This week, Samantha and Krista are joined by copywriter and messaging strategist Maddy Aucoin for a conversation about ambition, burnout, and choosing a life that feels good—not just productive.
Maddy shares her experience finishing her Master’s degree at 37 weeks pregnant, launching her business in a pandemic, and intentionally deciding to be one and done when it comes to kids. They talk about the lack of support for student parents, navigating social media as a creative business owner, and the recovery required after girlboss culture nearly broke us all.
She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her signature micro workshop model—offering a fresh take on selling with heart, not hustle.
This one is honest, hilarious, and refreshingly human. Whether you're rethinking your ambition or just trying to finish your coffee while it’s still hot—you’ll feel seen here.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
👩🎓 Parenting and higher ed are rarely designed to coexist.
🛏️ Making time for naps is a legitimate life skill.
🎯 Micro workshops can create real impact without burnout.
🥵 Burnout recovery isn’t linear—but it is necessary.
💻 Business growth looks different when you stop performing.
📣 Messaging is more powerful when it’s grounded in truth.
👶 Choosing to be one and done is valid—and freeing.
📱 Social media is a tool—not your boss.
🏛️ Systems aren’t sexy, but they make everything easier.
🤝 Real talk is the best kind of marketing.
✨ Want more from Maddy?
Check out her upcoming micro workshop and find out more about her work at www.bymaddyaucoin.com
Follow her on Instagram: @bymaddyaucoin
💌 Come hang out with us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review or share it with a friend who's redefining ambition—one slow morning at a time.