“What does it mean to be creative…it’s allowing yourself to be so inspired by the beauty of the world that you want to capture it in some kind of form and then having the discipline to actually carry it out.” -Ashlee Gadd on the Elevating Motherhood Podcast Mothers often feel guilt when they pursue something that takes time away from their children, especially when that something could be deemed less important than parenting. Writer Ashlee Gadd felt the same way when she was navigating being a first-time mother, exhausted yet yearning to be creative. Now a mother of three and the founder of C ..read more

We’ve come to the end of what seems to be one of the craziest years ever in education. Now what? Do we take time to reflect on what actually worked and what can just go away and never return? Are you asking yourself, your community, your children, and/or your school reflective questions? Are you just so done with this year in general that you just want to move on and hope for the best in the fall? Or do you feel unsettled and unsure which direction to move forward? Should you just homeschool? Should you at least consider it? You are not alone! Millions of families have this nagging notion that ..read more

Well, it’s official! We’re not done having kids! Baby #4 is due to arrive sometime in November or December. My “official” due date is Thanksgiving Day, but I tend to carry over my due date when given the space and freedom to go into labor on my own. This time around is different than the other girls because it is a surprise this time around AND I’m now in a new decade of life. What’s different this time: * I’m 40 and unafraid. * I have more research under my belt. * I think I was in a bit of denial. * My timelines aren’t lining up with other friends my age.  * I’m including the spiritual ..read more

“Toxic messaging encourages you to identify with the collective rather than your true self and family values.” – Lori Beth Auldridge It’s time to call a spade a spade. There are societal messages about motherhood that are toxic to moms. Some people have told me they don’t like the word “toxic” to describe my thoughts on this, but to me, that’s what these messages are—toxic. But that doesn’t mean we have to accept them or embrace them. What we can do is learn about them—and ourselves!—while we dismantle them and step back into our power as mothers. In this episode I’ll share 5 lenses I put on w ..read more

Picture this: Your newborn baby is finally sleeping. You take a few moments to gaze at them admiringly. Happy, tired, ready to lie down yourself. Finally, a moment of peace. And then your dog barks. Baby wakes up. You have to start all over. Cue the frustration and chaos. There are many of us who would lose our minds in that moment—and rightfully so. The transition into becoming a parent is a big one. And avoiding chaos and frustration during all stages of parenting is a goal many of us have. This is no different with our four-legged family members as well. We want to avoid chaos and frustrati ..read more

Nothing in this episode is medical advice, but it is an honest conversation that is needed in the postpartum and birth space. What would happen if we found our brains as fascinating as our bodies during the transformation that is pregnancy and birth? Today’s guest, Dr. Walker Ladd poses that question and so many other thoughtful observations and perspectives about Postpartum Depression—thoughts that empower and resource women, providers, and anyone who supports mothers. Walker’s book Transformed by Postpartum Depression took me over a month to read. Not because I didn’t want to, not because it ..read more

Kendra Adachi, the New York Times Bestselling author and self-proclaimed “Pollyanna with a Clipboard” is here today to make us laugh, think, and grow as we embrace what matters, ditch what doesn’t, and get stuff done. The principles from her book The Lazy Genius are life changing—truly! Her book, her podcast, her Instagram, her website, this interview…everywhere Kendra shows up, she makes an impact! I’m thrilled to be sharing this joy-filled conversation with you…you can hear us smiling the whole time! We dive into a few principles from her Lazy Genius life philosophy and then go beyond those ..read more

Today’s episode is SO COOL. I have my numerology chart read to me for the first time ever and you get to hear my reactions to the results in real time. This was a wild conversation. Not only am I blown away by the accuracy of my chart, but I’m so inspired by the ideas and conviction I feel after hearing it. My excitement is not me putting all of my faith in numerology or using it to replace my religious beliefs. Not at all. This reading carries the same weight as other ways I’ve gotten to know myself better—personality type indicators like the enneagram and Meyers-Briggs (although I do appreci ..read more

“Perfectionism is not just impossible in parenting but it is deeply at odds with our goals.” When I read the book Expecting Wonder, it isn’t what I expected. I’m not 100% sure WHAT I expected but it really showed me that I came into a pregnancy book with expectations. I don’t know whether I thought it was going to be a story version of What to Expect When You’re Expecting or what…but I ended the book a different person. (Even as a non-pregnant person who has birthed three babies, I shut that book and felt heard & known in a way I haven’t before). Today’s conversation with the author Britta ..read more

If you tuned into this podcast, I’m giving you a big hug. You’re probably here because you’re ready for change…maybe you or your kids have been struggling with virtual learning options…or you just need to know what your options are. Or you might know friends who are struggling and talking about homeschool or wanting to know more about it and you wanted to check it out as a resource for them. Or maybe you’re a teacher who is wondering what they heck this woman is going to talk about. Well, I’m not going to dis teachers or schools. They have been tasked with the impossible this year. We all have ..read more