In this episode of Diary of a Working Mom, we’re joined by Jane Govednik—East Bay native, mom of three*, and co-founder of the beloved platform Roadie Mom. You may know her as @rhodyfamily on Instagram, where she’s been sharing honest, relatable motherhood moments for over a decade.
Jane opens up about her Rhode Island roots, her journey to finding her voice, navigating anxiety during her last pregnancy, and building a supportive online community filled with humor, heart, and resilience.
If you’re walking your own “Rhode” through motherhood, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and understood.
Let’s dive in.
In our introduction we accidentally said mom of four, she is s a mom of three!! We apologize for the mix up.
In this deeply honest and inspiring episode, we sit down with Ashley Nicole Miller — a family and children’s photographer based in Connecticut and mom to a spirited toddler. Ashley opens up about the raw realities of early motherhood, her lifelong battle with anxiety, and how postpartum depression became the breaking point that ultimately led to her breakthrough.
She shares the powerful moment when, in the depths of burnout and shame, her husband’s unexpected words of empathy and support became the catalyst for her healing — giving her the courage to rebuild her photography business on her own terms, reconnect with her creative purpose, and begin living life with intention.
Ashley speaks candidly about what it means to find fulfillment outside of motherhood, how she learned to let go of shame, and why doing the hard, brave thing — even when you're scared — is the most important step you can take. If you've ever struggled to separate your identity from your circumstances or doubted your right to chase your dreams, this episode will speak to your soul.
You can find and connect with Ashley here:
https://www.ashleynicolephotographer.com/
Instagram business: @ashleynicole.photographer
Instagram personal: @ashley.nicole.miller
PART TWO: Today on Diary of a Working Mom, we’re honored to share the incredible story of Paula Pearce. From serving in the Royal Navy, to becoming a young mother, to moving to a different country, Paula’s life has been a journey of resilience, grit, and heart. But when years of suppressed trauma and stress caught up with her, resulting in a fibromyalgia diagnosis, Paula faced her biggest battle yet: healing herself from the inside out. Through deep mindset shifts, lifestyle changes, and facing the pain she once buried, Paula reclaimed her strength, her health, and her joy. In this episode, she opens up about motherhood, healing, entrepreneurship, and the power of refusing to be defined by your struggles. Get ready to be inspired by a woman who is truly strong and free. If you're ready, I'm ready, let's dive in.
You can find Paula here:
TikTok: @Healing_fibro
IG: @healing_fibromyalgia
PART ONE: Today on Diary of a Working Mom, we’re honored to share the incredible story of Paula Pearce. From serving in the Royal Navy, to becoming a young mother, to moving to a different country, Paula’s life has been a journey of resilience, grit, and heart. But when years of suppressed trauma and stress caught up with her, resulting in a fibromyalgia diagnosis, Paula faced her biggest battle yet: healing herself from the inside out. Through deep mindset shifts, lifestyle changes, and facing the pain she once buried, Paula reclaimed her strength, her health, and her joy. In this episode, she opens up about motherhood, healing, entrepreneurship, and the power of refusing to be defined by your struggles. Get ready to be inspired by a woman who is truly strong and free. If you're ready, I'm ready, let's dive in.
Tune in next week to hear PART TWO!
You can find Paula here:
TikTok: @Healing_fibro
IG: @healing_fibromyalgia
On this episode of Diary of a Working Mom, we’re sharing the inspiring story of Debbie Faust—a devoted mom of two, and the visionary behind Friends Learning Center in Avon.
Debbie opens up about her childhood on Long Island, the deep love she found in motherhood, and how that love sparked a greater mission: to create a space where little ones could learn, grow, and thrive. What started as a dream became a reality—one filled with heart, purpose, and impact.
Whether you're navigating motherhood, chasing a calling, or searching for the courage to build something of your own, Debbie’s journey is a powerful reminder that when we follow what lights us up, incredible things happen.
Find more information about The Friend's Learning Center:
https://www.thefriendslearningcenter.com/
Email: Hello@thefriendslearningcenter.com
Instagram: @thefriendslearningcenter
In this deeply personal episode of Diary of a Working Mom, Erin sits down with our host Chelsea to talk about something many of us will face: the loss of a parent.
Just days after her father’s passing, Chelsea opens up about their complicated relationship, the unexpected waves of grief, and the process of saying goodbye to a parent. Together, they explore the emotional layers of grief, the memories that resurface, and the legacy that lives on in both the pain and the healing.
This is a raw, honest, and hopeful conversation about love, loss, and finding meaning in the mess. Whether you’re walking through grief yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode is a gentle reminder that it’s okay to feel it all—and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting.
For Ricardo Correia, may he rest in peace.
5.28.1954 - 4.8.2025
Hi, and welcome back to Diary of a Working Mom! Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Katie Kaizer—a proud Nantucket native, talented photographer, and devoted mom of two. Katie’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From growing up surrounded by the charm of island life to exploring the world through her camera lens, her path has been filled with adventure and discovery. Now, as she navigates the beautiful chaos of motherhood, she continues to infuse creativity into her daily life while staying true to her passion.
In this episode, we’ll explore Katie’s inspiring story of balance, resilience, and finding purpose in both work and family. So, if you’re ready, I’m ready. Let’s dive in!!
Find Katie here:
Instagram: @happyallthetime
https://katiekaizerphotography.com/
In this heartfelt episode of Diary of a Working Mom, I’m joined by Autumn Elmazi, a Connecticut mom of three whose journey has taken her from the high-paced world of marketing to full-time motherhood—and now, entrepreneurship. After stepping away from her career to focus on her family during the pandemic, Autumn found a creative way to blend her love for family adventures and community connections. She launched Connecticut Kids Passport, a unique business that gives families access to a variety of fun activities and destinations across Connecticut through one easy pass.
Autumn also opens up about her social media presence , two_modern_mamas, an Instagram page she co-runs with her best friend where they share the raw, real side of motherhood. Their goal? To build a supportive community where moms can feel seen, laugh at the chaos, and know they’re not alone.
Join us as Autumn shares the inspiration behind her ideas, the challenges of balancing business and motherhood, and her passion for creating lasting memories while helping families explore and connect.
If you're ready, I'm ready, let's dive in!
You can find and connect with Autumn here:
@two_modern_mamas
@ctkidspassport
https://www.ctkidspassport.com/
Welcome back to Diary of a Working Mom! Today, I’m joined by Emily Webster—a powerhouse of resilience, a 27-year-old hairstylist, and a devoted mom of two, balancing life with a three-year-old and a seven-year-old while reclaiming her independence. After parting ways with her partner of 10 years, Emily is on a journey of self-discovery, proving that growth and strength can flourish even in the midst of motherhood’s chaos.
From rebuilding her career to finding unwavering support in her girl friends, Emily shares the raw, real, and empowering moments of navigating life on her own terms. If you’re ready for an honest conversation about independence, resilience, and reinvention—let’s dive in.
Welcome back to Diary of a Working Mom! This week, we're flipping the script—Erin is taking over the mic to interview me! As a working mom, I know all too well the chaos of juggling work, family, and personal time. In this episode, we dive deep into the real struggles: overwhelming schedules, mom guilt, setting boundaries, maintaining friendships, and still trying to find time for ourselves.
Sound familiar? If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or questioned whether you're doing enough, this episode is for you. Tune in as we get real, share some laughs, and talk about practical ways to make the daily juggle just a little bit easier. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Welcome back to Diary of a Working Mom Pod!
Today, I'm joined by Jen, a mom whose journey has been anything but predictable. After marrying a college football coach struggling with addiction, she became a single mom when her youngest was just eight weeks old. Over the past four years, she's raised her children on her own while discovering a passion for photography and creativity. Today, she's learning to let go of perfectionism, finds joy in the process, and embraces the unpredictability of motherhood. If you're ready, I'm ready. Let's dive in!
Connect to Jen here:
IG: @jenmccarthyphotography
https://jenmccarthyphotography.com/
Welcome back to Diary of a Working Mom Podcast! This week, we're joined by Jen La Bella, a mom of two who transformed her passion for creativity into a thriving toy store. Jen’s journey wasn’t a straight path—college was filled with uncertainty, and she explored multiple careers before finding her footing in visual merchandising. After moving to LA, meeting her husband, and eventually settling in Connecticut, motherhood became the catalyst for her next big venture. Now, she’s balancing business ownership with raising little ones, creating a space that’s not just a store, but a love letter to her kids.
Join us as we discuss her winding path to entrepreneurship, the challenges of motherhood, and the joy of building something meaningful for her family and community.
Find Jen here:
https://www.instagram.com/birdiesatthebarn/
https://birdiesatthebarn.com/
Welcome back to Diary of a Working Mom Podcast!
Thanks for checking back in for part two of our convo with Lisanne Markowitz. Tune in to hear about how she was shocked to find out she was having twins, and then what it was like raising two boys, both on the spectrum.
Lisanne is truly a mom who is "sandwiched inbetween generations" while still helping her boys who are now in their twenties, while also helping take care of her own mom.
Tune in next week for a whole new episode!
Welcome back toDiary of a Working Mom Podcast!
In this episode, we're joined by Lisanne, a dedicated professional, a mom to incredible neurodivergent twins in their 20s, and a loving daughter caring for her elderly mother—all while making time for her husband and the moments that truly matter.
Her story is one of resilience, love, and the never-ending balancing act so many of us know all too well. Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation about juggling career, caregiving, and family life.
This is only part one, so make sure to check in next week to hear the rest of this episode!!
If you're ready, I'm ready, let's dive in.
Welcome back to Diary of a Working Mom!!!
This week, I’m joined by Dara, a Connecticut native who turned her passion for creativity and celebration into a thriving business. After growing up in a financially unstable home, Dara was determined to build a brighter future. She earned a marketing degree and spent 12 years in the corporate world before realizing she wanted something more fulfilling. Taking a bold leap of faith, she founded Posh Party Spa, a luxury spa and boutique specializing in themed parties for kids—complete with glam makeovers, beauty bars, karaoke, and more!
Now a mom of two, Dara opens up about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, balancing business and motherhood, and the power of perseverance. Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business or just love a good success story, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.
Find Dara here:
https://www.facebook.com/PoshPartySpa/
https://www.instagram.com/poshpartyspa
In this episode of Diary of a Working Mom Podcast, we sit down with April Perkins—mom of two, foodie influencer, and an inspiring advocate for navigating motherhood while healing from a complicated upbringing. April shares her journey of growing up with a narcissistic parent, how it shaped her approach to relationships and parenting, and her ongoing process of re-parenting herself while raising her children.
We explore the lessons she’s learned as a mom, her passion for creating healthy food relationships with her kids, and the unique ways she incorporates her love of food into daily life. Plus, April answers listener-submitted foodie questions—from the best family-friendly restaurants and date night spots to tips for dining out with kids and navigating food relationships as a family.
Whether you’re a mom looking for parenting insights, a foodie at heart, or someone navigating the complexities of family dynamics, this episode is packed with heartfelt advice and practical tips. Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts nourishing and inspiring!
You can find April Perkins here:
Instagram: @aprilperkins__
https://aprilperkinsblog.wordpress.com/
Welcome to Diary of a Working Mom! Today, I’m so excited to chat with Cassidy Raup, a mom who turned her own experiences into a way to help other families.
Cassidy started out as a nanny, caring for kids and supporting families, but everything changed when she became a mom herself. That’s when she realized just how tough it can be to find someone you truly trust with your little ones. Inspired by her own journey, she started The Nannie’s Nanny Agency to help other moms find incredible nannies who feel like family.
In this episode, Cassidy shares her story—from her days as a nanny to becoming a mom and building her agency. We’ll talk about what really matters when looking for childcare, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why it’s okay to ask for help. If you’ve ever wondered how to make life a little easier as a working mom, you’re going to love this conversation! If you're ready, I'm ready, let's dive in!!
If you're looking for more info, you can find Cassidy here:
https://www.thenanniesnannyagency.com/
OR on Instagram: @thenanniesnannyagency
Welcome back to Diary of a Working Mom Pod!! This week, we sat down with Lauren Magel, a mom of three who made the bold leap from teaching to the world of hemp and CBD wellness. Lauren shares her journey from the values she instills in her kids to the challenges and joys of raising children at different stages of life. She also dives into the benefits of hemp, her work with Green Compass, and the freedom of setting her own schedule. Tune in for her inspiring story, insights on wellness, and tips for navigating motherhood with purpose and grace. If you're ready, I'm ready. Let's dive in!
Interested in more from Lauren?? You can find her here:
Linked Tree: https://linktr.ee/laurenbmagel?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
Instagram: @laurenbmagel
In this special twist on Diary of a Working Mom, the tables are turned as a past guest steps into the host's chair to interview Chelsea, your favorite full-time working mom! Chelsea shares her journey of juggling a career that spans multiple roles, creative projects, and passions—all while raising two kids and keeping life balanced (or at least trying to!). This candid conversation peels back the curtain on Chelsea's experiences, challenges, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Don’t miss this unique episode filled with laughs, insights, and a heartfelt look into the life of the woman behind the mic.
Welcome back to Diary of a Working Mom. In today's episode, we're joined by remarkable Crypto Queen Sharon. She's a single mom in the UK who's raised two teenagers while building an impressive career. She started in the world of HR recruiting, where she developed a knack for understanding people, careers, and the importance of building strong professional networks.
Now she's immersed in the fast evolving world of web three and crypto, exploring new technologies and opportunities that are reshaping industries. Her transition from HR to the cutting edge of blockchain is an inspiring story of resilience. adaptability and willingness to dive into new challenges. Join us as we hear her insights on career shifts, balancing life as a single parent and her perspective on the future of work in the decentralized world of crypto.
If you're ready, I'm ready, let's dive in!
