donate to Mady's family

9 - embracing motherhood and building a successful MLM business

Carla Taggart joins the podcast this week, where we discuss her transition from thinking she'd never have kids to loving life so much more after becoming a mother. We chat about her Rodan + Fields business and the stigma around direct sales and MLMs. Carla and her husband are reading through James Clear's Atomic Habits together, so we also discussed mindset shift and building positive habits. She also co-hosts a podcast called Bizzy Moms with her longtime friend, Kristin Pippin.

8 - valuing education and setting an example for your kids to model

Dr. Kuan Collins joins the Successful Mama podcast this week. From growing up in Saudi Arabi (and a wild story about getting arrested by the religious police as a teen) to her education and career journey while mothering two boys, her story will keep you entertained and encourage you along the way.show notes

7 - sharing joy and compassion through mending

What a joy it was to sit and chat with this magician for well-loved (and sometimes very damaged) stuffed animals. Nicole Adams from the Stuffed Animal Clinic of Madison joins the podcast this week and talks about how her childhood lovey played such a huge role in her life, which led to a way she could serve her community and bring a little happiness to those around her.
 
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6 – redefining success after an unexpected diagnosis

This week, I sit down with my friend Jamie To, the host of Mad City Moms Podcast. With a new home town, a new business, and a new baby, Jamie felt a lump in her breast that quickly turned everything upside down. She shares her journey in learning about herself, about the value of friendships, and how her definition of success shifted dramatically.
 
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5 - deciding to change and creating space with habits

When I looked around, I realized my life was not what I wanted it to be. I was constantly repeating this cycle of anger, frustration, overwhelm, shame, guilt, anxiety, and depression. I knew there had to be more to life than this, and I wanted to live in a way that was modeling success for my boys.
In this episode, I share my story and how small habits have helped me create change during my most chaotic season.
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4 - shoot for the moon: finding a job and overcoming imposter syndrome

Guest Marcia Lindstrom joins the Successful Mama Podcast this week and shares her story, including years at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to now leading the Strategic Communications Team for NASA’s Space Launch System. She shares insight on finding a job, asking for a raise, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

3 - when your path prepares you to start your business

In this episode of Successful Mama, Erica DeSpain (All Things Madison) shares how a blind date led to becoming a military wife. Blogging about her life helped keep her busy and prepared her for what was ahead- a business serving local businesses and residents through storytelling.

2 - seeking vulnerability and finding the right fit

On this episode of the Successful Mama Podcast, Shalyssa Russell shares how she is showing up for her girls, her husband, and herself by seeking change in therapy. She shares her passion for singing, cooking, cleaning, and her new business as a virtual assistant.