The Bizzimumzi Podcast

Latest Episodes:

E10: "Starting out Anonymous to then creating a huge brand" with CEO of the Fit Body App, Anna Victoria Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

This week on The Bizzimumzi Podcast Ashley is joined in conversation by Anna Victoria, the CEO of the Fit Body App. In this episode, they talk about the life story of Anna. Anna shares what she had to go through during her college life in order to be financially independent on her own from the day she turned 18 years old and how she juggled working full time while studying. She even shares the travelling days with her husband, and what amazing life lessons that period taught her, especially from being around many varied different cultures.

On the parenting side of things, Anna talks about the experiences she had during childbirth, the difficulties of undergoing a caesarean operation, the difficult recovery stage, and even how she navigated her business and brand during that time as well. As you will hear in this episode, mindset is key for Anna and she talks about creating your own reality by believing in yourself and putting yourself out there; and she reveals why she thinks it is really hard to do that during a postpartum time period.

Click the link now to get our exclusive listener offer from our friends at Ready, Set, Jet and don’t forget to use the listener-only code ‘Bizzi30’ when you checkout to get 30% off your purchase.

In this show you will hear:

Anna thoughts on social media
The importance of food and health
The treatments and methods used to get pregnant
The journey of brand and business development
About being fearless and stopping thinking about what other people are thinking

This show is lovingly supported by the fabulous Ready, Set, Jet. So you can discover why we are such super fans of Ready Set Jet’s products the team over there have created an exclusive deal just for Bizzimumzi podcast listeners, so when you click the link in the show notes right now, you can get 30% off their amazing Beauty Batons which are three skincare and makeup sticks that can replace your whole makeup bag - trust us Bizzimumzi’s, you will love these.

Click HERE right now and don’t forget to use the listener-only code ‘Bizzi30’ when you checkout to get 30% off your purchase. See how Ready Set Jet’s amazing range can inspire you to “Live In Your Skin, Transform Your World.”

The Bizzimumzi Podcast is brought to you by coffee-infused host Ashley Verma. This show is created to share all the ups, downs and all arounds of being a mom, owning a successful business and truly managing being an un-single single mom, attempting to balance all aspects of family life!

Each week Ashley will be joined by a fellow inspiring, thriving and surviving Bizzimumzi - who will share their own journey. This podcast is your weekly opportunity to take a deep breath as we try to navigate the wild world of parenting; think of this podcast as the safe space where we are not too hard on ourselves, we share our humility and relish in overcoming the inevitable failures that simply happen. This is a show for those Mom’s that are not trying to be shiny and filtered. This is a podcast for those who are unapologetically, at their best and worst, Bizzimumzi’s!

E9: "Lets talk about Sex and the Pelvic Floor" with Master Pilates Trainer & Creator of the Belle Method, Nikki Bergen Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

This week on The Bizzimumzi Podcast Ashley is joined in conversation by Nikki Bergen, Master Pilates Trainer, and creator of the Belle Method. Nikki, a very busy mum to two little ones, is an expert on pre-postnatal care. She talks with Ashley about the things that some women, including herself, go through during pregnancy. She also shares about a group of pregnant women that were going through fertility treatments. She remembers shoving back tears, shaking, and being so anxious to share because she wasn’t sure what reaction she would get, but at that moment, it was like the weight of the world was lifted off her shoulders.

In this show you will hear:

About the pelvic floor and how it can be affected by pregnancy and childbirth. Ashley and Nikki talk about how pilates and pelvic health exercises have helped them and others with their pelvic floor issues.
How Rectus Abdominis impacts a pregnant person's life. Nikki explains that it’s basically when your abdominals stretch and thin to make room for a growing baby.
Postpartum and misconceptions surrounding the subject. They also discuss the importance of doing specific pregnancy-friendly training rather than full cardio.
About Nikki’s IVF (in vitro fertilisation) journey. She talks about why some people would have to go through fertility treatments and why she went through with it.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy and why it’s needed. They talk about the specifics of what happens during intercourse that can result in pelvic floor issues.

Key Takeaways:

Education on pelvic floor issues, rectus abdominis and IVF should be more prevalent so that women should not have to suffer in silence.
When women talk about their pregnancy struggles and experiences, they are not looking for unsolicited advice; they would much rather you listen and sympathise with them.

Resources

Nikki Bergen LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Ashley Verma LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

E8: "As if we are not worried enough when expecting... Understanding Gestational Diabetes" with Nutritionist and Lactation Counselor, Leslee Flannery Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

This week on The Bizzimumzi Podcast Ashley is joined in conversation by Leslee Flannery, a nutritionist and lactation counsellor. Leslee talks about her 12-year-old and 4.5-year-old sons. She shares that she is the only female in their household. She had an easy, pleasant pregnancy and was never sick. She has worked with pregnant women for her entire career as a registered dietician. The first five years, she worked in a government-funded program called WIC in the US, providing women, infants, and children with nutrition education. Leslee was also diagnosed with gestational diabetes and also talks about how she navigates it with her health and the progression of pregnancy.

In this show you will hear:

How Leslee came to specialise in gestational diabetes. Leslee talks about how she felt that these women needed more support and the misinformation being spread needed to stop.
Challenges that women with gestational diabetes face with regard to their nutrition and blood sugar. She wanted to know and do more for these women after working with a gestational diabetic mom.
The testing process for gestational diabetes. It involves imbibing drinks of various sugar levels, testing your blood sugar and other screenings.
Leslee gives advice on maintaining a healthy pregnancy once you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This involves balancing your carbohydrate, fat, fibre and protein intake, spacing out meals thoroughly and staying hydrated.
Tips to navigate through and handle life with gestational diabetes, including managing your diet and stress level.

This show is lovingly supported by the fabulous Ready, Set, Jet. So you can discover why we are such super fans of Ready Set Jet’s products the team over there have created an exclusive deal just for Bizzimumzi podcast listeners, so when you click the link in the shownotes right now, you can get 30% off their amazing Beauty Batons which are three skincare and makeup sticks that can replace your whole makeup bag - trust us Bizzimumzi’s, you will love these.

Quote from Host: “I just found when I got to 25 to 30 weeks, my mental state shifted drastically. Minor things really got to me and then big things just kind of roll off my back.”

Key Takeaways:

There are many misconceptions about gestational diabetes and Leslee ensured that women with this condition got the required information and support.
Several practices, such as the test for gestational diabetes, can be flawed and need to be upgraded.

Resources

Leslee Flannery Twitter

Ashley Verma LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

E7: "Finding a Renewed Body" with Celebrity Trainer and creator of Body by Simone, Simone De La Rue Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

This week on The Bizzimumzi Podcast Ashley is joined in conversation by Simone De La Rue, celebrity trainer and creator of Body by Simone. Simone talks about her renewed outlook on herself, both body and mind, after she had Oscar, her child. She shares that being a dancer and then being in fitness, her body has always been her tool. She had always been fit and in shape and she had taken that for granted. Then she had a c-section giving birth to Oscar, and she couldn't even sit up out of bed the first couple of days. It took two weeks to walk around the block. She also talks about what it must feel like to start a fitness journey for someone who's never exercised and who hasn't eaten well. She shares how exercise and just being physically fit helps you overcome depression.

Click the link to get our exclusive listener offer from my friends at Fabletics

In this show you will hear:

Simone talks about starting her fitness journey from scratch after giving birth. She refers to it as renewing her commitment to her body and what it was like to start fresh and see her body in a new light.
Juggling business, pandemic, and motherhood and the toll it took on her emotional and mental health.
The advantages that came with the pandemic and Zoom meetings. She shares stories about the times she would have to be in Zoom meetings whilst breastfeeding her baby, as well as other times she had to multitask.
How hormones have affected her life after pregnancy and birth. Even now Simone talks about wondering if she is premenopausal or if it’s still the hormones from giving birth taking their time to level out.
Mental and spiritual blocks that prevent you from being your best self. When you set goals and take small steps to improve yourself, you gradually become the best version of yourself.

This show is lovingly supported by the fabulous Fabletics. Not only are they supporting the podcast but to support you, our Bizzimumzi's, they've also created a special 'listener only deal' which is 2 Pairs of beautiful leggings for just £24. Trust us, your legs will thank you for this one Bizzimumzi's! For more info and to grab this exclusive offer from my friends at Fabletics head to Fabletics

Key Takeaways:

After giving birth, most women view their bodies differently.
Regaining confidence and bringing yourself back to normalcy after giving birth will take time.

Resources

Simone De La Rue Instagram | Facebook

Ashley Verma LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

E6: "Five Days in the Bed, Five Days Around the Bed & Five Days around the house" with Maxim Magazine Cover Model, Chase Carter May 24, 2022

Show notes

This week on The Bizzimumzi Podcast Ashley is joined in conversation by Chase Carter. Chase Carter is a Bahamian model who has worked with many renowned brands like Pink (Victoria's Secret), Polo Ralph Lauren, Maybelline, and Philipp Plein. She has appeared in V and Galore magazines. In this episode, Chase shares how and when she found out that she was pregnant. She had a challenging pregnancy but still chose a natural birth. Being nervous in hospitals, Chase experienced anxiety whenever she went for a check-up and then decided to have a home birth. She went through “pre-partum” depression but chose to focus on the positive - gratitude and appreciation for life. She feels great and she feels free.

Click the link to get our exclusive listener offer from my friends at Fabletics

In this show you will hear:

Chase talks about the struggles of her pregnancy. Depression, irregular sleeping patterns, nausea, and throwing up were some of the challenges she faced during her pregnancy.
The general feeling about contractions. To her the first few felt like really bad period cramps.
Chase’s experience going into labour. She was still active 36 hours after her water broke, and was in labour for 9.5 hours.
Why you should cherish the first few days at home with your baby; they are the most precious moments that you will never get back.

Key Takeaways:

Each person’s pregnancy experience is different; some people find it more challenging than others.
New motherhood is an indescribable feeling and mothers should cherish their first few moments with their babies.

Resources

Chase Carter Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Ashley Verma LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

E5: A Mom's power is never dimmed or ever Dunn" with the ever Iconic Supermodel, Jourdan Dunn May 17, 2022

Show notes

This week on The Bizzimumzi Podcast Ashley is joined in conversation by Jourdan Dunn, a British model. Jourdan was discovered in Hammersmith Primark in 2006 and signed to The Squad Management in London. She began appearing on international runways in early 2007. In February 2008, she was the first black model to walk a Prada runway in over a decade. In this episode, Ashley talks about how a mom's power is never dimmed or ever Dunn. You will hear Ashley talk about her daughter finding her own voice and how she’s really proud of her. Jourdan shares her experience at a girl’s retreat vacation and why she really needed that trip. You will hear about when Jourdan found out she was pregnant. You will also hear about her experience with a psychic. Jourdan also talks about her mom and her support system, and how she deals with negative comments.

Click the link to get our exclusive listener offer from my friends at Fabletics

In this show you will hear:

Jourdan’s entire pregnancy journey. She also speaks about modelling while eight months pregnant.
When Jourdan found out she was pregnant and how she reacted. She talks about having to hide it from her family during their trip to Jamaica, and what that was like for her.
Jourdan talks about having to deal with negative comments being in the industry and how she managed to tune them out. She shares how scared she was, especially after finding out about her pregnancy, of how the public would view her.
She praises her mom and talks about their strong bond. She says that it’s their close relationship which inspired her the most to become a great mother.
She talks about parenting styles, and the books she read while raising her son.

Key Takeaways:

Parenting is about not projecting onto your children and letting them be their authentic selves.
Negative comments are much easier to deal with knowing that the people behind the screens do not know you directly.

Resources

Jourdan Dunn Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Ashley Verma LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

E4: "Finding inner strength and peace when your birth story doesn't go to plan" with top UK Nutritionist , Rhiannon Lambert May 10, 2022

Show notes

This week on The Bizzimumzi Podcast Ashley is joined in conversation by Rhiannon Lambert. Rhiannon is a Registered Nutritionist and founder of the leading nutrition clinic Rhitrition. After releasing her debut bestseller Re-Nourish: A Simple Way to Eat Well, Rhiannon transitioned from author to podcast host and is the creator of chart-topping health podcast Food for Thought. Registered with the Association for Nutrition (RNutr), Rhiannon has a first-class Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Health and a Master's in Obesity, Risks, and Prevention. She is also a Master Practitioner in eating disorders and obesity.

This episode talks about the ups, downs, and all-around of being a mom. Rhiannon shares what she has been through during childbirth: the pressure on herself and the fear she experienced. She became delusional and traumatised. She sought a therapist and learned grounding techniques to cope with what she was going through at that time. She wanted to make this podcast episode to support other mothers out there, those who are juggling family life, work-life, health, and everything else that they attempt to cram into their day.

Click the link to get our exclusive listener offer from my friends at Fabletics

In this show you will hear:

Rhiannon shares the challenges she faced during childbirth, from being induced to an emergency C section.
Rhiannon gives some tips to new moms and anyone dealing with mental health issues, on navigating them if they don’t have the luxury of booking therapy sessions.
Why it’s important to be aware of your emotions and acknowledge that you need help and should possibly visit a therapist.
Positive approaches and advice for busy mothers. They also talk about the importance of not overthinking milestones and letting your child grow at their own pace.

and relish in overcoming the inevitable failures that simply happen. This is a show for those Mom’s that are not trying to be shiny and filtered. This is a podcast for those who are unapologetically, at their best and worst, Bizzimumzi’s!

Key Takeaways:

Early motherhood tends to take a toll on new mothers, and the pandemic has amplified the effect for most new moms.
Pregnancy and early motherhood most times is not how you expect.

Resources

Rhiannon Lambert LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Ashley Verma LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

E3: "Becoming an ever confident and influential Cool Mom" with Stroller in the City creator, Brianne Manz May 03, 2022

Show notes

This week on The Bizzimumzi Podcast Ashley’s guest is Brianne Manz, creator of Stroller in the City. Brianne has been featured in various publications including The Today’s Show, Good Morning America and Inside Edition. On today’s show, Ashley and Brianne will talk about becoming a confident and influential cool mom. Brianne shares what life was like before having kids. She also talks about her career. You will hear from her about what it is like raising children in New York City, as well as how she’s able to manage everything else while taking care of her kids. Click the link to get our exclusive listener offer from my friends at Fabletics

In this show you will hear:

Tips on how to be a confident and influential cool mom.
They cover Brianne’s career as a blogger, writer and full time mom.
Brianne talks about her blog, Stroller in the City, how it came about, and the many opportunities it has offered her over time.
Brianne shares her top 3 must-have products for moms and how they improve her life.

Key Takeaways:

When it comes to motherhood, do what you know works for you rather than only following what others preach.

Resources

Brianne Manz LinkedIn | Instagram

Ashley Verma LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

E2: "An Unapologetic Mumzi Chat about Miscarriages" with Tony Nominee Robyn Hurder Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

This week on The Bizzimumzi Podcast Ashley is joined in conversation by Robyn Hurder. Robyn is an American musical theatre actress. She is best known for originating the role of Nini in the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge!, a performance for which she was nominated for the 2020 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She has performed in the Broadway shows Nice Work If You Can Get It (2012–2013), Grease (2007–2008), The Wedding Singer (2006), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2005). She has taken part in a number of regional productions and Encores stagings, and the national tours of A Chorus Line (2010), Spamalot (2006), and Starlight Express (2003–2004).

Click the link to get our exclusive listener offer from my friends at Fabletics

In this episode, you will hear about Robyn’s pregnancy and career. She talks about her son Hudson and how he means all the world to her. Robyn talks about her miscarriage and how she felt so alone and how her circle had helped and encouraged her to keep on going. You will also hear how Robyn handled postpartum. Keep listening till the end as Robyn shares mommy advice to expecting moms and to those who’ve been through a miscarriage.

In this show you will hear:

How Robyn’s pregnancy affected her career. She talks about loving being pregnant despite having to sacrifice everything during that time.
Robyn gives pointers to new mothers and stresses why having a circle of friends and loved ones is so important.
How Robyn coped with the hardest year of her life — the first year after having her son— and how it impacted her career as a dancer.
Robyn’s miscarriage, how it affected her personal and professional life, and why she is thankful for her circle of loved ones who were there for her in that time.
Robyn’s postpartum experience, including how she coped and the impact it had in her life.

Key Takeaway:

Robyn’s pregnancy, miscarriage, up until the first year after having her son was very demanding on her body and mind.

Resources

Robyn Hurder Instagram | Twitter

Ashley Verma Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

E1: "The worse of times but special times" with TV host of The Talk, Amanda Kloots Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

This week on The Bizzimumzi Podcast Ashley is joined in conversation by Amanda Kloots.

Click the link to get our exclusive listener offer from my friends at Fabletics

Amanda is an American television personality, dancer, and fitness instructor. Since 2021, she has been a co-host of the daytime talk show ‘The Talk’ and has performed as part of the ensemble in several musicals on Broadway, including ‘Good Vibrations’, ‘Follies’, ‘Young Frankenstein’, and ‘Bullets Over Broadway’. She is also a former member of the Rockettes.

In this episode, Ashley and Amanda talk about the worst of times but special times. They look back on their broadway experiences, including their first payday. Coming from a big family, Amanda always wanted to be a mom. You will hear about Amanda’s fitness business and how she managed to keep on teaching even up to her 36th week of pregnancy. You will also hear how she handled postpartum depression, as well as her experience moving to New York and looking for a job. Amanda shares mommy advice to expecting moms.

In this show you will hear:

Ashley and Amanda reminisce about their days on Broadway and their experience auditioning.
Amanda’s internal struggle with starting her fitness business.
What it was like for Amanda being pregnant and running a business at the same time.
Amanda relays how she dealt with her postpartum depression with the aid of her late husband.
Amanda provides new mothers with guidance which she previously received from her mother.

Key Takeaways:

Running a business and being pregnant proved to be difficult at times but Amanda pushed through.
All new mothers should strive to form a special and healthy bond with their child.

Resources

Amanda Kloots Instagram

Ashley Verma Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

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