Mommywood

Katie Santry: From Content to Community & Building a Life You Love

In this episode of Mommywood, Emily engages in a heartfelt conversation with Katie Santry [https://www.instagram.com/katiesantry/], a beloved mom influencer. They explore the complexities of motherhood, the importance of community, and the challenges of maintaining personal identity while navigating fame. Katie shares her journey from being a YouTuber to a mom of two, discussing the impact of social media on her life and the significance of authenticity in her content. The conversation highlights the need for support among mothers and the value of prioritizing self-care and personal time. Through laughter and honesty, they emphasize that motherhood is a unique journey for everyone, and building a supportive community can make all the difference. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Guest Introduction 02:47 Katie's Journey from YouTube to Motherhood 05:56 Navigating Fame and Personal Identity 09:01 The Impact of Motherhood on Self-Identity 11:56 The Challenges of Balancing Career and Family 14:41 The Return to Social Media and Viral Moments 17:46 The Honest Side of Motherhood and Community Building 20:46 The Importance of Maintaining Personal Identity 23:50 Navigating Relationships and Parenting Dynamics 26:36 Building a Supportive Community for Moms 29:46 The Business of Social Media and Brand Collaborations 32:39 The Evolution of Content Creation and Authenticity 35:27 Advice for New Moms and Embracing Community 38:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Staying in the Game: Shannon Kane on Motherhood, Longevity, and Not Losing Yourself

In this episode of Mommywood, host Emily Bolt engages in a heartfelt conversation with actress Shannon Kane about the complexities of motherhood and the entertainment industry. Shannon shares her journey as a single mother, the challenges of balancing her acting career with parenting, and the emotional depth that motherhood has brought to her craft. The discussion touches on themes of self-acceptance, authenticity, and the importance of storytelling in both acting and life. Shannon's candid insights resonate with many mothers navigating similar paths, making this episode a relatable and inspiring listen. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Shannon Kane 02:03 Shannon's Career Journey and Current Chapter 04:53 Motherhood: The Unexpected Journey 10:02 Processing the Birth Experience 13:56 Single Motherhood and Its Challenges 17:40 Balancing Acting and Motherhood 21:47 The Reality of Being a Working Actor 25:38 Self-Acceptance and Body Image 29:25 The Importance of Authenticity in Acting 33:25 Navigating the Industry's Expectations 37:27 The Duality of Joy and Sacrifice 41:36 Finding Strength in Vulnerability 45:31 Advice for Aspiring Actors 49:24 The Impact of Motherhood on Acting 53:11 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts Takeaways Shannon discusses the unpredictability of acting and motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity. The conversation highlights the challenges of being a single mother in the entertainment industry. Shannon shares her experience of processing her son's birth and its impact on her life. The duality of joy and sacrifice in motherhood is explored. Shannon reflects on the misconceptions about being a working actor. She encourages aspiring actors to focus on storytelling rather than fame. The importance of finding silver linings in difficult situations is emphasized. Shannon discusses how motherhood has deepened her emotional access as an actress. She shares advice for navigating the challenges of being a working mom.

Mary Elizabeth Kelly: Comedy, Content and Creativity as a New Mom

In this episode of Mommywood, Emily chats with Mary Elizabeth Kelly, [https://www.instagram.com/mare_kell/] a writer, actor, comedian, and new mom. They discuss the challenges and joys of motherhood, the evolution of Mary’s creative career, and how becoming a parent has shifted her perspective on comedy and content creation. The conversation touches on the importance of community among mothers, the balance between personal life and social media presence, and the unique experiences that come with being a parent in the entertainment industry. Takeaways Mary Elizabeth Kelly is a multifaceted creative navigating motherhood. The transition to motherhood can shift priorities and creative focus. Building a supportive network is crucial for new moms. Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with audiences. Impersonation skills can be honed from a young age and become a career. The joy of making children laugh is unparalleled for parents. It's important to share the realities of motherhood, both good and bad. Creativity can thrive even amidst the challenges of parenting. The perception of motherhood often includes fear and negativity, but it can also bring joy. Every parent's journey is unique, and it's important to follow your instincts. Chapters 00:00 Welcome 01:26 Meet Mary Elizabeth Kelly 05:12 Journey from Connecticut to LA 09:37 The Art of Impersonation 15:17 Navigating Social Media and Career 22:48 The Challenges of New Motherhood 30:31 Shifting Content Focus as a Mom 35:04 Building a Support Network 39:40 Balancing Creativity and Parenting 50:57 The Joy of Making People Laugh 01:00:09 Advice for Aspiring Parent-Actors This episode is brought to you by DondersteenCo [https://www.dondersteenco.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq8gJK4maXA_bj-CkJhUKIxTDIVAl385EBkjYU98O61N4iH1P2z] Use code Emily10 for 10% off your entire purchase

Real Talk from an Emmy-Nominated CD, Josh Einsohn

In the world of Hollywood, where glitz and glamour often take center stage, the realities of parenthood can sometimes feel overshadowed. In this episode of Mommywood, I sit down with casting director Josh Einsohn, who shares his unique perspective on balancing a flourishing career in entertainment with the challenges of being a single dad. Understanding the Dual Roles Josh Einsohn is not only a renowned casting director but also a single father to a vibrant two-year-old daughter. He delves into how these two worlds collide, revealing how becoming a parent has redefined his approach to casting and storytelling. He explains, "How becoming a parent changes the way you see actors, how casting changes the way you parent." This duality is a recurring theme throughout their conversation, highlighting the complexities and joys of managing both roles. Navigating Parenthood Josh reflects on the early days of parenting, admitting that he felt like a "freshman in college" when it came to raising a child. He shares the bittersweet experience of watching his daughter grow and the emotions tied to each stage of her development. "You're always mourning the child that isn't anymore while you're falling in love with this new creature who is in front of you," he notes, showcasing the emotional depth of parenthood. The Impact of the Entertainment Industry The conversation takes a deeper dive into the logistics of balancing Hollywood deadlines with parenting responsibilities. Josh candidly discusses the challenges of managing school pickups and bedtime routines while navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry. He reflects on how working with colleagues who are also parents has been a significant support, stating, "It's been a lot easier than I thought." The Adoption Journey Josh shares his journey to becoming a dad through adoption, revealing the personal struggles he faced along the way. He recounts how the pandemic served as a period of reflection, leading him to make the decision to adopt. "I feel like this is doable," he said, emphasizing the confidence he gained during that time. Breaking Stereotypes A particularly poignant part of the discussion revolves around the misconceptions surrounding single fathers. Josh highlights the surprising reactions he receives from others, noting the gender biases that still exist. "I think that there is... everybody's sort of shocked and surprised and amazed that like, you can do that by yourself," he shares, raising important questions about societal expectations. Conclusion: Josh Einsohn's journey as a single dad in the entertainment industry is both inspiring and relatable. His candid insights shed light on the often-overlooked challenges and triumphs of parenthood in a demanding field. As he navigates his dual roles, he demonstrates that with the right support and mindset, it is possible to build a fulfilling career while being an engaged parent. Key Takeaways: - Balancing a career in the entertainment industry with single parenthood is challenging yet rewarding. - The emotional journey of parenting involves celebrating growth while mourning the past. - Support from colleagues who understand parenting can make a significant difference. - Breaking down stereotypes surrounding single fathers can help reshape societal perceptions of family.

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