The Kids Might Not Be Listening...But They're Watching

Raising changemakers by living our values—on the mic and at the dinner table

Sunday is Mother’s Day—and for many of us, it brings up a complex mix of emotions.

I know, because I’ve felt them all.
I’ve been the stepmom helping little hands make cards for their mom.
I’ve been the woman longing to get pregnant, mourning a loss, and aching to be celebrated.
I’ve been the daughter estranged from her mother for a decade.

If that’s you right now—I see you. I feel you. You’re not alone.

Being a mother is something I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember. And now that I am one, I don’t take it lightly. I know it’s not just about feeding, clothing, and protecting two human beings—it’s about raising kind, empathetic, thoughtful adults. And that responsibility humbles me every single day.

This week, I created two pieces of content about motherhood—both rooted in that deep responsibility we carry.

The first is a Substack post about the recent incident in Philadelphia where university students ordered bottle service with a light-up sign that displayed an antisemitic message. The bar staff let it happen. No one stopped it. And it made me ask: Where does that kind of hate come from? Hate is taught. Racism is learned. And as mothers, we are either interrupting that cycle—or silently passing it on. I shared how I’m talking to both my 10-year-old son and my 26-year-old stepson about empathy, racism, and what it means to truly see others.

The second is a solo podcast episode about the lessons we teach our kids—not just through our words, but through our actions. The values we live out in front of them. The way we speak to others. The boundaries we hold. It all matters. It all teaches.

I’ve always believed that moms can change the world.
We carry that kind of power.
It’s a superpower—but one that comes with responsibility. Let’s use it well.

Catch Me If You Can

I’m making the rounds next week with some virtual conversations, and you’re all invited! As many of you know, I’m part of

PERSIST.

, and we just launched a new series called Night Cap with Dr. Nola Haynes—a 30-minute Instagram Live that recaps the week in politics and policy, features a guest interview, dips into pop culture, and wraps up with commentary from the Night Cap team.

Join us this Tuesday, May 13th, on PERSIST’s Instagram Live with Dr. Nola Haynes and Mara Freedman. The show kicks off at 5pm PT / 8pm ET, and I’ll be joining the conversation around 5:20pm PT / 8:20pm ET.

Come hang out—it’s thoughtful, fun, and exactly the kind of conversation we need right now.

The man, the myth, the legend...he stood for 25 hours and 5 minutes, so he’s definitely all that and more! I’m so excited and proud to be a part of the hosting committee for a FREE Ask Me Anything Zoom with Senator Cory Booker on Wednesday, May 14th 5pm PT/8pm ET!

This is your to have a chance to ask questions, hear real talk, and maybe even get picked to go live with America’s Senator himself.

Podcast Guest Questions

This week’s question from authors: Does podcast size matter?

Just like last week’s question, this one has a short answer—and a longer explanation.
The short answer? No, size doesn’t matter.
What does matter is audience alignment.

I always tell clients: I’d rather land you on a podcast with 1,500 downloads a month where every listener is genuinely interested in your story, than on a show with a million downloads and zero connection to your message.

It’s not about reaching the most people—it’s about reaching the right people.
Quality over quantity, always.

If you want the deeper dive, I recorded a solo episode back in 2023 called Does Size Matter?—check it out!

Grateful To Podcast Hosts

Two podcast interviews dropped this week—and I’m so grateful to be featured!

A huge thank you to Lauren Wrighton of The Podcast Manager Show and Brett Deister of Digital Coffee for having me on their podcasts.

Of course, we talked all things podcast pitching and best practices, but I also had the chance to share more about my career journey—which was such a meaningful conversation for me.

One of my favorite moments was on The Podcast Manager Show, where Lauren asked how I weave activism into my business, brand, and social media. I loved diving into that—it’s something I care deeply about and am always excited to talk about.

If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes of podcast pitching, or how to build a brand that reflects your values, I’d love for you to give them a listen.

What I’m Reading & Listening To

This week I finished Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross…really good and timely!

This week I started reading Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone and A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan.

A podcast that I can’t get enough of that has me laughing with every episode is the I’ve Had It Podcast hosted by Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan. They’ve got a book coming out this month called Life Is A Lazy Susan Of Sh*t Sandwiches and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

My Simplified Life Podcast

Are our destinies written in the stars? I’m a lover of reading my horoscope and although I don’t abide by astrology, I do find it entertaining. I loved reading All The Signs by Jessie Rosen and loved getting to talk to Jessie all about it even more!

#308 All The Signs with Jessie Rosen

Steph and I chatted travel, spicy books, managing expectations, influencer culture and more.

#309 Booked & Unfiltered: Embracing Your Season, Speaking Your Truth, and Reading the Spicy Books

Another solo episode with my thoughts on motherhood…as a mom of 2 and stepmom of 2.

#310 Lessons We Teach As Mothers Without Trying

I wish you a wonderful weekend however you’re spending it. I’m still solo parenting while Ted is in Herrlisheim, France for a WWII celebration honoring his father and the entire 12th Armored Division. I’m very excited to see how my humans wake me up, probably way earlier than I’d like on Sunday!