RECUT Starting Over at 53: Rob Benedict on Parenting, Timing & the Village It Takes

RECUT Starting Over at 53: Rob Benedict on Parenting, Timing & the Village It Takes

Actor, musician, writer—and longtime friend—Rob Benedict is back on Mommywood in this special recut highlights episode that feels even more meaningful listening back now. Before I was a mom, I was Rob’s kids’ nanny, so this conversation is deeply full-circle. We talk about raising kids while building a career in entertainment, what support really looks like, and how parenting shifts your identity in ways no one can prepare you for. Rob opens up about becoming a dad again at 53 with a newborn daughter, what’s different this time around, co-parenting through life’s unexpected turns, and why “having it all” might really mean having a village. We get into: * Balancing acting careers and family life * What changes (and doesn’t) when you start over as a parent * The myth of doing it all alone * Parenting adult kids and a newborn * Why support systems matter more than ever * The full-circle magic of friendship through every season It’s funny, nostalgic, honest, and very Mommywood.

Tristan Cunningham: Doing Everything Right… and Still Wondering If It’s Enough

Today on Mommywood, I’m joined by actor and mom Tristan Cunningham — and this conversation covers everything we don’t usually hear about. Tristan shares her journey from growing up in Vermont and performing in a traveling youth circus, to building a career in theater and television — and what it really looks like to be a “working actor” in the in-between. We talk about: * Building a career through co-stars, rejection, and learning to “serve the story” * The moment she booked Reasonable Doubt — and why she thought she wasn’t ready * Finding out she was pregnant at the same time her career was gaining momentum * Choosing to become a single mom when her child’s father wasn’t involved * The fear of telling production she was pregnant… and expecting to lose the job * Shooting while pregnant, flying home days before giving birth, and returning to set with her baby * How motherhood changed her acting, her preparation, and her perspective From circus training to juggling self-tapes with a toddler, Tristan’s story is honest, layered, and deeply real. This episode is about more than acting — it’s about identity, resilience, and learning to trust yourself when nothing goes according to plan. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right… and still wondering if it’s enough — this one’s for you.

Alisha Gaddis: What Happens After You “Make It”?

What happens when you’ve already done everything in this industry… and then become a mom? This week on Mommywood, I’m talking to writer, producer, actress, author, and multi–award-winning creative Alisha Gaddis — and when I say she’s done it all, I mean it. Emmys. Latin Grammys. TV shows. Books. Touring internationally. Building a creative career across every lane. But this conversation goes way deeper than credits. We talk about: * Choosing to homeschool her neurodivergent daughter — and trusting her instincts over the system * The reality of being a fully self-made creative (no clocking in, no safety net) * Why “women can do everything” is actually a lie * Mourning the career you thought you’d have… and realizing your life might be even better * The pressure to keep achieving — even after you’ve already “made it” * And how motherhood reshapes ambition, identity, and success This episode is honest, emotional, and incredibly validating for anyone navigating creativity, motherhood, and the in-between

New Dad, Same Dream: CK Bolado on Acting & Fatherhood

Today on Mommywood, we’re switching perspectives and bringing in a dad. I’m joined by actor and creator CK Bolado [https://www.instagram.com/ck.bolado/], who’s navigating the early days of fatherhood while building a career in an industry that doesn’t exactly slow down for life changes. We talk about what surprised him most about becoming a dad, how it’s shifted his identity as an actor, and what it really looks like trying to be present at home while still chasing your dreams. CK also shares what inspired him to start posting parenting content, how he decides what to keep private, and the reality of showing up online without pretending to have it all figured out. This conversation is honest, grounded, and a refreshing look at fatherhood from a perspective we don’t hear enough. Whether you’re a parent, about to be one, or just trying to balance ambition with real life — this one’s for you.

Redefining Success: Motherhood, Music & Marriage with Tiff Randol

This episode is sponsored by Olive and June! [https://oliveandjune.com/] Use code Mommywood for 20% off Motherhood and creativity collide in this candid conversation with composer, producer, and Mamas in Music co-founder, Tiff Randlo. We dive into the realities of raising kids while navigating a creative career—identity shifts, managing schedules, and building community for mothers in the music industry. Tiff opens up about creating her nonprofit, balancing her marriage with a director, homeschooling, and stepping into her own boundaries and priorities. This episode is about ambition, logistics, partnership, and redefining success while raising kids in industries that never slow down. Isolation (Instrumental Album) Listen: https://orcd.co/pb6lqzn [https://orcd.co/pb6lqzn] Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtFbQJfdwzY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtFbQJfdwzY] Upcoming Release — IAMEVE Stardust Apocalypse (single out March 27) Part of the album Legacy releasing in May Pre-save: https://vyd.co/StardustApocalypse [https://vyd.co/StardustApocalypse]