Best The Next ChaptHER Fully Informed Life Podcasts (2025)

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When Love Turns Controlling: Recognizing Red Flags, Setting Boundaries and Finding Freedom 40:21

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21d ago40:21

40:21

Have you ever stayed in a relationship hoping it would get better — even as that little voice inside told you something was off? You’re not alone. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, my guest shares her story anonymously to protect her privacy — but it could just as easily be any of ours. She’s smart, successful, and like so many women, s…

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Do the Next New Thing with Pam Lamp: Finding Courage, Connection, and Your Next Chapter 37:03

1M ago37:03

37:03

This week on The Next ChaptHER Podcast, I sit down with Pam Lamp, author of Do the Next New Thing, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about what it really means to step into the unknown and create your next chapter. This episode is extra special—it’s my first guest conversation back since my breast cancer diagnosis. Pam’s story felt like th…

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I Wore the Bathing Suit Anyway 8:14

2M ago8:14

8:14

In this episode of the Next Chapter Podcast, I share a personal story about a seemingly small moment—trying on bathing suits for my 20th wedding anniversary trip to the beach—that turned out to be a profound reminder about the power of showing up. It’s not about the bathing suit or how we look, but how we choose to feel in the moments that matter. …

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What It Really Means to Regulate (and Why It’s Not Just Breathing) 12:41

3M ago12:41

12:41

In this episode of The Next ChaptHER, I’m pulling back the curtain on what nervous system regulation really looks like — especially when you're walking through something hard in real time. Mindset matters — but it doesn’t work alone. To think clearly, stay grounded, and show up for yourself (and others) when life gets messy, you need tools that bri…

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Mindset in the Messy Middle: How I’m Staying Grounded through Breast Cancer 19:59

3M ago19:59

19:59

Mindset isn’t about being strong all the time — it’s about staying present enough to choose your next step, even in the middle of the mess. Back in March, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In May, I had a double mastectomy. And as of today — I’m still healing. Still a patient. Still navigating all the physical, emotional, and mental layers of rec…

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The Chapter I Didn’t Plan For — A Personal Catch-Up 10:09

4M ago10:09

10:09

It’s been a little while since we’ve had a new episode — and today, I’m sharing exactly why. Back on March 28th, my life flipped unexpectedly with a breast cancer diagnosis. What followed was a blur of appointments, second opinions, doctors, and decisions I never thought I’d have to make. On May 27th, I underwent a double mastectomy — and while the…

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How to Manage Your Time, Part 2: The CEO Method for Clarity, Energy, and Ownership 6:08

5M ago6:08

6:08

We’re back with part 2 of our time management series—and this one’s a game changer. I’m sharing my CEO Method for time: a simple yet powerful framework that helps you lead your time with Clarity, Energy, and Ownership. Because managing your time isn’t about squeezing more in—it’s about making intentional choices that honor your energy, your needs, …

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A Plot Twist I Never Saw Coming 8:58

5M ago8:58

8:58

This isn’t the episode I expected to record. It’s not the topic I had planned. But here we are—and in true Next ChaptHER fashion, I’m showing up and sharing it with you. Just days before my 48th birthday, I got a phone call that changed everything. In this episode, I’m opening up about this unexpected chapter, why you haven’t heard a new podcast in…

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What “I Don’t Have Time” Really Means (Time Series, Part 1) 6:40

6M ago6:40

6:40

If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time,” this one’s for you. In this honest and energizing episode, Andrea unpacks the phrase so many midlife women use—and what it’s actually saying about our priorities. Spoiler: it’s not about the hours in the day. It’s about reclaiming your power and finally putting yourself on your own damn to-do list. This epi…

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When “Me Time” Gets Interrupted: Reclaiming the Moments That Bring You Back to You 10:33

7M ago10:33

10:33

Episode Summary: Let’s be real—me time often feels like a myth. You carve out a quiet moment, light a candle, maybe even start doing something that brings you joy… and then chaos enters stage left (looking at you, Snoopy 🐶). In this episode, I’m sharing: ✨ The soup story that perfectly captures how “me time” turns into a press conference ✨ The diff…

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Wide Awake at 3 A.M.? Here’s What Your Brain is Trying to Tell You 8:42

7M ago8:42

8:42

We've all been there—staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., our minds running a marathon of overthinking. Did I lock the front door? Should I have taken that other job? How is it possible that I still don’t have it all figured out? If I dropped this episode at 3 a.m., I bet some of you would actually be awake to listen. But what if these middle-of-the-n…

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Ditch the Recipe: Trust Your Gut in the Kitchen & in Life with Melanie of Gather Culinary 36:24

7M ago36:24

36:24

"Perfectionism kills intuition. And as a former pastry chef who was a perfectionist, I always call myself a recovering perfectionist." – Melanie (09:49) Are You Stuck Following the Recipe—In the Kitchen and in Life? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by cooking, labeled yourself “the worst cook,” or relied on strict rules and recipes just to get throu…

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Why Friendship Feels So Hard in Midlife—and What to Do About It with Nina Badzin 44:44

8M ago44:44

44:44

Friendship in midlife can feel unexpectedly hard. Why does it seem tougher to connect, and what can we do about it? Andrea Hecht sits down with Nina Badzin, a friendship expert who has spent years helping women navigate this stage of life. They unpack why old social circles may no longer fit, why assumptions about who’s available for friendship can…

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The College Admissions Rollercoaster: Managing Emotions and Expectations 1:00:12

9M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

The college admissions process can feel like a whirlwind of stress, emotions, and endless comparisons, but does it have to? In this episode, Andrea Hecht sits down with Kelly Levi, a college admissions expert and mom of three, to unpack the emotional side of navigating college applications. From the pressures amplified by social media to the rising…

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Redefining Your Path: Overcoming Doubt and Finding Courage to Pivot with Amber Powers 51:36

9M ago51:36

51:36

Redefining your path begins with silencing fear, trusting your instincts, and embracing the bold question: “Why not me?” Amber Powers, the founder of Powers Peak Consulting LLC, joins Andrea Hecht to share her journey of career pivots and the lessons learned along the way. How can we overcome limiting beliefs and move forward with confidence when t…

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Feeling Stuck? How These Women Broke the Cycle and Rediscovered Joy 18:06

9M ago18:06

18:06

Feeling stuck in autopilot mode—showing up for everyone but yourself? As Andrea Hecht puts it, "When you're constantly giving everything to everyone else, like your family, your career, your friends, it's really easy to feel like you're disappeared from your own life." In this episode, Andrea shares her personal journey of rediscovery and introduce…

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The Loneliness Crisis: Why We Feel Disconnected and How to Rebuild Connection 18:13

10M ago18:13

18:13

Loneliness can linger even in the busiest rooms, but meaningful connections have the power to transform how we feel and thrive. As your host Andrea Hecht says, “Loneliness isn’t really about how many people are around you. It’s really about that quality of connections that we have.” In this episode, Andrea explores the often-overlooked issue of lon…

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The $1 a day shift: Why Investing in Yourself is a game-changer 17:51

10M ago17:51

17:51

“What if you spent just $1 a day on yourself an entire year?” Your host, Andrea Hecht, starts this episode with this question. What could that dollar add up to—clarity, confidence, connection, or even joy? In this episode, Andrea challenges the common hesitation many women feel about investing in themselves. How come we spend so easily on others bu…

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Manifesting Confidence: Creating the Life You Want at Any Stage with Emmie Levy 57:10

11M ago57:10

57:10

“When you’re kind and do a kind gesture for a friend, it makes you feel good. When you feel good, you feel confident about yourself. When you do something kind for someone else, they feel good, become confident, and want to pass on that kindness. It creates a chain reaction of kindness, spreading positivity. That’s what I hope to do with the Emmie …

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Reclaim Your Style: How to Rewrite Your Closet Story in Midlife with Laura P. Barker 59:49

11M ago59:49

59:49

“When you curate—starting with your closet, which is always ever-evolving—and continue to let go while bringing things in with intention, you become more aligned,” says Laura P. Barker, a closet curator and personal stylist helping women over 40 redefine their style narratives. Laura joins Andrea Hecht and invites us to see our closets as more than…

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Redefining Fulfillment in Midlife: The Real Roadmap Back to Joy 18:21

11M ago18:21

18:21

“Fulfillment isn’t about what you do for a living. It’s about how you actually are living. It’s about connecting to what brings you joy and what brings you purpose,” says Andrea Hecht. In this episode, she invites women in midlife to rethink what fulfillment truly means. Is it about the titles you hold, the success you’re chasing, or is it somethin…

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Rekindling Passion: Navigating Intimacy & Desire in Midlife with Rachael Goodman 1:08:52

12M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

“The biggest misconception is, ‘Oh my God, I hit 40, and I’m done. My time is over. I peaked in my 20s.’ But that’s completely wrong—a total misconception. The best is yet to come,” says Rachael Goodman, a registered psychotherapist and certified sex and couples counselor at Level Up, who specializes in intimacy and sexual relationships for women i…

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3-Part Series of A Pediatrician's Perspective: Part 3: Role Models in the Digital Age: Guiding Teens to Healthy Influences 16:24

1y ago16:24

16:24

“With social media, influencers are now at the forefront of who our teens look up to. But how do we, as parents, help them discern which influencers are worthy of their admiration, especially in a world where AI can create perfect yet unrealistic personas?” Andrea Hecht raises this question in the final episode of the series “A Pediatrician's Persp…

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3-Part Series of A Pediatrician's Perspective: Part 2: Teen Skincare: Separating Facts from Fads 17:00

1y ago17:00

17:00

“The young tween girls today want skincare as birthday gifts at their parties. That’s all they want: skincare, skincare, skincare,” says Dr. Lisa Klein. “This is a problem. It’s the latest craze, and it’s not okay. It’s not just about wasting money; these kids are damaging their skin.” In this episode, part two of “A Pediatrician’s Perspective” ser…

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3-Part Series of A Pediatrician's Perspective: Part 1: Ick Pics: What to Do When Inappropriate Content Strikes 18:41

1y ago18:41

18:41

“We need to be able to have open conversations so they feel comfortable coming to us when they’re in a bad or an uncomfortable situation,” says returning guest Dr. Lisa Klein, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine and co-founder of Turning Teen. Andrea Hecht and Dr. Klein kick off their three-part series, "A Pediatricia…

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Rediscovering Beauty: Expert Tips on Aging Gracefully with Dr. Julia Milman 56:15

1y ago56:15

56:15

“I am a very, very big proponent of less is more. I definitely do not think that it is necessary to use a 25-step skincare routine or do all sorts of injections or a million lasers, etc.,” says this week’s guest, Dr. Julia Milman, a board-certified physician and the owner and medical director of Dr. Julia Milman’s Aesthetic Medicine. In this episod…

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Embracing Change During the Back-to-School Season 19:12

1y ago19:12

19:12

“Back-to-school season isn’t just about the kids—it’s about us, too,” says Andrea Hecht. In this episode, she reminds us that this time of year brings new beginnings not only for children but also for parents. Sharing a nostalgic story from her own school days, Andrea reflects on the excitement and potential that come with this season. It’s the per…

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Mom Brain with Dr. Nicole Pensak 44:09

1y ago44:09

44:09

“Mothers really are the ultimate caregivers, and we don’t have enough support for mothers,” says Dr. Nicole Pensak, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of “Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain.” In this episode, she sits down with Andrea Hecht to shed light on the often-overlooked mental health challen…

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Empowering the COVID Generation: Navigating the Transition from College to Adulthood 55:41

1y ago55:41

55:41

“I have to help in bridging that gap for students from graduation into the real world, not only in finding a job but also in understanding financial literacy,” says Heather Redisch, founder of the Talent Maven and creator of the Adulting 101 Masterclass. In this episode, she and Andrea Hecht dive into the unique challenges Gen Z faces, especially a…

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Instilling Gratitude in the Next Generation 1:00:16

1y ago1:00:16

1:00:16

“Gratitude lights our world,” says Jill Rivkin, co-founder of Gratitude Generation. “It’s an overall attitude about how you approach your life.” This week, Andrea Hecht sits down with Jill to discuss the transformative power of gratitude. Jill shares her journey from being a young storyteller to becoming a magazine writer, editor, and children’s bo…

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Strong Leader, Strong Mother: She’s Both (At Work and at Home) 59:40

1y ago59:40

59:40

“Resilience is about wanting to welcome failure into your life so that you build skills and trust in your ability to navigate things you didn’t think you could,” says Suzanne Sitrin, founder of Blue Birch Consulting. Suzanne shares insights on balancing a career and family while being a strong leader at home and work. Emphasizing the importance of …

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How Stress Impacts Digestion with Bonnie Wisener 56:39

1+ y ago56:39

56:39

“Stress is a common factor in many people’s lives, and its impact on digestive health is profound and often underestimated,” says Andrea Hecht. In this episode, she tackles the connection between stress and digestion with Bonnie Wisener, a registered holistic nutritionist and founder of Shift Nutrition and Wellness. Bonnie shares insights on how st…

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Navigating Puberty: Expert Tips from Dr. Lisa Klein 59:17

1+ y ago59:17

59:17

“Puberty is normal. Every single adult you meet has been through puberty. Whether you want to or not, you will go through puberty,” says Dr. Lisa Klein, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine. In this episode, host Andrea Hecht and Dr. Klein, who have been friends since childhood, tackle the often-taboo topics of puberty and sexual heal…

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Efficiency Unleashed: Mastering Productivity with Ronna Belinky 48:51

1+ y ago48:51

48:51

Are you maximizing your daily productivity? Discover how in this episode with Ronna Belinky, a time management consultant and founder of Workflows by Ronna. Transitioning from her early ambitions in gymnastics and screenwriting to mastering efficiency in TV production on shows like “Will & Grace,” Ronna shares invaluable insights on organizing for …

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Embracing the Trials of Motherhood with Jodi Klaristenfeld 51:48

1+ y ago51:48

51:48

How did a mother of a preemie parent build resilience and purpose? In this episode, Andrea Hecht connects with Jodi Klaristenfeld, the founder of FLRRiSH, which supports preemie parents from hospital to home. They explore the unpredictable nature of motherhood, discussing both its difficulties and triumphs. The critical birth of Jodi’s daughter, bo…

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Unlock Joy By Knowing Your Values 17:33

1+ y ago17:33

17:33

“When you are very clear on what your values are, that can keep you moving forward,” advises Andrea Hecht as she delves into the impact of aligning personal values with life’s pursuits. Andrea likens personal values to fuel for a journey—essential for smooth and directed travel. She discusses how values are influenced by factors like family, religi…

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From Stay-At-Home Mom to Shark Tank Entrepreneur 51:43

1+ y ago51:43

51:43

Necessity is the mother of invention. In this episode, Andrea Hecht sits down with Jackie Samuelson, the inventor of the Nursing Cool Cover—a breastfeeding cover with an integrated fan, which earned her a patent and a spot on Shark Tank. Jackie discusses how she became an entrepreneur and turned her idea into a reality, from securing a patent to la…

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The Power of Reinventing Oneself During Motherhood with Becky MacCurtain 50:31

1+ y ago50:31

50:31

This episode of The Next ChaptHER podcast explores the power of reinventing oneself during motherhood. Our guest, Becky from Love Set Match, shares her journey of starting her styling business after leaving the magazine industry. She emphasizes the importance of reaching out and making connections, building a support system, and adapting to challen…

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Nourishing Ourselves as Mothers: A Conversation with Jodi Katzin 36:00

1+ y ago36:00

36:00

In this inspiring episode of The Next ChaptHER podcast, Jodi shares her journey as a mother of 3 boys and eating psychology coach. She reminds us of the importance of nourishing ourselves as mothers and helping ourselves develop healthy eating habits. Jodi encourages us to approach our relationship with food with curiosity and self-compassion and p…

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Abby Perry: Navigating her Journey with ADHD, Raising Triplets Plus One and Building a Business in Botany 41:50

1+ y ago41:50

41:50

In this episode of The Next ChaptHER podcast, Andrea Hecht has an honest and heartfelt conversation with Abby Perry, a fellow Midwesterner, sorority sister, and mother of four (triplets + 1). Abby shares her journey from struggling to find her passion as a child to becoming a pharmaceutical sales representative and, eventually, an entrepreneur. Abb…

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Introducing the host of The Next ChaptHER Podcast, Andrea Hecht - A Woman Who Worked Hard to Rediscover Her Identity Beyond Motherhood and is Now Passionate About Helping Others Do the Same (Rerun) 38:18

1+ y ago38:18

38:18

In this episode, we explore what it means to reclaim ownership of your time, well-being, and personal identity outside motherhood - but this time we’re turning the mic on your host Andrea, who is interviewed by her mother! Andrea is a life and purpose coach for high-achieving “do-it-all” mothers who want to reclaim ownership of their time, well-bei…

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Balancing Work & Family Life: A Conversation with Julie Feldman, owner of Guys N Gals 32:45

1+ y ago32:45

32:45

As a working mother, do you often find yourself struggling to balance your passions with your daily responsibilities? If so, you’re not alone. Meet Julie Feldman, the owner of Guys N Gals, who understands the struggles as well. In a heartfelt conversation with Andrea Hecht, Julie shares her journey from childhood to owning a retail business and the…

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Mom Guilt: Why It’s Normal and How to Overcome It with Allison Reff (RERUN) 36:56

1+ y ago36:56

36:56

The Next ChaptHER Podcast is celebrating its first anniversary. To mark the occasion, we’re re-airing our first episode, which originally aired on February 7th, 2023. Thank you, Allison Reff, for being the first Next ChaptHER community member. This group of women support each other in navigating the different roles and titles that mothers have as t…

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From a “Good-on-Paper” Girl to Following Your Inner Compass, with Meghan Khanna 38:48

1+ y ago38:48

38:48

Are you tired of living a life based on societal expectations and people-pleasing tendencies, a.k .a. the Good-on-Paper Girl path? Join Andrea Hecht and Meghan Khanna in a conversation about how external achievements can lead someone down their path and misalign one's' true desires and values. Meghan, a former lawyer and mother of 4, will share her…

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Double the Love: How Twins Lauren and Tami Spread Light in Motherhood & Business 48:26

1+ y ago48:26

48:26

Join me for the next episode of The Next ChaptHER podcast, where we explore the powerful journey of reclaiming ownership of your time, well-being, and personal identity beyond motherhood. In this episode, meet Tami Daks and Lauren Gwart who are twin sisters, mothers of all girls, and work side by side in motherhood and business. They’ll share their…

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Reflections of a working mother as she enters her next chaptHER 22:42

1+ y ago22:42

22:42

Join me for the next episode of The Next ChaptHER podcast where we explore the powerful journey of reclaiming ownership of your time, well-being, and personal identity beyond motherhood. I'm excited to introduce you to today's special guest, Pamela Haron, who also happens to be my inspiring mother. During our conversation, we discuss Pam's experien…

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Embracing Vulnerability and Building a Community for Mental Well-Being with Lindsay Thomason, founder of The Nanny League 48:08

2y ago48:08

48:08

Join me for another episode of The Next ChaptHER podcast, where we explore what it means to reclaim ownership of your time, well-being, and personal identity outside motherhood. I'm excited to introduce you to Lindsay Thomason, a mother of two young children and the founder of The Nanny League, a company that helps families build the support system…

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Addressing Mom Guilt and Finding Personal Identity as a Mother with Allison Holzman 38:23

2y ago38:23

38:23

Join me for another episode of The Next ChaptHER podcast, where we explore what it means to reclaim ownership of your time, well-being, and personal identity outside motherhood. In this episode, we will draw inspiration from Allison Holzman, a family & matrimonial lawyer who is also a solo mother of two school-aged children. Throughout our conversa…

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The Beauty of Motherhood through the Eyes of French-Afghan Artist Manaz Raiszadeh 39:22

2y ago39:22

39:22

Join me for another episode of The Next ChaptHER podcast, where we explore what it means to reclaim ownership of your time, well-being, and personal identity outside motherhood. In this episode, we’ll be inspired by Manaz Raiszadeh, a French-Afghan artist and mother of two school-aged children. During our conversation, we will explore: The signific…

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Finding the balance: A Mother’s Journey of Raising her Children & Starting her Business During Nap Time 36:50

2y ago36:50

36:50

Join me for another episode of The Next ChaptHER podcast, where we explore what it means to reclaim ownership of your time, well-being, and personal identity outside motherhood. Get ready to be inspired by Nicole Savariego, a mother of three school-aged children who has successfully started her own business as the owner and creative director of Kid…