
The Successful Mama Podcast
The Successful Mama Podcast explores what success really means for mothers, featuring host Shannon Carothers in conversation with moms who define and achieve success in varied ways. Each episode shares personal stories of balancing motherhood with personal goals, including the challenges and lessons learned along the way. The podcast emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of success, and that moms can grow and thrive while navigating their unique journeys. It offers encouragement and relatable insights for mothers striving to do their best.
Episodes

98 - sharpening your axe: a summer pause update
In this short and honest update, I’m sharing why I’ve decided to take a summer break from the podcast — and how a simple story about a man with an axe reminded me that sometimes the most important thing we can do is pause and sharpen.
After walking through grief, releasing the Growth in the Chaos series, and trying to hold all the things together, I’ve realized it’s time to reset. I’m reflecting o

97 - staying consistent without burning out: growth in the chaos, part 6
Motherhood is chaotic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow in the middle of it.
In the Growth in the Chaos series, we’re breaking down how to navigate the unpredictable, exhausting seasons of motherhood while still making progress toward the life you want.
In Part 6, we’re talking about how to keep going — how to stay consistent in your growth without falling into burnout or all-or-nothing thinkin

96 - identity beyond motherhood: growth in the chaos, part 5
Motherhood is chaotic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow in the middle of it.
In the Growth in the Chaos series, we’re breaking down how to navigate the unpredictable, exhausting seasons of motherhood while still making progress toward the life you want.
In Part 5, we’re digging into identity — and what happens when you no longer recognize yourself in this season of motherhood. We’re talking abo

95 - resilience & mom guilt: growth in the chaos, part 4
Motherhood is chaotic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow in the middle of it. In the Growth in the Chaos series, we’re breaking down how to navigate the unpredictable, exhausting seasons of motherhood while still making progress toward the life you want.
In part 4, we’re getting personal about the guilt we carry and the resilience it takes to keep growing — even when things feel heavy. From seco

94 - building better habits in motherhood: growth in the chaos, part 3
Motherhood is chaotic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow in the middle of it. In the Growth in the Chaos series, we’re breaking down how to navigate the unpredictable, exhausting seasons of motherhood while still making progress toward the life you want.
In Part 3, we’re digging into the small habits that can create big change—even when life feels overwhelming. So often we think growth has to co

93 - grieving in real life: a personal update and honest moments from our family
This week’s episode is a little different. It’s not a how-to or a step-by-step—it’s me, sharing where we are right now. Life has been heavy lately, and grief has made its way into our world in a very real way. I’m opening up about what this season looks like for our family, how I’ve been processing things personally, and how we’ve been talking through it with our kids.
If you’re walking through yo

92 - april fools! welcome to the successful kid podcast
April Fools!
Today, the Successful Mama Podcast is getting a fun little twist—welcome to the Successful Kid Podcast! My oldest son, Asher, has officially taken over as host and is interviewing his friend, Sebastian, with a mix of silly and thoughtful questions (including a lot of video game talk—but don’t worry, there's conversation for everyone). And my youngest son, Grey? He’s jumped in behind

91 - breaking the overwhelm cycle: growth in the chaos, part 2
Motherhood is chaotic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow in the middle of it. In the Growth in the Chaos series, we’re breaking down how to navigate the unpredictable, exhausting seasons of motherhood while still making progress toward the life you want.
In Part 2, we’re tackling the mental load of motherhood and why it often feels like no matter how much you do, there’s always more waiting for

90 - stop waiting for the perfect time - growth in the chaos, part 1
📌 Growth in the Chaos is your go-to guide for thriving in motherhood. Whether you’re new here or a longtime listener, this series is designed to help you take small, meaningful steps toward growth—without waiting for the perfect time.
We’ve all done it—told ourselves, “Once things slow down, then I’ll start working on myself.” But let’s be honest… life never magically clears space for us. Mother

89 - surviving hard seasons: what actually matters and how to make life easier
Motherhood is full of seasons—some beautiful, some exhausting. If you’ve ever felt completely overwhelmed, like you’re barely keeping your head above water, this episode is for you.
Whether it’s sickness in your home, a new baby, work stress, or just a season that feels too much, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing. But the truth? You’re not failing—you’re surviving. And that’s enough.
In this e

88 - bite the blue apple: raising resilient kids and embracing the unknown
What if the thing you’ve been avoiding is exactly what you need to grow? In this episode of the Successful Mama Podcast, we sit down with Robin Dauma, a former educator turned entrepreneur and mom of four grown children who shares powerful insights about parenting, resilience, and taking bold steps—like biting the blue apple. 🍏💙
We explore the importance of letting your kids take on challenges, ev

87 - fries, fun, and motherhood: a special birthday french fry crawl
In this special episode, I’m taking you along on a French Fry Crawl with three amazing returning guests: Rachel Brown, Lauren Hooper, and Katiya McKinney. What’s a French Fry Crawl, you ask? Think bar crawl—but with fries, laughs, and meaningful conversations about motherhood.
We hit a few local spots to try some of the best fries around and talked about everything from finding balance to motherho

86 - from loss to light: how Ryker's Rainbow is bringing hope to grieving families
In this heartfelt episode of the Successful Mama Podcast, I sit down with Lacey Schoff, the founder of Ryker’s Rainbow, to talk about the motherhood story she never expected to be her own. She shares the raw reality of experiencing infant loss and how she turned unimaginable grief into a powerful mission to support others.
Lacey opens up about the deep emotions she faced after losing her son, Ryke

85 - truth or dare: staying intentional and keeping your goals front and center
We’re two weeks into the new year, and whether you’ve already set specific goals, skipped resolutions altogether, or feel like you’re losing focus, this episode is for you.
I’m sharing:
My word of the year (Dare) and how it’s guiding my decisions
Why having a word of the year can be a powerful tool (hint: science backs this up!)
Simple ways to keep your goals, intentions, or focus front and cente

84 - sidewalk joy and dinoramas: finding what fills you and sharing it with others
This week, I sit down with Rachael Harms Mahlandt, a mom of two from Portland, Oregon, who is on a mission to bring joy and whimsy back into adulthood. Through her creative outlets—like mini pottery, photography, and her unique dinoramas (yes, you read that right—dino-ramas with dinosaurs!)—she has found ways to connect with her community and share the joy that fills her life.
We talk about how sh

replay - 41 - what moms need to hear: it’s been a year you should be proud of
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule a

replay - 40 - what moms need to hear: thank you, and what you've done is enough
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule a

replay - 39 - what moms need to hear: letting go of perfection
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule a

replay - 38 - what moms need to hear: crafting your ideal holiday season
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule a

replay - 37 - what moms need to hear: christmas decorations
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule a

replay - 36 - what moms need to hear: thanksgiving and gratitude
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule a

83 - healing relationships, building confidence, and fitness in motherhood
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Michelle Thao, a coach specializing in pre- and postnatal fitness, to talk about her journey through motherhood, family relationships, and building confidence. As our final guest episode of the year, this conversation is a meaningful reflection on healing, growth, and finding strength as a mom.
Michelle shares how her challenging childhood shaped her journey

82 - from service to support: a veteran mom’s insight on military life and motherhood
Happy Veterans Day!
In this special episode, we honor the resilience, sacrifice, and strength of military families by sharing the story of Heather Jones, a veteran, military spouse, and mom. Heather opens up about her journey in the military—why she enlisted, how she met her husband, and how they navigated almost two decades of military life together while raising a family.
As a military mom and n

81 - lauren hooper returns: a fresh look at minimalism, money management, and making holiday magic
It's time for another Wild Card Guest! In this special episode, we welcome back Lauren Hooper (head back to episode 12 for her first appearance) for an update on her journey in minimalism, motherhood, and so much more. Since her last appearance, life has brought new challenges and growth, including navigating perimenopause, an ADHD diagnosis, and a temporary break from her business to focus on hea

80 - beyond the costumes: embracing play with kids and why it matters for moms
Hey, Mama! Ever feel like playtime with your kids is just one more thing on your to-do list? Trust me, I get it. As moms, we juggle so much every day that the idea of slowing down to play can feel… well, like a luxury we don’t have time for. But what if I told you that play isn’t just good for your kids—it’s essential for you, too?
In this episode, we’re diving into the science behind play and why

79 - building a better life: a single mom's story of showing up and persevering
In this episode, I sit down with Essence Nesbit, a single mom who’s been building a life filled with purpose and joy for her daughter. She shares how she transitioned from a tough work environment into running her own successful balloon and event business—all while prioritizing her family. From receiving a home through Habitat for Humanity after a life-changing break-in, to finding balance between

78 - when plans change: how moms can embrace flexibility and give themselves grace
As a mom, you know how quickly plans can change, and it can feel overwhelming to constantly adjust. In this episode, I’m diving into why flexibility is actually a strength, not a setback. You’ll learn how to stay consistent with your big goals while remaining adaptable in your daily life, and I’ll share practical tips on giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned.
I also get personal, s

77 - building more than a school: reimagining education and redefining family traditions
This week’s guest is someone who truly understands the value of education and family—and how each plays a role in shaping who we are. After moving from California to Alabama, Monique Griffin and her husband set out to reimagine what education could look like by taking over a school (Huntsville College Preparatory School) and rebuilding it with a very specific focus-- creating a learning environmen

replay - 52 - embracing the spectrum: redefining "normal" and finding joy in life with autism
Get ready for a heartfelt conversation with my friend, Julia Pope. Julia opens up about her personal journey as a mother of two boys diagnosed with autism, shedding light on the shifting expectations and the process of navigating through the grief of relinquishing the idea of a 'normal' life.
Throughout our conversation, we delve into the importance of supporting families with children with specia

76 - special episode - school safety & rumors: a panel of experts on how to talk to your kids without fear
This week, we’re diving into a crucial conversation for parents everywhere. As recent threats and rumors about school violence have surfaced, it's more important than ever to equip ourselves with the tools to have these hard discussions with our kids. But how do we address such heavy topics without overwhelming them with fear? How much should we share if they’re not bringing it up themselves? And

75 - modeling emotions & apologies: setting an example for your kids
In this short but impactful episode, we’re taking a step back to talk about something every mom can relate to—handling our emotions in front of our kids and the importance of showing them it’s okay to apologize when we get it wrong. As moms, we often feel like we need to have it all together, but the truth is, kids learn just as much from our moments of vulnerability as they do from our successes.

74 - growing at your own pace: childhood cancer, milestones, and finding balance with food and fitness
In this week’s episode of the Successful Mama Podcast, we sit down with Sally Ham, a mama of 2, wife, foodie, and Lego and puzzle enthusiast. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and Sally is also a childhood cancer survivor. While she doesn’t remember much from the time of her diagnosis, we dive into how her experience shaped her journey as a mother and impacts her outlook on life today

73 - ballet, bravery, and figuring it out: a dancer's journey through life and motherhood
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Rachel Butler-Otto, the now Huntsville Ballet School Director* who has spent her life learning to figure it out as she goes—both in the world of dance and in motherhood. Leaving home at 16 to pursue a professional ballet career, she faced challenges from a surprise pregnancy to balancing the demands of family and dance.
I often talk about the fact that we can

72 - prioritizing your marriage: leaning on community for support
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Courtney Joy Willoughby, who shares her journey of getting married at just 18, navigating the challenges of endometriosis, and experiencing the heartbreak of a miscarriage. Through these trials and the example originally set by her parents, she learned the importance of prioritizing her marriage and how essential it is to build and lean on a supportive commu

71 - refocusing priorities: from career grind to family time
In this episode, I sit down with one of my dearest friends, Bethany McLemore. In the time we have been friends, she has navigated significant shifts in both her career and personal life. After years of working as a preschool director (where she had the benefit of bringing her babies to work) she made the brave decision to step out of a high-stress management role and return to public school teachi

70 - flourishing after the drought: self-care and growth in a new season
As we transition from summer into the routine of back-to-school, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything on our plates. In this episode, I reflect on the importance of self-care, using a story from my garden to explore how we can bounce back and thrive, even after tough times and seasons that are a little more chaotic. We’ll also talk a little on the science of stress and resilience, with prac

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 dedica

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. S

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 t

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 n

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

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 professio

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 fo

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.

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

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 orp

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 orp

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

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 commu

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 rais

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 challe

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

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'

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

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 mo

52 - embracing the spectrum: redefining "normal" and finding joy in life with autism
Get ready for a heartfelt conversation with my friend, Julia Pope. Julia opens up about her personal journey as a mother of two boys diagnosed with autism, shedding light on the shifting expectations and the process of navigating through the grief of relinquishing the idea of a 'normal' life.
Throughout our conversation, we delve into the importance of supporting families with children with specia

51- live one year celebration special: Shannon is interviewed by guest host, Erica DeSpain
Get ready for a fun spin on our normal content! We had a little get-together to celebrate the podcast reaching 1 year and 50 episodes. I wanted to do something different, so I asked my friend Erica DeSpain of All Things Madison if she would consider interviewing me...live! I'm so grateful she said yes, because I couldn't have chosen a better guest host! She asked me questions about the podcast and

50 - reflecting on a year of podcasting and how it applies to motherhood
50 episodes in! An entire year of podcasting. It feels surreal thinking back to that very first interview and feeling giddy with a dash of terrified as I sat down with my first guest.
Join me for a solo episode as I reflect back on five takeaways from a year behind the microphone and how we can apply them directly to our motherhood journey.
Also, make sure you are following along on instagram.c

49 - building tracks, building a career: how a son's love of trains changed everything
Ever wish there was more to do in your town for your kids? That’s exactly what this military mama, then-based in Meridian, Mississippi, was looking for. Lucy Dormont’s son’s love of trains and the fact that their town was originally build on the railroads should have been a perfect match. The only problem? The history was nowhere to be found, other than a “Railroad Museum” sign, hung on a building

48 - from denial to devotion: balancing motherhood and career as a therapist
What questions would you ask if you could sit down for a conversation with a therapist? I had so many topics that I wanted to dive into on a professional level- we talked about scrolling habits and the danger of comparison and the difference between happiness and being content.
But I truly appreciated Lindsey Sheckles-Prather and her vulnerability as she shared some of her thoughts, feelings, and

47 - owning your future: letting go of cultural expectations and moving your family abroad
Although now I'm not sure I would want to call anywhere other than Alabama home, there was once a time when I dreamt of living in cities across the world. Of learning languages and studying cultures. Of meeting new people. Of adventure.
So naturally, when I heard Meghana Kamdar's story of moving her family of 5 from California to Portugal, I couldn't help but want to hear more of her story and s

46 - crossing continents: from Brazil to the U.S., battling thyroid cancer, and embracing ADHD
How can you not love Juliana Piper? My thoughts on it after this interview? You can’t! We laughed so much, and I could listen to her accent all day long. When she told me before the show that she moved to the U.S. with only $75 in her pocket, I was dying to know more! I had so many questions, especially given that she was a teenager when she did it. We chat about this, as well as her unexpected di

45 - resolution reboot: ditching the resolution and connecting identity to small habits
New Year, New Me! It sounds great in theory, but life happens quickly, and it's so easy to slowly fade right back into the same old me I was before the new year. Have you ever experienced this? If so, you're definitely not alone, as the majority of resolutions are out of sight and mind by February. So what do we do instead?
Today, I challenge you to shift the mindset of a resolution into the over

44 - styling independence: raising good adults through a boutique of life lessons
You blink, and those tiny babes have grown years. Do it a few times, and they are walking around as actual adults. This episode, I sit down with Amy Word, who is a mama of two boys and has raised them while running her own clothing boutique (Shoe Fly, if you live in the Huntsville area!) She and I chat about our ultimate goal as mothers, which is to prepare our kiddos to grow up and become indepen

43 - from lesson plans to roofing plans: rediscovering entrepreneurial spirit and trusting yourself
Did you ever imagine growing up to run a roofing business? I know I didn’t. And neither did today’s guest, and yet, that is exactly what she’s doing- and loves it! Melanie McCollum said yes to running the office-side of their family’s business without much knowledge about roofs other than the fact that every house needs one. Although she never saw herself in this role, she did always see herself o

42 - embracing positivity: navigating adoption challenges and crafting a positive new you
The second I met Elizabeth Davis, I knew she and I would be friends. She exuded positivity, and I loved listening to her share as we chatted over coffee. I couldn’t wait to have her on the podcast to talk about her journey with you, too. There are so many elements to her story that make you want to hear more. This episode we chat about the whirlwind romance that led to 25 years of marriage, 3 biol

41 - what moms need to hear: it’s been a year you should be proud of
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series that covers the holiday season and the rest of 2023! We are talking about “what moms need to hear” as we go throughout this beautiful, but chaotic time of year. These short episodes will be easy to find time to listen to, even with all the festivities. They will give you some food for thought with a simple action step for the week.
There ar

40 - what moms need to hear: thank you, and what you’ve done is enough
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series that covers the holiday season and the rest of 2023! We are talking about “what moms need to hear” as we go throughout this beautiful, but chaotic time of year. These short episodes will be easy to find time to listen to, even with all the festivities. They will give you some food for thought with a simple action step for the week.
We're do

39 - what moms need to hear: letting go of perfection
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series that covers the holiday season and the rest of 2023! We are talking about “what moms need to hear” as we go throughout this beautiful, but chaotic time of year. These short episodes will be easy to find time to listen to, even with all the festivities. They will give you some food for thought with a simple action step for the week.
Let's fa

38 - what moms need to hear: crafting your ideal holiday season
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series that covers the holiday season and the rest of 2023! We are talking about “what moms need to hear” as we go throughout this beautiful, but chaotic time of year. These short episodes will be easy to find time to listen to, even with all the festivities. They will give you some food for thought with a simple action step for the week.
This we

37 - what moms need to hear: christmas decorations
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series that covers the holiday season and the rest of 2023! We are talking about “what moms need to hear” as we go throughout this beautiful, but chaotic time of year. These short episodes will be easy to find time to listen to, even with all the festivities. They will give you some food for thought with a simple action step for the week.
This wee

36 - what moms need to hear: thanksgiving and gratitude
You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series that covers the holiday season and the rest of 2023! We are talking about “what moms need to hear” as we go throughout this beautiful, but chaotic time of year. These short episodes will be easy to find time to listen to, even with all the festivities. They will give you some food for thought with a simple action step for the week.
This wee

replay - 3 - when your path prepares you to start your own business
In this episode of Successful Mama, Erica DeSpain 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.
successfulmamapodcast.com

replay - 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.
successfulmamapodcast.com

replay - 17 - making better choices and finding beauty in every stage of life
Hey, mama! I'm taking a few weeks off, but I didn't want to leave you hanging with nothing to listen to. I thought I'd share a few of the listener favorites in case you missed them as a replay, but obviously, feel free to scroll on back in the archives and catch up on any others you've missed! See you back on November 21st!
You cannot listen to this episode without hearing the joy and appreciat

35 - checking in with yourself, a life update, and asking for what you need
You don't want to miss this announcement! Give this episode a quick listen to find out what's ahead for the next few weeks.
I give an update on life lately, as well as discuss some tactics for asking what you need and doing a regular check in. As moms, self care feels impossible sometimes, but this episode, we talk a bit more about why it matters and how it is completely up to you to take some of

34 -the deep down things: finding your voice through seasons of mothering
When I launched this podcast, I always knew that I’d one day interview my sister-in-law, Amber C. Haines. Not just because I’ve watched her for years load up her minivan with four boys and trek states over from Arkansas to Alabama to eat cornbread and greens around the table with her siblings. Not just because she writes beautiful accounts of her life and helps my logical brain to give way, and I

33 - balanced bodies, joyful lives: exploring holistic healing
I really enjoyed learning from our guest this week. Emily Willis, a nurse practitioner who blends traditional Western practices with holistic healing, shared her story of motherhood and the journey through her career that landed her where she is today. Emily talks about navigating divorce and the light that was on the other side of it for her. She has remarried and shared a bit more about her blen

32 - from policies to philanthropy: insurance, a family village, and giving back to community
I love hearing stories where women take a step back from their original plan and pivot, and this week’s guest did just that. Lauren Battle went to school to study accounting, but she ended up following in her mom’s footsteps and taking over her insurance business. Lauren didn’t have a ton of experience stepping into this role, but she told the nay-sayers to watch her make it work, and she did just
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