Momming as a Millennial

26. The healing power of creativity after cancer and loss - with Lisamarie Pearson

In this episode, we're talking about what resilience looks like in real life—not the polished version, but the gritty, painful, keep-going-anyway kind. My guest, Lisamarie Pearson, shares her journey through a life-altering diagnosis, losing her grandmother, and the identity shift that followed. In the middle of it all, she rediscovered a skill her grandmother taught her: how to sew. What started as an outlet quickly became a lifeline, and eventually, a purpose-driven business creating her now-beloved "octopals." If you've ever felt lost in survival mode, unsure of who you are anymore, or craving something that feels like you again—this conversation will remind you it's never too late to start over. Lisamarie is the founder of Scatterbrain Toys, where she creates sensory-friendly plush toys designed to inspire creativity and bring comfort and joy. In this episode, we cover: * The emotional toll of navigating cancer and grief at the same time. * The identity shift that happens after trauma, and how to rebuild from it. * How creativity can become a powerful tool for healing. * The mental load of motherhood and running a business—and why time feels so limited. * One thing all entrepreneur mamas should be doing. * Lisamarie's favorite self-care routine. Full body cleanse anyone? Connect with Lisamarie: * Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/scatterbraintoys] * Check out her website [https://www.scatterbraintoys.com/] Connect with Christine: * Follow on Instagram [https://instagram.com/contemplativemama1] * Follow on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@contemplativemama1?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Check out my website [https://contemplativemama.com/] Be sure to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!

25. How long does postpartum really last? Anxiety, OCD, and intrusive thoughts after baby

Everyone talks about the first six weeks after having a baby. But what if postpartum lasts much longer? In this episode, we're having a raw and honest conversation about how long postpartum really lasts, especially when it comes to mental health. My guest Alyssa Maio and I explore how the common narrative around "baby blues" can minimize the reality of what many mothers experience. If you've ever felt like something wasn't quite right after having a baby, even long after the newborn stage, you're not alone. This conversation is about normalizing the reality that postpartum recovery can take much longer than anyone prepares you for. In this episode, we cover: * The myth that postpartum recovery ends at 6–12 weeks. * How the phrase "baby blues" minimizes what mamas are going through. * What postpartum anxiety, OCD, and intrusive thoughts can really feel like. * Why these symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed. * What I wish I knew about postpartum mental health before having my babies. Resources & Links: * What does maternity leave [https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/maternity-leave-by-country] look like in other countries? Spoiler: most countries are doing more for moms than the United States. Connect with Alyssa: * Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lys_maio] Connect with Christine: * Follow on Instagram [https://instagram.com/contemplativemama1] * Follow on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@contemplativemama1?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Check out my website [https://contemplativemama.com/] Be sure to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!

24. Mental Load of Motherhood: Invisible labor, burnout, and being the default parent

In this episode I'm discussing the invisible labor and mental load that so many moms carry. From Elf on the Shelf expectations to middle-of-the-night to-do lists, this episode names the unseen work that keeps families running and why it so often falls on the mamas. I break down what invisible labor and mental load actually mean, how traditional gender roles still quietly shape parenting dynamics, and why so many moms feel like their brains are stuck on an endless hamster wheel. If you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering why it feels like everything depends on you, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: * What invisible labor and mental load actually are, and why they drain you in ways you can't quite explain. * How cultural expectations assign moms household responsibility we never signed up for. * The unseen responsibilities millennial moms like you are quietly carrying every single day. * One thing you can do today to start lightening your mental load. Resources & Links: * Here's a resource to help you uncover the invisible tasks [https://contemplative-mama.kit.com/invisibleloadchecklist] that are weighing you down, so you can start making lasting changes today. If you're ready to go deeper—untangling your mental load while making space for your creativity, your desires, your joy, and your purpose—I've got you. Your Guided Journey to Self-Discovery + Fulfillment is designed to help you reclaim your time, reconnect with what lights you up, and rediscover who you are beyond momming. DM me "Fulfillment" on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/contemplativemama1] to learn more. Connect with Christine: * Follow on Instagram [https://instagram.com/contemplativemama1] * Follow on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@contemplativemama1?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Check out my website [https://contemplativemama.com/] Be sure to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!

23. Different names, same Divine: How religion and intuition coexist - with Jenn Barton

Intuition and faith don't have to be at odds. In this episode, I sat down with Jenn Barton, co-owner of Nickel City Moss & Moon and intuitive guide, to explore spirituality through a unifying, judgment-free lens. Together, we unpack the idea that intuition is a universal human gift, not something mystical, taboo, or to be feared. Jenn opens up about discovering her intuitive abilities, and offers insight on how to recognize your own intuitive voice, nurture your gifts, and trust the path that brings you into alignment. If you're looking for guidance but not sure where to turn, this conversation will empower you to stay curious, open, and confident in the Divine nudge already within you. In this episode, we cover: * Everyone has intuitive gifts. Here's how you uncover yours. * How Divine guidance is an internal source of trust, clarity, and direction. * Why intuition isn't woo woo or something to fear—it's something we're all born with. * Vision boards. Spoiler: we've been doing it wrong. Jenn shares a simple, foolproof way to create alignment, not pressure. * Jenn's #1 piece of advice for millennial moms seeking their most authentic, soul-aligned selves. Connect with Jenn: * Send her an email [jenn@nickelcitymossandmoon.com] * Follow on Instagram [http://instagram.com/nickelcity_mossandmoon] * Check out her website [http://www.nickelcitymossandmoon.com] Connect with Christine: * Follow on Instagram [https://instagram.com/contemplativemama1] * Follow on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@contemplativemama1?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Check out my website [https://contemplativemama.com/] Be sure to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!

22. From Baby Pics to TikTok Teens: Protecting Our Kids in a Digital World - with Prof. Joana Gaia

Today we're diving into one of the trickiest parts of modern parenting—raising kids in the digital age. From posting baby photos to getting them their first phone, the Internet is woven into every stage of our children's lives. But how do we balance sharing and connection with privacy and protection? Joining me for this conversation is Professor Joana Gaia, Clinical Assistant Professor of Management Science and Systems at the University at Buffalo School of Management. She shares why our online and offline lives shouldn't be treated as separate worlds, and how applying the same social rules to both can help us raise more self-aware, digitally responsible kids. If you've ever second-guessed sharing that cute photo, felt uneasy about your child's screen habits, or wondered how to keep up with AI, this episode is your roadmap for navigating it all. In this episode, we cover: * The real risks (and realities) of AI, from deepfakes to data collection, and what parents can actually do to stay ahead. * Don't panic! Joana breaks down what data fraudsters really want (and it's not what most parents think). * The most overlooked online safety tool that can make a huge difference in protecting your child's privacy. * Why "just say no to screen time" isn't the answer. And the guilt-free permission we've been waiting for! * Plus, Joana shares the unexpected online game she uses in her classes to teach project management. Connect with Joana: * Through the University at Buffalo [https://www.buffalo.edu/news/experts/joana-gaia-faculty-expert-digital-security-privacy.html] Connect with Christine: * Follow on Instagram [https://instagram.com/contemplativemama1] * Follow on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@contemplativemama1?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] * Check out my website [https://contemplativemama.com/] Be sure to subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!