AND/BOTH Podcast - Real Conversations, Shared Experiences, and the Community You've Been Missing

In this episode, we chat with Valerie Recore about the challenges that mothers face in modern society. The societal double standards between mothers and fathers, the immense pressure to manage every detail of their children's lives, the difficulties of setting boundaries, prioritizing personal well-being, and the struggle to find leisure time amidst heavy commitments. And that's not all! Valerie is a productivity coach and fair play method facilitator, who was gracious enough to share her insights on mindset shifts, time management, and so much more.  In this episode, you'll take away actionable strategies that are highlighted to help mothers gain control, find peace, and carve out time for themselves in the middle the demands of parenthood.Connect with Valerie:Website: https://strideproductivity.com/Private podcast: https://strideproductivity.com/schoolpickup/ Instagram: @strideproductivityConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

In today's episode, we welcome with open arms Dr. Danielle, the founder of Honey, a company focusing on comprehensive support for new parents in the postpartum phase. Dr. Danielle shares her motivation behind starting Honey, rooted in her personal experiences with the gaps in postpartum care within a universal insurance system. Her company aims to provide proactive and preventative medical education and coaching for moms and dads, moving away from the reactive approach prevalent in current healthcare systems. Honey offers community support, group coaching, and an 11-module course addressing key postpartum areas: infant care, physical recovery, mental wellness, and intimacy. Danielle's mission is to make a change in the gaps in postpartum care and change how postpartum care is approached in medical education.Connect with Danielle:Website: www.hellohoneyteam.com Instagram: @hellohoneyteamLinkedInConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

In today's episode, I chat with Kristina Godfrey, the founder of Godfrey Social PR. Kristina shares her journey as a mother of three boys, and as an entrepreneur who started her PR firm in 1997. We talk all about maintaining a balance between professional and personal life, and the importance of keeping one's own identity and friendships outside of motherhood. This episode is for you no matter what season of motherhood you're in - the realness and wisdom that Kristina brings to this episode is one you don't want to miss!Connect with Kristina:Website: https://www.godfreysocialpr.com/Instagram: @godfreysocialprConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

In today's episode, I talk with Penny Goffman, the head of community at Hey Mama, a private membership community aimed at working moms, especially those who are entrepreneurs or involved in building brands or businesses. Penny details her journey and role in Hey Mama, and talks about the importance of creating connections and providing resources for moms in the business world.We also dive into how the dynamics of motherhood and business intersect, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities that arise from balancing both like parenting, self-identity, and the evolution of careers and roles for moms in today's society.Connect with Penny:Instagram: @thatpennylife_LinkedinConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

In this episode, I interview Jenn Klein, founder and CEO of 'You Are a Philanthropist' and author of 'Giving is Selfish'. She discusses her mission to spread awareness about the joy and health benefits of giving back to communities and the broader world. She explains the concept of the 'helper's high' and the mental and physical health benefits of volunteering. Jenn shares her journey from a fundraiser to a mother and author, speaking about the importance of role models in instilling the value of giving back in individuals from a young age. We also talk about the challenges people face in volunteering, such as time constraints, and suggests ways to overcome these barriers. Jenn aims to redefine philanthropy to include small acts of kindness and contributions that everyone can make to recognize their potential to impact their communities positively.Connect with Jenn: Volunteer Match: https://www.volunteermatch.org/Website: www.youareaphilanthropist.comLinked in: @/jennkleincoach/IG: @_jennkleinConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

In today's episode, I sit down and chat with Jess from Handlers and Humans. We discuss the challenges of dog ownership and the connection to parenthood. Jess explains her work supporting dog owners through coaching and the parallels between handling tough dogs, parenting, working virtually, and revamping her course to provide targeted support within a community setting. Jess also talks about training dog trainers on person-centered dog training and emphasizes the importance of seeking support for both dog owners and dog trainers.Connect with Jess: Website: https://www.handlersandhumans.com/IG @handlersandhumansConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

In today's episode, I chat with Becca Carnahan from Next Chapter Careers as we discuss the transition many adults must make when their careers and life circumstances change, focusing particularly on those in caregiving professions. Becca details her background, her own transitions and how she leads people through the journey of identifying their career's sweet spot and exploring new paths forward with her business, Next Chapter Careers. Connect with Becca: Website: https://nextchaptercareers.usLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/beccacarnahanConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

In today's episode, we dive into the world of fair play coaching and the pursuit of equitable distribution of household responsibilities between men and women. We explore proactive strategies and visualizations for successful collaboration, discuss the complex emotions and challenges of motherhood and parenting, and highlight the need for ongoing support and recognition for mothers. The conversation also touches on the transition into motherhood and the importance of nurturing oneself while managing multiple responsibilities.  Let's dive in!Connect with Jessica:Website InstagramLinkedinConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

In this episode, our guest Fiona Walsh and I explore the challenges of balancing career and family responsibilities, the need for flexibility and self-care, and the societal shift in expectations. She also shares personal experiences and habits for prioritizing self-care, and the importance of individual actions in driving systemic change. There is a way to find balance, gratitude, and self-reflection in both personal and professional pursuits and in this episode, we chat all about it. Let's go!Connect with Fiona:websiteInstagramLinkedInConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

In this episode, we're talking about the elephant in the room! (And not in the bad way!) On the show so far, we've had a lot of conversations and a lot of the different stories that we've talked about and people that we've heard from are mosy likely at a different period in the parenthood spectrum than where you are. And I think it's important because we don't always point that out. I'm talking about going whole force into motherhood,  fully engulfed,  then somewhere along the line running out of run out of steam when it comes to being able to show up without recharging your own battery. Connect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

This week's episode is a solo episode. I come on and talk about how much it has meant to me, so far, to have all of the support that I do from this special community. Thank you so much to each and every one of you who has listened to the podcast, downloaded episodes, and commented. It means the world.I also give a personal life update where it felt like the bottom dropped out from beneath me. The podcast had to take the back burner for a bit but the life incident that I went through was also a very tender reminder that you don't have to have a huge community to still feel supported through life's most difficult moments.And finally I talk through some updates about the podcast. I give you a glimpse on what is to come, some ideas for round table discussions where we have more than one guest on the show, and why it is important to me to shy away from having "experts" on. If there are guests who you'd like to hear from or topics that you would like me to cover, I would love to hear from you. Send me a message or an email with your ideas!Connect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Elisabeth Emmerich from @experiencemotherhood is our guest today. Elisabeth is a licensed therapist in the state of Minnesota where she has her own private practice. She is also the mom to three boys and the founder of her own business; Experience Motherhood. She not only has over a decade of experience in the professional world but she also has her own examples of motherhood that she shares throughout this episode.Today we talk all about finding yourself in motherhood. Elisabeth started Experience Motherhood a little over a year ago when she realized that so many of her clients and friends seemed to have lost a part of themselves once they became moms. Elisabeth stresses the importance of making motherhood your own. You don’t have to raise your children the same way as your neighbor down the street. In fact what makes motherhood so beautiful is the joy that comes from the uniqueness of each individual's personal experience with it. One thing that we want you to get from this conversation is that it is okay to spend some time on you. If your children see you doing what you love, they are going to benefit as well. And remember, what being a good mom means to you will, and should, look completely different to another mom. You have to take care of yourself first so that in return you can do what is best for your family.Connect with Elisabeth:Follow Elisabeth on InstagramListen to Elisabeth’s PodcastRegister for Elisabeth’s CourseConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Mica Deshaw of Rested Mama, Happy Baby is on the show today. Mica is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Expert whose mission with Rested Mama, Happy Baby is to give families the rest they need to enjoy their time in the world of parenthood in a way that is responsive and holistic with their unique Association Fading Sleep Method that is trademarked.In our conversation, Mica shares how becoming a mom herself is what catapulted her into the world of sleep. She was someone who read all the books and did everything by the book so when none of that seemed to have prepared her for the realities of motherhood, she was shocked. She felt completely lost in the world and it was all because of a lack of sleep.Mica shares what sets her and her business partner Chelsae’s sleep training method apart from the others that are out there and what finally getting sleep did for her life. And spoiler alert, she is a mom of two now so she did make it through those early stages of sleep deprivation that can make you feel like you never want to do this parenting thing again!Follow Mica on Instagram: @rested_mama_happy_babyrestedmamahappybaby.comConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

This week we are talking with Sara Kelly from Your Aligned Home. Sara is originally from Nebraska but now lives in upstate New York. She is a wife, mom, and dog lover. She’s also had over 20 jobs throughout her life and does not consider herself a career woman. Sara is currently a business owner who is trying to, as cliché as it sounds, enjoy every moment life currently has to offer.Your Aligned Home originated from Sara going into other people’s homes and asking them what they would have a second version of themselves do. She quickly realized that every woman felt like she was failing in some aspect of managing the home. What Sara also learned was that every woman had a superpower that she herself did not recognize. We all have strengths and weaknesses and the goal of Your Aligned Home is to put systems into place so that anyone under the same roof can follow steps that allow a home to function in a more efficient manner.Sara also speaks on the importance of not judging other people’s homes when we walk into them and therefore, as a result, not feeling the societal pressure to clean our homes and apologize for “the mess” every time a guest comes over. She reminds us to ask ourselves, are we tidying up our homes because it will make us feel better or because someone is going to judge me if I don't?Follow @youralignedhome on Instagramwww.youralignedhome.comNo Shame in the Home Game PodcastThe Joyful Support MovementSupport the Show.Connect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

We are honored to have Jenna Hermans on the show today. She is a wife, mom of four, co-founder and COO of a transformation company called Be Courageous, and author of the book Chaos to Calm - Five Ways Busy Parents Can Break Free from Overwhelm. We are chatting all things from career transitions to what it’s like working with your husband.Jenna has a background in psychology, organizational management, HR, and ran a preschool for five years. All of these skills and experiences set her up for running her own household, or so one would think. Jenna gets really honest about how hitting rock bottom was the only thing that allowed her to come up for air and start figuring out new systems and strategies to make positive changes in order to be the woman she wanted to be.Being raised by a single mom, journaling, and connecting with others outside of the lonely world of entrepreneurship are just a few of the real life examples that have helped Jenna get to where she is at today. In this interview Jenna’s authenticity and non-condescending tools shine through. If you’re seeking an honest conversation about both the pros and cons of each phase of parenting, then this is your episode!Connect with Jenna:Bcrgs.comJennahermans.com@jennazhermansLinkedIn Get Your Copy of Jenna’s Book; Chaos to Calm - Five Ways Busy Parents Can Break Free from OverwhelmConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Today I am joined by the lovely Allie Karagozian. She is an Occupational Therapist, the owner of Holding Both, and the mom of two young boys. Allie has been an OT since 2015 and founded Holding Both; a organization that helps moms through secondary infertility, in 2022. We discuss how she handles the fast paced life of occupational therapy while balancing the slowing down that is needed when women are experiencing something like secondary infertility.Allie shares her own experience with secondary infertility and explains what it was like working on the front lines during the pandemic while simultaneously going through infertility treatments. She states that one of the main goals of Holding Both is to create the space to allow mothers to engage and feel the joy in motherhood while holding the pain that comes with infertility.Through everything that Allie does for others she is still able to find some moments in time for just herself. Writing is a therapeutic art form that she has used since she was little. Allie also shares her hopes and dreams for the future of Holding Both and is vulnerable in explaining that diving into the world of entrepreneurship was scary for her.If you, or someone you know, struggle with secondary infertility, you’re not going to want to miss this episode!Connect with Allie:InstagramAllie’s WebsiteConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

I have been in the beginning stages of holiday planning and prep work. What I wanted to do with this episode is come on and share my three points for this season. This is the pep talk I wish I would’ve had years ago so hopefully you are able to take away some pointers.The three areas that I focus on in this conversation are making sure you’re putting yourself on the list, being aware of the “should” activities, and not falling into the marketing scheme of believing that you need to buy a bunch of products in the new year to improve upon your current self.As we are in the thick of the holiday season I want to remind you that you’re doing a great job. Make sure that you are doing something for yourself this time of year. Remember it’s okay to not want to be a completely different person next year. You are an essential piece of your family's puzzle and that means that you have to take care of your piece to complete it.Connect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Christina Bogatsky is a mom of two and has her own coaching practice; Totally Fine Coaching. Before having children she spent nearly two decades in the corporate world. Motherhood rocked her world and in today’s conversation she shares the trials and tribulations she’s learned along the way.We discuss how motherhood opened up her eyes to the small things and allowed her to figure out what really matters. Christina also shares how she had to learn that even five minutes of daily self-care lead to monumental change. These habits also were a great demonstration to her children that moms are still allowed time for themselves in motherhood.Christina also shares how she was able to transition from trying to meet society's standards and expectations to choosing her own. She gives a hot take on not wanting the obedient child and opens up about how much parenting of herself she had to do once becoming a parent.Follow Christina:InstagramWebsitePodcastConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Today I am sitting down with the very talented, multi-dimensional Hive Co-Founder & CEO Andrea Sommer. Andrea and I first met when I was a participant in the Hive Investment Readiness Accelerator. She is also a mom to an almost five year old daughter and today’s episode is all about showing up as your whole self in entrepreneurship.Andrea shares the backstory of Hive and how it started organically as a support group in a friend’s basement. It has now grown into a global startup accelerator with over 1200 members. In this episode Andrea shares how motherhood has taught her one of the most important lessons entrepreneurs can learn; how to say no. She has also flipped the script on the idea of having to hide our children in order to seem professional. Through Hive, she has created a company where women can unapologetically show up as their whole selves.If you’re interested in learning more about how to raise venture capital as an entrepreneur be sure to check out Hive’s website below. I can personally attest to the benefits of joining the program. If you have questions about my experience, don’t hesitate to reach out.www.hivefounders.netConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

The lovely Dr. Dara Storch of Seacoast Mobile Physical Therapy is our guest today. Dara has two grade school aged kids who love all things sports. She’s busy juggling her own PT practice while trying to find quality time to spend with her family. We are covering all things kids and managing your own business in today’s conversation.Dr. Dara has a fresh take on the struggle of wanting to teach your kids the everyday mundane tasks but feeling the urge of just doing them yourself because it’s easier. She also shares her personal experience of launching a business, during the middle of a pandemic, while her children were home. Starting your own business can be great when it's great, but when it’s not, it’s hard. Dara explains how in the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey she had to figure out who to take advice from, where to spend money, and the necessity of finding resources she could trust. She realizes that it’s sometimes necessary to wear all the hats of a business owner but she’s constantly working toward getting back to the area of business that she truly loves; being a PT.Email Dr. DaraConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Welcome to the AND/BOTH Podcast. I’m so excited that you’re here. I’m Dr. Ashley Blackington, your host. I am a mom to four kids and have over 12 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist. In this very first episode I explain what an OT does and share how becoming a mom is what catapulted my transition into being a business owner.I started my entrepreneurship journey as an OT consultant but when the pandemic hit, and my husband had to go back to work right away I realized that I was getting lost in motherhood. So, I created Dovetail Designs Co.; a planning system where you, as mom, are able to find time for what you truly enjoy outside of motherhood.We can all agree that we love our kids. There’s no doubt about that. But my goal with this podcast is to help you figure out what else you enjoy beyond motherhood. One of my favorite questions to ask is, “What do you like to do for fun?” If you struggle to answer that, number one you’re not alone and number two - this podcast is for you.We will hear from all kinds of moms and listen to what lights them up. What brings them joy? What are they working on? My goal is to bring people on who you can relate to. I want to create a space for you to be fully seen and acknowledged for who you are outside of your role as a mom. Connect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Our very first guest on the AND/BOTH podcast is Rachel Mae. She hosts the podcast Mama’s Cup of Ambition, is the mama to two little boys and is a country singer/songwriter. In this episode Rachel shares her story of feeling the juxtaposition of being pulled towards both motherhood and her career as a creative artist at the same time.We cover how Rachel is in the in-between phase of figuring out how to be both a mom and a professional artist. She is realizing that the longer she stays away from the music scene, the harder it is to get back into it. So rather than being able to go on a week-long retreat and write lyrics the whole time, she is now picking up the guitar in the living room and having a jam session while her kids are present.Motherhood transforms us all. And Rachel shares a beautiful analogy toward the end of our conversation about comparing motherhood to the process of a caterpillar molding into a butterfly. She reminds us that it can be dark and mushy but in the end you’d never want to go back to not being able to fly. We’re still the same person we were before becoming a mom, so let’s not forget to honor and advocate for her both in and out of our roles as mom.Connect with RachelConnect with Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comDovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @andboth_podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Send us a Text Message.Hear from moms in all different scenarios doing their absolute best to honor themselves as individuals in a world that would prefer, as mothers, we not. ⁠⁠Hear from moms who are trying to figure out what that "something" is after the life altering transition into motherhood.⁠⁠Hear from moms that say "I know I need to do something for myself and this is what it is, but it feels impossible to do it"⁠⁠What is the AND/BOTH that you are juggling with motherhood? Career, hobbies, entrepreneurship, new identity, new activities, new passions and interests?⁠Support the Show.Connect with Ashley: Website: https://dovetaildesigns.coSupport AND/BOTH: Help us offset production costs while we're growingDovetail® Schedule Academy: https://dovetaildesigns.co/dovetail-schedule-academy Caregiver by Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-co/id6449788093 Social:Instagram: @dovetaildesigns.co TikTok: @dovetaildesigns.coFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dovetaildesigns.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/