Mama Work It Podcast

What does self-care actually look like when you're juggling work, motherhood, relationships, and everything in between?

In this encore episode of Mama Work It, Marisa sits down with Leslie Forde, founder and CEO of Mom's Hierarchy of Needs, to discuss self-care, burnout prevention, and the realities of working motherhood.

Drawing from both personal experience and research, Leslie shares why so many working moms struggle to prioritize themselves and what they can do to create sustainable well-being practices.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why self-care often falls to the bottom of a working mom's priority list

The connection between self-care and burnout prevention

Research findings about the challenges facing working parents

How to identify your most important self-care needs

Practical ways to prioritize yourself without guilt

Sustainable self-care strategies that fit real life

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply looking to create healthier habits, this episode offers practical guidance for putting yourself back on your priority list.

To connect with Leslie:

https://momshierarchyofneeds.com/

For more working mom resources or to become a Mama Work It VIP subscriber: www.mamaworkit.com
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In this encore episode of Mama Work It, Marisa revisits one of the podcast's most impactful conversations with Dr. Ritu Saluja Sharma about the powerful connection between sleep, stress, hormones, and overall health.

For working moms, sleep deprivation and chronic stress often become a way of life. But as Dr. Ritu explains, poor sleep can affect everything from energy levels and mood to weight management, immunity, and mental clarity.

In this episode, you'll learn:


How chronic stress impacts your body and brain


Why sleep is essential for physical and emotional health


The relationship between hormones, stress, and fatigue


Simple strategies to improve sleep quality


Practical ways moms can prioritize rest without guilt

Whether you're feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or simply exhausted from juggling work and motherhood, this conversation offers science-backed insights and realistic advice to help you reclaim your energy and sanity.

This episode is being sponsored by AirDoctor, Newsweek's Readers' Choice Award for best air purifier. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code MAMA to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers, plus AirDoctor’s 30-day money back guarantee. This is an exclusive podcast only offer for Mama Work It listeners, available now at www.AirDoctorPro.com!

Connect with Dr. Ritu here:

www.headhearthandsmd.com

Don't forget to subscribe to the Mama Work It newsletter: www.mamaworkit.com.

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Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming, emotional, and filled with uncertainty.

In this encore episode of Mama Work It, Marisa revisits her conversation with Lori Mihalich-Levin, founder of Mindful Return and author of Back to Work After Baby. Lori shares practical strategies to help working moms successfully navigate the transition from maternity leave back into their careers while maintaining their well-being and family priorities.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to prepare emotionally for returning to work after baby

Micro-mindfulness strategies for busy moms

Ways to ease the transition back into your professional role

How to phase back into work when possible

What organizations can do to better support working parents

Tips for managing mom guilt and overwhelm

If you're expecting, currently on maternity leave, recently returned to work, or supporting working parents on your team, this episode offers actionable advice and encouragement for navigating one of motherhood's biggest transitions.
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Do you ever feel like you're one mistake away from being "found out"?

You're not alone.

In this encore episode of Mama Work It, Marisa revisits her conversation with Lauren Smit about overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence as a working mom.

Lauren specializes in helping women identify the different types of imposter syndrome that may be holding them back from reaching their goals. Together, they explore how self-doubt can quietly influence career growth, leadership, entrepreneurship, and even everyday decision-making.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The five types of imposter syndrome

How imposter syndrome shows up for working moms

Why successful women often struggle with self-doubt

The biggest mistake women make when receiving compliments

Practical tools to build confidence and quiet your inner critic

Strategies for pursuing bigger goals without waiting to feel "ready"

Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, changing careers, or simply trying to trust yourself more, this episode will help you recognize and overcome the mindset patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
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What happens when two high school best friends become moms of seven kids combined?

You get a long list of parenting tactics that sound completely ridiculous—but somehow work.

In this laugh-out-loud episode of Mama Work It, host Marisa
Lonic is joined by her longtime friend Mia Fitzharris, a former television
producer and mom of three, to share the most unhinged things moms do to survive modern parenting.

From pretending the park is closed and blaming everything on
the luteal phase to sneaking snacks into movie theaters and using Costco
samples as a legitimate meal plan, Marisa and Mia are exposing the harmless lies, creative systems, and confidence-building shortcuts that keep family life running.

But beneath the humor is an important message: motherhood isn't about perfection. It's about resourcefulness, adaptability, and finding what works for your family.

Whether you're a working mom, stay-at-home mom, or somewhere
in between, you'll probably find yourself saying, "Wait... I do that
too."

In This Episode:

The funniest parenting lies moms tell

Why moms become professional snack smugglers

Costco parenting hacks we fully support

And so much more (you need to listen, trust us)

About Mia Fitzharris

Mia Fitzharris is a former television producer, mom of three, and Marisa's best friend since high school. Together, they bring decades of friendship, parenting experience, and plenty of hilarious stories to this candid conversation about motherhood, confidence, and surviving family life.

This episode is being sponsored by AirDoctor, Newsweek's Readers' Choice Award for best air purifier. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code MAMA to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers, plus AirDoctor’s 30-day money back guarantee. This is an exclusive podcast only offer for Mama Work It listeners, available now at www.AirDoctorPro.com!

Connect With Mama Work It

If you enjoyed, appreciated, or even felt seen in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Your support helps us reach more moms navigating career, motherhood, and everything in between.

Plus--don't forget to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and check out more working mom resources here: www.mamaworkit.com.
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