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Show Summary
Even though Zibby Owens told us that her career never really made sense to her until very recently, there has been one common thread: After a tragedy, Zibby decided that whatever she was doing had to be worth dying for. That guiding principal has shaped everything she’s done since.
Anyone with a varied career history, and multiple passion projects, will immediately connect with Zibby. She joined us to talk about how her career has evolved, and how she decides what to pursue. We also talked through some nuts & bolts, including how Zibby manages her time.
Our conversation included a Mom &… Podcast favorite: values. Caffeine, B12, and the knowledge that our time here is not infinite, all drive Zibby to keep creating and keep going. With that drive, however, there are some challenges. Zibby told us about how she’s had to reevaluate her values recently in order to make time for her physical health.
More About Zibby Owens
Zibby Owens is a mom and.. author, podcaster, publisher, and CEO. Zibby founded Zibby Owens Media, a privately-held media company designed to help busy people live their best lives by connecting to books and each other. One division is Moms Don’t Have Time To, the home for Zibby’s podcasts, publications (including two anthologies), and communities. The other is Zibby Books, a publishing home for fiction and memoir which she co-founded with Leigh Newman. Her award-winning podcast, Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books, has been downloaded millions of times. She is a regular columnist for Good Morning America, Katie Couric Media, and Moms Don’t Have Time to Write on Medium. Her upcoming memoir, Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, comes out July 1st. Her first children’s book Princess Charming (Flamingo/Penguin Random House) debuts April 19th, and will be followed by a second. She lives in New York with her husband and four children.
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How You Can Advocate for Voting Rights
Mar 28, 2022
Show notes
March 25, 2022 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 63 / Guests: Shellie Hayes-McMahon and Crystal Mason
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Show Summary
Shellie Hayes-McMahon and Crystal Mason joined us this week to talk about advocacy and education around voter’s rights and voter suppression. On the Mom &… Podcast we frequently talk about how much influence moms have, and this week’s guests are two incredible examples of this influence.
We talked about convoluted laws and complicated processes that make it difficult – and often impossible – for all people to vote. Crystal shared her story of being arrested and jailed for casting a provisional ballot. Shellie encouraged us to get involved at a local level, to learn the laws and rules, and listen to women of color. She implored us to educate ourselves and then speak out. We talked about ways to get involved – starting with voting – and eliminate voter suppression and voter intimidation.
This episode left us reeling, and more than a little angry. And yet, we are encouraged by advocates and champions like Shellie and Crystal. Change is not going to come easily, but if enough of us speak up (and… vote!), change can happen.
More about Shellie
Shellie is a fierce advocate for women from all walks of life stepping into roles of power. Currently Deputy Director of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes. Shellie was Director of Operations for Annie’s List, is Co- President for Political Action of Black Austin Democrats, Senior Advisor and Treasurer for the Williamson County Democratic Party and a Williamson County Precinct Chair. Shellie sits on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Texas and the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute. She is a 2020 Leadership Austin Graduate, 2020-21 NLC Mentor, and an Ordained Minister. Shellie is a frequent political contributor for Pink Granite and The Rabble. Before joining Planned Parenthood Texas Votes Shellie spent 30 years in Management, as well as running for office in 2018. Her belief is that the most vulnerable in our society must be protected and the best way to do that is by electing more pro-choice, progressive women to office.
More About Crystal
Crystal Mason is the founder of “Crystal Mason The Fight” foundation. The foundation is dedicated to fighting against voter suppression. She has a personal story of trials, tribulation and triumph, and through that story, she has become the face of Voter’s Suppression. In
2016, Crystal did what any noble American would do: she cast her vote at the ballot box hoping to be the change that she wants to see. Instead, she was given a five-year prison sentence after casting a provisional ballot that was ultimately rejected. Crystal is adored by her family, friends and colleagues. She is a mother, grandmother, and successful business owner. If asked who she is, Crystal will tell you, “I am a rehabilitated felon that believes
Crystal’s foundation is dedicated to helping felons who are transitioning back into the world. Specifically, Crystal’s goal is to offer education and guidance as it relates to voting rights. Crystal wants to ensure that all people know when they can vote, why they need to vote, and the importance of voting. Crystal helps teach people the importance of understanding who they are voting for, and having a good grasp on policy interpretation. Crystal’s motto in this fight is: “You are not defined by the word felon. You have a voice and with Crystal Mason the Fight your voice will be heard.”
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Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock.
The Parental Leave Playbook: Your Guide to Managing Career & Parenthood
Mar 17, 2022
Show notes
March 17, 2022 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 62 / Guests: Amy Beacom & Sue Campbell
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Show Summary
Amy Beacom and Sue Campbell were, like so many of us, completely taken aback by the enormity of transitioning from career to career-plus-parenthood. They met when their children were in elementary school, and together have brought the Center for Parental Leave Leadership to life. Amy and Sue saw this transition time as a missed opportunity for employers. Rather than being a negative, they saw a chance to support parents through this time, ultimately creating a stronger, healthier workforce.
We got to talk about parental leave policy, how to prepare for leave, and how to make the most of your career when it’s time to reenter the workforce. The Center for Parental Leave Leadership has created the first transition assessment that is evidence-based and academically grounded. This is so exciting for parents and employers alike! The Center is pioneering coaching and programs that help parents through the entire transition from the moment you discover you’ll be a parent, through leave, and back into work mode.
Amy and Sue’s work helps parents advocate for themselves. We live in a time of options, but sometimes it’s hard to SEE those options. Through coaching, and through their book, The Parental Leave Playbook, Amy and Sue are giving us the tools we need in order to get back to work. The book is a fantastic tool for parents at any phase. You can learn the 10 touchpoints to transition smoothly, strengthen your family, and continue building your career.
Note: There was so much to talk about that we blew right through our Look, Listen, Learn time! Catch us next week for new LLLs.
More About The Book
The Parental Leave Playbook helps parents take control of their leave and make the most of what’s considered a career time-out, but is actually a vital “time-in” for your work and life. If you’re an expecting or new parent concerned about how your leave and return plans will affect your visibility, candidacy for promotion, work relationships, and performance (not to mention your identity and home life), this book will serve as a parental leave coach in your hands to guide you into the smoothest transition possible. Most importantly, this book will help you as you grow and strengthen yourself and your family while remaining a professional. If you are a leader or supervisor this book will give you insight into the employee experience and help you manage this complex timeframe from a place of understanding, confidence, and skill.
Dr. Amy Beacom is the founder and CEO of the Center for Parental Leave Leadership, the first full service consultancy in the US to focus exclusively on parental leave. She conceived of and began developing the field of parental leave coaching and consulting in 2006. Drawing on over 25 years in executive leadership development and coaching, Amy consults with Fortune 100 companies, international organizations, working parents, and more to transform the way our companies and our country engage with the parental leave transition. Amy is also the co-author of The Parental Leave Playbook: Ten Touchpoints to Transition Smoothly, Strengthen Your Family, and Continue Building Your Career (Wiley, 2021).
More About Sue
Sue Campbell is a writer, author, and coach who has worked with the Center for Parental Leave Leadership since its early days, helping to communicate the transformative impact of their core mission. Her writing, often focused on issues important to parents, has been published in many outlets, including Prevention, Good Housekeeping, Scary Mommy, and Mamalode.
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Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock.
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Show Summary
It’s bonus day! We have nothing to add to your paycheck, but we do have something valuable. In this episode, we got to talk with our friend, Amber Leventry, about how to be advocates and allies for the LGBTQIA+ community. Here in Texas, and across the country, legislators are creating dangerous anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and policies – It’s more important than ever for quiet allies to begin raising their voices and showing up to school board meetings, rallies, and the voting booth to defend the rights of our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors.
The first step is getting informed, and Amber is one of our favorite sources of information. Amber noticed a gap in both parenting spaces and queer spaces: either parenting, but not a lot of queer parents, or queer and not a lot of parenting. They started writing content that meshed these two spaces. As the parent of a transgender child, Amber is also able to tell their story to help educate and support other families.
We talked about pronouns, social-emotional learning, advocacy in education, and more.
Informed Parents of Austin (a Private Facebook group for Austin-area parents who want to support LGBTQIA+ students, and comprehensive sex ed)
More About Amber
Amber Leventry is a queer, nonbinary writer and advocate. They live in Vermont and have three kids. Amber is Editor of Trends & News at Parents Magazine. Their writing appears in many publications including Scary Mommy, Romper, Longreads, The Temper, The Washington Post, and Parents Magazine.
Amber uses their words to influence and educate people on the importance of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. They provide LGBTQIA+ inclusivity trainings locally and nationally. They are also available to give keynote speeches at conferences and events.
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Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock.
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Show Summary
Ericka Sóuter started out writing celebrity news, but becoming a mother changed her, and ultimately, changed her career.
She wrote How to Have a Kid and a Life: A Survival Guide, a book that came out of her work around the idea of redefining motherhood. Our conversation included discussion of the “mom gene,” and whether there are some universal truths for all mothers.
Anyone who has parented will relate to our conversations about being touched out, and wishing we’d been able to be honest with ourselves – and others – about what we were going through. We talk about friendships, relationships with our partners, expectations, and more. One of our favorite Ericka gems is: You deserve to be at the top of your to-do list.
Ericka’s work is all about helping us achieve that honesty, and she has developed six questions that we should all be asking to help ourselves have children and have lives. What? You thought we were putting those in the show notes? You have to listen for the details.
More About Ericka Sóuter
Ericka Sóuter is a nationally recognized voice in the realm of parenting news and parenting advice, regularly featured on Good Morning America. She is author of How to Have a Kid and a Life: A Survival Guide, which explores the 21st Century parenting dilemma: when did being a good mom become synonymous with giving up everything that makes you, you? Her work also appears on Parents.com, Mom.com, CafeMom, The Bump and What To Expect, all high traffic parenting sites that reach millions of moms each month. It’s her job to speak to parents across the country to stay on top of the issues, controversies and trends most affecting families today.
A journalist with over 20 years of experience, she has been on staff at both People Magazine and Us Weekly where she has written cover stories on everything from the Sexiest Man Alive to the untimely death of Michael Jackson. Before becoming a magazine writer, Ms. Sóuter took a short detour into the world of advertising, accepting a post at the Chicago based agency Leo Burnett as an account executive on the Kellogg’s account. Her ad world claim to fame: she was on the team that created the talking Frosted Mini-Wheat.
Ericka received a Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown University and a Master of Science from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has also written for WebMD, Self, Cosmopolitan, Cosmo for Latinas, Essence and Huffington Post. A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, she currently lives in Manhattan with her college sweetheart husband, Caleb, and sons Lex and Aidan.
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Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock.
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Show Summary
Tipsy Ellipses is a monthly bonus episode that we record via Facebook Live. This month’s live recording took place on Tuesday, March 1, and featured guest Amy Impellizzeri.
Amy is a reformed corporate litigator, former start-up executive, and award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction. Amy’s upcoming novel, IN HER DEFENSE, releasing May 2022, is her sixth novel and the first in a new legal drama series. Amy is a Tall Poppy Writer, a past President of the Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association, a 2018 Writer-In-Residence at Ms-JD.org, recipient of Ms. JD’s Road Less Traveled Award, faculty member in Drexel University’s MFA in Creative Writing Program, and a frequently invited speaker at legal conferences and writing workshops. Connect with Amy at www.amyimpellizzeri.com.
Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love?
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Musical NotesOur delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock.
Quit Your Day Job (or Come Live Vicariously Through the 40 Year Old Intern)
Mar 03, 2022
Show notes
March 3, 2022 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 60 / Guest: Alisha Fernandez Miranda
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Show Summary
Alisha Fernandez Miranda has had a lot of brilliant ideas and great jobs. One of her most creative ideas was to intern at some of the jobs she considered dream jobs, and then write about the experiences. This wild, wonderful idea became a book that will be published by Zibby Books in 2023, and then a podcast on the Zcast Podcast Productions, Quit Your Day Job.
We talked about her career journey, what it’s like to be a 40-year-old intern, and embracing new ventures. If you’ve ever wondered what if…? (and really, who has not?) this is the episode for you!
More About Alisha Fernandez Miranda
Alisha Fernandez Miranda is a Miami-born, Scotland-based writer, entrepreneur, ex-CEO and mom of twins. Her memoir will be published by Zibby Books in 2023. It details her year of unpaid internships in the dream jobs of her childhood, following Alisha on her quest to figure out what might have happened if her life had taken a different path.
Alisha is Cuban-American and has spent her adult life in New York and London. An expat in the UK for almost 15 years, she is currently based in Scotland.
In addition to being an intern, Alisha is the ex-CEO and current Chair at I.G. Advisors, an award-winning social impact intelligence agency that consults to the world’s biggest non-profits, companies and foundations on their philanthropy and social impact. She counts among her clients the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation and UN Women. She speaks and writes regularly on women’s empowerment, social impact and sustainability.
Alisha also built and launched an app called Not My Style, focused on sustainable fashion and is an advisor to economic research firm Fideres. She’s a proud graduate of Harvard University and the London School of Economics.
When she’s not interning or in the middle of yet another lockdown, Alisha loves to travel, watch Gilmore Girls, be served coffee in bed by her adoring/long-suffering husband, and hide from her 10-year old twins when they want to play Pokemon. Her writing has been published in Romper, InsiderThe Good Trade, Grazia, Moms Don’t Have Time to Write,Huffington Post, HerStry and Waterproof, an anthology published in 2021.
Topics From This Episode (Complete transcript is available below… scroll to the bottom!)
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Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock.
The Sandwich Generation – Practicing Self-Care While Caring for Everyone Around You
Feb 24, 2022
Show notes
February 24, 2022 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 59 / Guest: Kay Newton, The Midlife Strategist
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Show Summary
Kay Newton is The Midlife Strategist, focusing on simplicity and support to help women find their spark in this new phase. She shared her story, including how she took a ship from her home in northern England to Spain, and never looked back.
We talked about taking chances and seizing opportunities that come our way. Kay doesn’t see herself as a coach, as she’s not out to fix you. Instead, her goal is to help you strategize ways to be the best YOU, overcoming the obstacles and embracing the opportunities.
Kay explained her Table of Life Toolkit (get it on her website!) and schooled us on the beauty of coddiwomple. You have to listen for the details on that one! We also talked about what it’s like to be in the sandwich generation, caring for both our children and our aging parents. Kay is full of wisdom, and said several things that we’d like to embroider on a pillow. Or tattoo on our foreheads. We hope you’ll walk away with some wise words to tattoo on hearts.
More About Kay
Kay loves to inspire people around the world to live midlife on their terms, full of fun and vigor.
As a Midlife Strategist and author, Kay is passionate about simplicity. She loves to create and hold space where an individual or group can master their own purpose in life. No magic, weird stuff, pills or potions, just plain practical down to earth, common-sense.
Kay loves beach-combing for plastic, walking the Mallorcan mountains, and expanding her own horizons, which in turn she shares with others. She has practiced Tai-Chi for over ten years, loves her family ferociously, and adores creating yummy nutritional food for whoever happens to be at the table.
Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love?
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Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock.
Get Strong – Mentally and Physically (and at Your Own Pace)
Feb 17, 2022
Show notes
February 17, 2022 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 58 / Guests: Ashlee Brandt, Robin Winkles of STRONG by Ash B
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Show Summary
This week we’re veering ever so slightly out of our usual career-focused lane, but trust us when we tell you there is a reason. One of the goals of the Mom &… Podcast is to build up the whole person, hence focusing on those dot, dot, dots. We want moms to be ready for whatever comes their way in their careers and lives, and we believe that mental and physical health are closely tied to successfully navigating work and family.
We invited the founder of STRONG by Ash B, and the Ash B Cardio Coach, to tell us about their own career journeys. We love hearing about the paths other women take to finding their passions.
We also asked them to share their program and why it works. Hint: Ashlee Brandt and Robin Winkles are committed to coaching the whole person. Mental well-being is a huge part of what they do, in addition to daily workouts designed to help their members get strong.
More About Ashlee
Ashlee is a mom &… founder of STRONG by Ash B, a certified personal trainer, and certified nutrition coach. She started her program after years of trying to balance living life while maintaining her health. She’s known for her love of margaritas and chicken wings, being honest about her struggles, and throwing out the occasional 4-letter word during workouts. Ashlee believes that everyone, no matter their age, weight, or past experience with exercise & nutrition, can create a healthy lifestyle.
The STRONG program focuses on mental health and confidence, better preparing participants to tackle the physical challenge of getting – and staying – healthy. Ashlee lives with her husband and two children in a rural area (farm country) about an hour east of Kansas City, MO.
More About Robin
Robin is a mom &… certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and photographer. She joined STRONG by Ash B as a member in December 2020, and immediately fell in love with everything about Ashlee’s approach to fitness and nutrition. She now leads cardio and core workouts for STRONG by Ash B members.
Robin is raising two amazing young women, and a small home zoo that includes an 8-pound Yorkie, an 18-pound Siamese, a 7-pound foster fail cat with her own Instagram page, and a sweet and sassy bearded dragon. When not in the cardio room, Robin follows people around with her camera as a professional photographer, specializing in graduating seniors, families, and a special girl empowerment project for tween and teen girls.
Topics From This Episode (Complete transcript is available below… scroll to the bottom!)
Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love?
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Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock.
Career Sequel – Identify & Develop Your Strengths During a Career Break
Feb 10, 2022
Show notes
Career Sequel: Identify & Develop Strengths During Career Breaks
February 10, 2022 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 57 / Guest: Lee Koles, PhD, CareerSequel
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Show Summary
Lee started the show by comparing us to Oprah. So that’s it. We have to retire on that note.
Just kidding. We’re never retiring, and the show only got better from there!
We talked about what it feels like to leave your career, even when it’s your choice, and quickly forget all of your marketable skills. So much of what we do during career breaks is unpaid work, and we don’t remember that it still counts.
Lee helps moms see themselves for the skilled, valuable contributors they are. She knows how to identify strengths and develop them. She talked with us about what that looks like for her clients, and how listeners can learn to position themselves when going back to work. We discussed tactics, like intentional volunteerism that will add to your skill set, to help stay relevant during a career break.
More About Lee Koles
Lee is the founder of CareerSequel, where she works one-on-one with moms, helping them bridge their career gaps to land flexible, meaningful work they love. Lee also hosts the weekly “CareerSequel: The Return to Work Podcast” where she shares job search tips and strategies – everything from networking (without hating it), to resume and LinkedIn strategy, to building confidence and acing your interviews. She’s a firm believer that everyone deserves to find a job that fits their life.
Lee spent 25 years in the DC-area and has now settled in Toledo, OH. She and her husband have a 19-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter.
Topics From This Episode (Complete transcript is available below… scroll to the bottom!)
Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love?
Leave us a message – via voicemail or use our form – with your questions for experts, or suggestions for future episodes.
Check out our website, where you can find links to all the things!
Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock.
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