Episodes
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Karen Grassle is the beloved actress who played Ma on Little House on the Prairie and author of a new candid memoir, Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little House’s Ma. In this candid memoir, Grassle reveals her journey to succeed as an actress even as she struggles to overcome depression, combat her own dependence on alcohol, and find true love. With humor and hard-won wisdom, Grassle takes readers on an inspiring journey through the political turmoil on ’60s campuses, on to studies with some of the most celebrated artists at the famed London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and ultimately behind the curtains of Broadway stages and storied Hollywood sets.
In this episode, Jennifer and Karen discuss their battles with addiction and recovery, their lives as mothers and actresses in Hollywood, and other obstacles placed in front of women in the arts. Karen talks about the financial struggles of the early days in acting and standing up for herself and others looking to receive the equality deserved as an actress on a top-rated show. She also opens up about her personal struggle with alcoholism, getting sober, and her journey to motherhood through independent adoption. Finally, Karen talks about her project bringing awareness and advocacy to domestic violence through her platform and a movie-of-the-week, Battered.
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Gabrielle Zuccaro is the founder and CEO of Bleu Clothing, a local store based in Los Angeles that values excellence and customer service above all else. Gabby was born to work in fashion and it certainly shows. As a child, Gabrielle was fortunate enough to spend plenty of time traveling and living between Los Angeles and Brindisi, Italy. Her experience abroad cemented her love for color, femininity, and fashion. These influences eventually inspired her to start her own business, Bleu Clothing. Gabby believes that women can do anything, all while looking put together. She stands behind the thought that feeling good walking into the world is a very powerful tool. While Gabby is the ultimate feminist, she loves to look beautiful for her husband. She gives her all to her son, Mars, her husband, Fred, her friends, her clients and anything else that crosses her path. She anticipates great things for both herself and her business in 2020.
In this episode, Jennifer and Gabby talk all about the origin story behind Bleu Clothing. Gabby speaks to her belief that a woman should feel great about the way she looks every day. As a local business owner herself, Gabby is a proponent of shopping local and encourages everyone to do so more often in order to support communities and families rather than corporations. Jennifer and Gabby bond over their shared experience as mothers of young boys with hectic schedules. Gabby speaks to how she has successfully and gracefully taken on the challenge of balancing her business and her family life. She credits her best friend and husband, Fred, as a major reason why she has been able to maintain that balance. Finally, Gabby talks about her goals for 2020 and beyond.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/85
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Lara MacGregor is the founder of Hope Scarves, an organization she created to turn heartbreak into hope after her breast cancer diagnosis at 30 years old and 7 months pregnant. Under her leadership, ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarves’ has sent over 14,000 Hope Scarves around the globe and invested over $500,000 in Metastatic Breast Cancer Research. Lara has received many awards for her work, including being named to ‘The 100’ most influential people fighting cancer from Mass General Hospital, Small Business of the Year People’s Choice Award for Greater Louisville Inc., 40 Under 40, Citizen Laureate by Younger Women’s Club and Louisville Charity of the Year. She was Louisville’s Most Admired Woman of 2018 and featured in many national publications, including Good Housekeeping and Cure Magazine.
In this episode, Jennifer and Lara talk all Lara’s incredibly moving and inspirational story, one that involves tragedy, hope, resiliency, and an indomitable will to live life. Lara opens up about her initial breast cancer diagnosis which she received while she was seven months pregnant with her son, Bennett. She details the struggles of balancing treatment while keeping her unborn son healthy. Lara shares the origin story of Hope Scarves and how it has morphed into a community based on support, kindness, and love. Lara chronicles her second cancer diagnosis and what made this one different from the first. She recalls how she and her husband guided their children through this dark time. Finally, Lara talks openly about finding her path as well as her desire to enjoy every day with a positive and loving attitude.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/84
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Elsie Escobar is an influencer, podcasting mentor, advocate, pundit, and co-host of She Podcasts and The Feed. Elsie works in the cross-section of technology, digital media and holistic living with a heavy bias on podcast strategy and creative use of audio. A podcaster since 2006, she was one of the first female indie podcasters using audio to teach yoga. In fact, her first podcast, Elsie’s Yoga Class, has now been downloaded over 4 million times! She is currently the only female pundit in the podcasting space with expert insight into indie podcasters’ impact, influence, and power. Her obsession for podcasting got her a job working with Libsyn, the leading podcast host and distribution network, and has been there since 2007. Elsie has worked to cultivate a strongly engaged community through The Feed: The Official Libsyn podcast, which she both co-hosts and produces. The Feed’s sole focus is keeping people podcasting. She also co-runs the largest community for women in podcasting with a corresponding podcast called She Podcasts. Their sole mission is to empower women to continue to share their voices while creating a safe community of podcasting education and support.
In this episode, Jennifer and Elsie talk all about the pains and joys of motherhood and finding a balance between being a mother and a creator. They open up about their shared experiences breaking into the entertainment industry and the difficulties they both encountered. Elsie shares her podcasting origin story and discusses her podcasts, She Podcasts and The Feed. Finally, Elsie speaks to the incredible growth and success of her podcasts as well as her goals for the upcoming year.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/83
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Miriam Feldman is an artist, writer, and mental health activist who splits her time between her Los Angeles atelier and her farm in rural Washington state. She is a mother to four adult children, including her 34-year-old son Nick, who has schizophrenia. With an MFA in painting from Otis Art Institute, Miriam founded Demar Feldman Studios, Inc., a wildly successful mural and decorative art company, in 1988. With a clientele of business and entertainment elite in Los Angeles and abroad, her work can be found everywhere from Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Beverly Hills to Jay Leno’s Beverly Hills home. When her son Nick was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2004, Miriam became an activist and a writer. With first-hand knowledge of the woeful state of our mental health system, she decided to be an advocate for those who have no voice. Miriam is active in leadership at NAMI Washington and her story is featured on the cover of their current national newsletter. She is a frequent guest on mental health podcasts and is active on Instagram where she is building a community of family and loved ones dealing with mental illness. She currently resides in Washington with her husband Craig.
In this episode, Jennifer and Mimi talk about Mimi’s journey as a mother and mental health advocate as well as the inspiration behind her book, He Came in With It, a memoir chronicling Mimi’s experience having a child who suffers from schizophrenia. They talk about the stigma surrounding mental illness and ways to eliminate the taboo nature of how society views this crucial issue. Jennifer opens up about her own struggles with depression as well as her son’s ADHD diagnosis. Finally, Mimi talks about her son Nick’s beautiful artistic ability and the ways her family used art as a form of therapy during the most harrowing times in their lives.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/82
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In this episode of MILF Podcast, Jennifer takes a moment to wish the audience a Happy New Year. She also provides an update on the book she’s been working on over the past six years. This January, she will be flying to New York to meet with publishers and others who will be able to help turn her manuscript into a published novel! As the new year beckons, Jennifer encourages all listeners to find your path and follow your dreams. It’s all about taking that first step and initiating a plan of action. Whether it’s an art class, a novel, law school, a new program, ballet, or any other creative outlet, Jennifer reminds the audience that you are capable, competent and more powerful than you believe. Finally, Jennifer encourages listeners to check out the writing summit she’s put together as well as the two companies she’s collaborating with, My Tee Girls and Fluide. Make 2020 the best year it can be.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/81
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In this very special bonus episode of MILF Podcast, Jennifer welcomes and interviews her son, Blumes Liam Tracy. Jennifer and Blumes partake in a lovely conversation where they discuss cars, gaming, movies, and Blumes’ passion for World War II history. Blumes talks about what he enjoys most about the Christmas season, including family, gifts, and Christmas jazz! Jennifer and Blumes discuss the plot, setting and main characters from the film, JoJo Rabbit. Blumes shares his thoughts on outrage culture, the affect that video games have had on his generation, and his experience having two very contrasting sides of his family. Finally, Jennifer and Blumes talk about the reciprocal eternal love and appreciation they have for one another.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/80
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Erica Messer has been an accomplished showrunner, executive producer, writer and creator of dramatic television series for over twenty years. Erica recently served her ninth and final year as Executive Producer, Showrunner and Head Writer of Criminal Minds, a series that consistently ranked as TV's number one suspense thriller and is listed among a select few shows to have broadcast 300+ episodes over fourteen seasons. In 2018, Erica completed her first documentary feature film, The Biggest Little Farm, after six years of painstaking hard work. The documentary had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in September and has gone on to win many awards at various film festivals, including seven nominations for the Critics' Choice Awards for Documentary Films. Erica is a working mother and very familiar with juggling the demands of Hollywood with those of parenthood. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her family.
In this episode, Jennifer and Erica talk about Erica’s incredible journey as a television writer, executive producer and showrunner. They share their experiences and talk about the difficult challenges they’ve both faced as female writers. Erica speaks to how she and her husband Kenny have been able to balance a hectic work life schedule. Erica talks about some of her more recent projects, including her documentary, The Biggest Little Farm, which is now available on iTunes and Hulu. Finally, Erica provides some sage advice to aspiring writers everywhere and encourages each of them to fulfill that burning desire to tell their own story.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/79
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Jules Blaine Davis is a kitchen healer, an awakener of the wisdom in our bodies, a mother and a holder for the stories we carry in our lives. Jules is a mystic walking the path of a pioneer, awakening us to our hunger for permission, freedom and ease in and out of the kitchen. She’s truly an artist in many realms, including painting poetry, performing arts, movement and meditation She invites us into this everlasting conversation with the mystery of our body, turning on the fire as medicine and the beauty way as deep nourishment. Jules creates spaces where women become who they truly are, giving new language to living a life that aligns with our longing and values in service to our Mama Earth.
In this episode, Jennifer and Jules partake in a meaningful conversation where they delve deep into grief, loss, personal tragedy, spirituality, being present and maintaining faith. They identify the need for us to slow down in our day-to-day lives and appreciate the moment through awareness. Jules opens up about her recent diagnosis and subsequent battle with sarcoma. Finally, Jules speaks to the work she’s been doing with her project, Patreon, a gorgeous healing collective of women all over the world. This contingent provides women a space to learn the language of longing, find the sacred in the mundane and everything in between.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/78
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Jennifer welcomes to the podcast her very first Anonymous MILF. This week’s anonymous guest is a graduate of USC, a single mother, and a cammer. For those wondering, a cammer is a person who sells their sexuality on camera to someone who pays for it. There are myriad ways to do this and our guest keeps her identity anonymous to her clients. As a single mother struggling to get by after a brutally painful extrication from an abusive marriage, our guest discovered camming by happenstance. Before she knew it, she suddenly had an alternate stream of income to help her get by while she pursues her next career move. Anonymous speaks to the subculture of sex, camming, and turning her hobby into a stream of income to survive and take care of her daughter.
In this episode, Anonymous recalls the journey she took to become a cammer. Jennifer and Anonymous discuss their shared experience as single mothers and the incredibly difficult job that entails. Anonymous sheds light on the world of sex workers, sexuality and profiting off her own sex. She explains why she only participates in the exchanges that feel empowering for her. Anything that feels even a bit out of her integrity within this realm and she’s out. Finally, Jennifer and Anonymous speak to the importance of maintaining a judgment free zone in the bedroom. Feeling comfortable and welcome in such a vulnerable state only promotes healthier attitudes towards sex and human sexuality.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/77
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Jennifer welcomes to the podcast relationship and intimacy coach, Katie Henricks. With a background in education and human sexuality, Katie teaches her clients the art of connection and ways to cultivate healthier relationships and emotional wellness through vulnerability. She got her start teaching erotic feminine movement back in 2008 and continued down the path of emotional wellness and sexual empowerment with ferocity. Her coaching methods utilize a combination of effective communication tools, education of masculine/feminine dynamics, and understanding the process of desire and expression. Today, Katie leads workshops and works with both couples and singles looking to have more satisfaction, range and depth in their intimate relationships. It is her mission to empower her clients in their deepest desires, giving them the approval to own those desires with total permission while having the tools to express them a healthy way.
In this episode, Katie shares her journey to becoming a certified relationship and intimacy coach. She opens up about being a survivor of domestic abuse and the struggle to escape that abuse as a new mother. Katie discusses the various support systems that helped her get through these difficult times. Additionally, Katie talks about how she got started with the practice of ‘OM’ (orgasmic meditation) and speaks to the difference between orgasm and climax. Jennifer and Katie discuss the importance of knowing your truth, opening up, and being vulnerable. Finally, Katie stresses why she places such a high value on women understanding and expressing their desires.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/76
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In this episode of MILF Podcast, Jennifer takes a moment to reflect and give thanks for all of the blessings in her life: her son, family, friends, team, and the fiercely loyal community of MILF Podcast listeners. Jennifer talks about the craziness that often accompanies the holiday season. She discusses her own struggles with consumerism and the changes she has recently made to shift from material items to experiences. Specifically, Jennifer plans to reevaluate her and her son’s value systems. It is her hope that she can arrive at a place and time where the feelings of love, excitement, and gratitude that come from experiences permeate her son’s life rather than the promise of material things: video games, toys, etc. Finally, Jennifer speaks about the profoundness of human connection and the reason that it’s so irreplaceable. We hope you enjoy today’s episode and find ways to bring love to your own table this Thanksgiving, throughout the holiday season, and into the coming year!
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/75
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Jennifer welcomes to the podcast businesswoman and mother, Kate Grace Bauer. Kate is the President of Operations at Ashley Longshore Studio Gallery in New Orleans and, as importantly, a working mother. Over the past six years, she has worked to grow the Longshore Studio Gallery and Longshore brand to the empire that it is today, while simultaneously raising her 22-month-old daughter, Colette. As a new mother, Kate Grace deeply values her work/life balance. She is proud to work for such an incredible kind and caring boss who fosters a professional environment that is compassionate towards women and mothers. When she’s not busy meeting her professional goals, Kate Grace is looking for new ways to empower women and mothers to feel supported and loved.
In this episode, Kate Grace talks about her experience running a major art gallery while balancing a life with her husband and their daughter, Coco. Kate Grace reflects on her pregnancy and opens up about the process of undergoing a caesarian section as well as the physical, mental and emotional changes that she experienced. Jennifer and Kate Grace discuss their shared belief that mothers need to give themselves permission to be ok with how they are handling everything in their lives. Motherhood is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding, challenges women face and all of them deserve to give themselves proper credit for the incredible job they are doing. Finally, Kate Grace tells the story of how she met Gloria Steinem and speaks to some of her upcoming projects.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/74
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Jennifer welcomes to the podcast award-winning actor, Jenna Elfman. Jenna began her career as a professional dancer before ultimately transitioning to acting. She is most well-known for portraying the role of Dharma on the hit television show, Dharma and Greg, for which she garnered a Golden Globe Award, two TV Guide Awards, and three Emmy Award nominations. Since then, she has appeared on numerous television shows, most notably Shameless, Damages, Growing Up Fisher, 1600 Penn, and, most recently, Fear the Walking Dead. Her film credits include, Friends with Benefits, Big Stone Gap, Keeping the Faith, and the cult classic, Can’t Hardly Wait. As a classically trained ballerina, Jenna has been invited twice to be a guest judge on the hit dance competition show, So You Think You Can Dance. Jenna currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband Bodhi Elfman and their two young sons. She and Bodhi host a podcast called Kicking and Screaming, in which they humorously discuss their more than 20-year marriage.
In this episode, Jenna talks about her successful and fascinating career in entertainment from professional dancing to acting in hit television shows and major motion pictures. Jenna and Jennifer relate their shared experiences as mothers and discuss the importance of self-care, privacy, and finding time for yourself. They talk about the overwhelming nature of our digital culture and the difficulties of parenting in a world where technology and cell phones have seemingly taken over major aspects of life. Jenna and Jennifer also speak about education and getting their children the proper attention and care they deserve. Finally, Jenna shares her thoughts on integrity, knowing your worth, and being forthright in asking for what you deserve.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/73
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Jennifer welcomes entrepreneur Molly O’Bryant. Molly is the owner of A Touch of Lash, an organization aimed at creating customized lash extensions sets for their clients using industry leading products and techniques. She also runs ATOL Lash Academy, which offers small and large group training courses to help licensed cosmetologist and estheticians become proficient in lashing. Molly has been practicing and teaching in the beauty industry for over 10 years and has a passion for empowering others. Her recent awards include the 2019 WODA Iconic Women of Distinction Finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year and 2019 Skin Games Hybrid Lash Artist of the Year. She currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband, Patrick and two beautiful daughters.
In this episode, Molly talks about her experience growing her business while simultaneously raising two young children. A professional athlete by trade, Molly’s husband Patrick spent multiple years abroad until recently retiring to spend time with his family. Molly shares her passion for her business, A Touch of Lash, and provides background on the lash industry. Jennifer and Molly talk about the value that Molly’s business provides to women, especially mothers. Finally, they discuss the many offerings of Molly’s ATOL Academy as well as Molly’s vision for its future.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/72
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Jennifer welcomes one of the strongest, most resilient women she has ever met, Crystal Johnson. In this episode, Crystal opens up about the unimaginably tragic event that resulted in the loss of her two sons, Deacon and Garret. With undeniable grace and presence, Crystal takes the audience through the details of her sons’ accident and speaks to the box of grief she carries with her every day of her life. Crystal shares her thoughts on love, serenity and preserving the memory of her boys. When not staring at a computer screen, she spends her time balancing photography, writing, and enjoying family time all while navigating the rough waters of deep grief. She is currently working on a memoir and plans to launch a foundation for her boys in January 2020. Crystal resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Dan, their two youngest of five children and two dogs.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/71
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Jennifer hosts a very special edition of the MILF Podcast, as she reflects on a recent occurrence in her life: her son’s diagnosis with ADHD. Although this diagnosis did not come as a complete shock to Jennifer, it made sense to her. Throughout the years, her son has struggled academically and, at times, with panic and anxiety attacks, so this diagnosis served as a revelation for Jennifer and her son. Jennifer opens up with complete vulnerability as she shares what it has been like going through the motions of this experience. She talks about testing, visits to psychologists and medical doctors, research, and the value of properly prescribed and moderated medication. Like all great parents, Jennifer puts her son’s happiness and well-being above all else. That is why she chose today’s episode to share such a personal and intimate story from her life. We hope you enjoy today’s episode and take advantage of the resources linked at the bottom.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/70
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Jennifer welcomes to the podcast, award-winning sales and advertising powerhouse, Christine Joyluck. Christine is a proven sales strategist, savvy negotiator and diligent problem-solver who has worked in both corporate and start-up environments, working closely with Global Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies. A self-proclaimed “Tiger Daughter,” Christine is a strong, driven and self-motivated woman who utilizes all of these strengths and passions in her business career as well as her mothering. Her goal: “In my quest for personal and business achievement. I strive to support and advise clients with authenticity, encouragement, and a dollop of tough love.” She currently has been focusing on her Professional Women's Empowerment Coaching as she strives to mentor women to help them identify and attain success.
In this episode, Christine talks about her tumultuous upbringing in a household that experienced alcoholism, abuse, and instability. She speaks to her experiences moving from Taiwan to New York and, eventually, Los Angeles where her business career took off. Christine is a proponent of financial independence and stresses the importance of financial literacy for women. As a career coach for exclusively women, Christine certainly has a passion for assisting women achieve this financial stability and sustained success. Finally, Christine opens up about past relationships, her journey to motherhood and her experience as a single mother. One thing is clear, she wouldn’t change anything for the world.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/69
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Jennifer welcomes Terri Fry. Terri is a career driven mother of two boys, a wife, and a woman with many passions. Like any other mom, Terri goes through the phases of motherhood where she feels confident, insecure, guilty, fear, love, confusion, and pride, amongst many other feelings. Thus, Terri was inspired to start Mom Like That Podcast as a forum for women to share their stories from motherhood while rediscovering their identity as women.
In this episode, Terri talks about her upbringing as a Muslim girl in a predominantly white male society and the culture shock that accompanied that. She shares the difficult journey of balancing motherhood and her ambitious career plans. Terri opens up about her experiences with postpartum depression, an in-house temporary separation from her husband, and the struggle to make herself a priority in her own life. Finally, Terri and Jennifer share their belief that mothers deserve more flexibility, resources, and support in our society today.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/68
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Jennifer welcomes celebrity hair stylist, Kylee Heath. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Kylee moved to Los Angeles at the tender age of nineteen to pursue her dream of becoming a hair stylist. Since then, she has worked with celebrities styling their hair for press, premieres, talk shows, and photo shoots. Kylee’s dedication to new and innovative styling techniques has given her an edge in the industry. Her celebrity clients include Nicole Kidman, Kristen Stewart, Rachel McAdams, Diane Kruger, Sofia Vergara, Riley Keough and Liam Hemsworth, among others. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband Jonathan, her daughter Rae, and a baby boy on the way.
In this episode, Kylee talks about following her childhood dream of becoming a hair stylist. She opens up about taking a ‘non-traditional’ path in life both in her career and in her personal life. Jennifer and Kylee discuss issues facing working mothers today, including the guilt that many feel while trying to maintain a healthy balance. Kylee talks about the longing she has always felt to become a mother and the journey that brought her there. Finally, Kylee and Jennifer bond over the shared reality that we are all making it up as we go and doing the best that we can along the way.
Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/67
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