Mommywood

A Wrap on Season 6: What We Learned (and What We’re Still Figuring Out)

This Episode is brought to you by Dondersteen [https://www.dondersteenco.com/]. We’re wrapping up Season 6 and taking a beat to reflect — on the highs, the chaos, and everything we’ve learned along the way. This episode dives into the messy, beautiful world of emotions — ours and our kids’. We talk about how little ones express their feelings (sometimes loudly), how our own reactions shape those moments, and why staying calm — even when it’s hard — can change everything. It’s about learning to communicate, not just correct, and finding connection in the chaos. Dondersteen [https://www.instagram.com/dondersteen.co/] is a premium toddler travel-toy brand helping families enjoy calmer, stress-free trips. Each Montessori-inspired bundle comes packed in a toddler-sized backpack — thoughtfully curated with screen-free, travel-sized toys that keep little ones happy and engaged wherever they go. Created by a mom who loves to travel, Dondersteen helps parents feel confident and prepared for every adventure — from long flights to family dinners out. Use code EMILY10 [https://www.dondersteenco.com/] for 10% off your entire order

Breaking Up with Your Rep — and Finding the Right One (Again)

Summary The conversation delves into the importance of embracing change in both personal and professional life. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of making timely decisions when things aren't working out and acknowledges the emotional challenges that accompany such changes. Trusting one's timing and feelings is highlighted as crucial for navigating career paths effectively. Takeaways If something's not working out, I won't wait as long to make a change. Big changes can be scary. Change is hard no matter what. Allowing yourself to have whatever feelings you have around them is important. You have to trust your timing. Trust where you want your career to go. Finding new representation is a big thing for actors. It's okay to feel emotional about change. Making changes can lead to a better life. You have to make those changes.

The Mom Behind Meekah: Kaitlin Becker on Acting, Parenting, and What’s Next

This week on Mommywood, I got to sit down with the incredible Kaitlin Becker [https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinbex/] — you probably know her as Meekah from the Blippi world. Kaitlin’s story is such a ride — she started out in musical theater in New York, somehow found herself in children’s programming, and ended up as part of this huge franchise that parents and kids everywhere know. We talked about everything — from how that all started to what it’s been like stepping away from Mika to focus on her son Everett, who’s now eight and hitting that big kid stage. She was so honest about co-parenting, traveling for work, the financial side of being a single mom, and the pressure to stay “on” when people recognize you from your kids’ favorite show. It’s real, it’s funny, and it’s such a reminder that even when it looks like someone has it all figured out — they’re probably just doing their best, like the rest of us. 💜 Summary Parenting and Life Transitions They discussed Kaitlin's 8-year-old son Everett, who is transitioning from a young child to a pre-teen, and the challenges of parenting at this stage. Kaitlin expressed nostalgia for Everett's younger years and anxiety about upcoming changes, including puberty. Kaitlin shared her journey of joining the Blippi franchise in 2020, starting with a role in Blippi's Treehouse, which led to a longer-term commitment after initial testing in Los Angeles. She described the unique experience of joining the YouTube and streaming world, initially unaware of the character Blippi, and how the role evolved from a short-term gig to a more permanent franchise position. Kaitlin shared her experience of leaving New York for three months and the challenges of co-parenting while traveling frequently for work. She discussed her transition from musical theater to children's programming, including her role in the NBC kids' show "Sunnyside Up," which required extensive experience working with children. Kaitlin explained her decision to leave the character of Mika behind, despite the challenges of doing so, as she needed to prioritize her personal life and well-being. Emily and Kaitlin discussed the challenges of balancing Kaitlin's public persona as Meekah with her personal life. Kaitlin shared how she sometimes censors herself on social media. Kaitlin described the difficulties of transitioning away from Mika, including financial struggles and the challenges of being a single parent in a high-cost city. Kaitlin discussed her experience adjusting to the challenges of managing a double income household and her current creative projects, expressing impatience with the development process. She emphasized the importance of balancing her desire to work with her responsibilities as a mother, choosing to be selective about her opportunities to ensure she can be present for her family. Kaitlin shared how becoming a mother has influenced her approach to work, prioritizing mental health and family over financial gain. Emily and Kaitlin discussed the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, emphasizing the guilt associated with prioritizing oneself while trying to meet financial and parental responsibilities. Kaitlin highlighted the pressure of social media comparisons and the misconceptions about her financial status, expressing a desire for authenticity and relatability. Emily and Kaitlin engaged in a light-hearted conversation about acting, parenting, and personal preferences. Kaitlin shared her experiences as a mother and an actor, including her thoughts on balancing career and family life. She advised other actors becoming parents to stay true to themselves and not feel guilty about taking breaks when needed.

The Truth Behind Being a Garbage Mom with Beth Crosby

In this episode of Mommywood, host Emily talks with Beth Crosby, known as Garbage Mom [https://www.instagram.com/thegarbagemom/] on Instagram. They explore the chaotic yet beautiful world of motherhood, the challenges of aging, and the importance of honesty and humor in parenting. Beth shares her journey of creating a community through her comedic content, the realities of being a 'Garbage Mom', and her aspirations for future projects, including a unique music festival celebrating women in midlife. The conversation is raw, funny, and relatable, making it a must-listen for moms everywhere. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Mommy Wood 03:15 The Birth of Garbage Mom 12:54 Navigating Motherhood and Aging 20:09 The Vulnerability of Sharing 24:47 Acting and Motherhood: A Balancing Act 30:25 Navigating Self-Taping Challenges 33:11 Balancing Family and Public Life 34:35 Advice to Pre-Mom Self 38:47 The Reality of Parenting and Career 40:16 Future Aspirations and Creative Projects 43:58 Rapid Fire Parenting Questions Takeaways Beth Crosby embraces the imperfections of motherhood. The term 'Garbage Mom' is a badge of honor for real moms. Comedy can be a powerful tool for connection among mothers. Navigating the transition from young mom to midlife is challenging. Honesty in parenting can create a supportive community. Social media can amplify the voices of mothers. It's important to share experiences while respecting children's privacy. The pressure to be funny can be overwhelming for content creators. Creating content can be a form of therapy for mothers. Future projects can stem from personal experiences and community needs.

Acting like a Mom with Alysha Young

Today on Mommywood, we’re joined by the incredible Alysha Young [https://www.instagram.com/alysha_y/] — actor, podcaster, and founder of Love Talent Mama. You might know her as the voice behind the ‘Acting Like a Mom [https://www.instagram.com/actinglikeamompod/]’ podcast, where she keeps it real about juggling motherhood and the entertainment industry. Alysha’s a mom of two young kids, and somehow still finds time to inspire other moms in the biz with her honesty, humor, and heart. We’re diving into what it means to chase your creative dreams while raising tiny humans — and how she’s building a supportive space for moms who get it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Naming Journey 02:39 Navigating Motherhood in the Acting Industry 05:41 The Challenges of Balancing Family and Career 08:34 Deciding to Have Children as Actors 11:32 Experiences of Pregnancy and Early Motherhood 14:34 The Impact of Children on Relationships 17:31 Auditioning with Kids and Family Dynamics 20:25 The Decision to Move for Family and Career 23:19 The Reality of Self-Taping and Auditioning 26:07 Navigating the Industry as a Family 29:13 The Emotional Journey of Motherhood 31:50 Advice for Aspiring Parents in the Industry 34:42 The Joys and Challenges of Parenting 37:33 Final Thoughts on Family and Career Takeaways The podcast name reflects the challenges of motherhood in acting. There is a growing community of mothers in the acting industry. Balancing family and career is a common struggle for actors. Pregnancy can change one's perspective on career aspirations. Having children can enhance life experiences, not hinder them. Communication is key in relationships when raising children. Self-taping has changed the audition landscape for actors. It's important to give oneself grace during parenting challenges. The love for children can be overwhelming and transformative. Deciding to have children should not be solely based on career considerations.