In this episode of The Working Mom's Playbook, Antonia DePace joins forces with activist, scholar, and author Feminista Jones for a raw and insightful look at the intersection of Black motherhood, career, and social change.

Feminista dives deeper into the impact of the media's portrayal of Black mothers, as well as raising the net generation, her unique framework for analyzing media portrayals of Black women and families, Black joy, and more.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The Media’s Lens: Why current depictions of Black mothers are often flawed and how we can push for more positive, accurate representation.
• The Taylor Test: Feminista introduces her unique framework for analyzing media portrayals of Black women and families.
• Raising the Next Generation: The impact of technology and social media on youth, and why "hands-on" parenting is essential for developing critical thinking.
• Black Joy: A look at the bond between Feminista and her son, celebrating his musical talents and the importance of a strong mother-son relationship.

Whether you are a working parent, an educator, or someone passionate about social justice, this episode offers a masterclass in living a life of purpose while staying grounded in family.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SHOW NOTES

Learn more about Feminista at feministajones.com, or follow along at @feministajones

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feminista Jones, Black Motherhood, Temple University PhD, Media Representation, The Taylor Test, Sankofa Summer School, Parenting in the Digital Age, Black Joy, Working Moms, Media, raising the next generation, media impact, career moms, academia, queer mom, queer parenthood, single mom, single Black mom, Black single mom

Join Antonia on the Working Mom's Playbook as she chats with Dr. Mae Hughes, a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist and soon-to-be mom of three, about the vital connection between motherhood and movement. In this episode, we dive into why strength training is your most powerful tool for a healthier pregnancy, managing common aches and pains (like low back pain and hip pain), and achieving a smoother postpartum recovery.

Dr. Mae busts the myth that women shouldn't lift weights while pregnant and stresses the importance of prioritizing muscle mass to combat issues like diastasis recti, incontinence (leaking), and pelvic organ prolapse. Learn practical, time-efficient ways to integrate pelvic floor exercises and core rehab into your busy schedule, understanding that consistency beats intensity. Find out the early signs of pelvic floor dysfunction that are often ignored and why foundational work is essential before jumping back into high-impact workouts. This episode is a must-listen for any mom looking to feel more seen, empowered, and capable throughout her maternal journey.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

working moms, working mom, career moms, career mom, working mom challenges, modern motherhood, mom podcast, podcast for moms, pelvic floor strengthening, pelvic floor therapy, motherhood and movement, postpartum health, postpartum movement, postpartum recovery, diastasis recti, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor exercises, core rehap. core for moms, pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum strength, pelvic strength

In this episode, Antonia DePace sits down with Allison Evans, co-founder of Branch Basics, to explore clean living for moms, toxin-free homes, and non-toxic cleaning solutions. Allison shares her journey and the inspiration behind Branch Basics, offering affordable, natural swaps to replace harsh chemicals with plant-based cleaners, vinegar, and lemon. Discover how reducing toxins can boost your family’s health, support kids’ immune systems, and create a safer home, especially during the fall and winter months. Plus, learn about Branch Basics’ 10-Day Detox Challenge to experience firsthand the benefits of a chemical-free, healthier home environment.

In this episode, Antonia DePace sits down with women’s health advocate and entrepreneur Suzie Welsh Devine for an honest conversation about career evolution, motherhood, and the systemic challenges women face in healthcare and the workplace.

Suzie opens up about her background in nursing, her experience at Hahnemann University Hospital, and her journey into fertility work and telehealth.

Together, they dive into:

• The lack of support and realistic policies for working women
• Why paid leave and fertility coverage are still so far behind
• The power of community and education in women’s health
• Binto’s customized vitamin packets, gut health support, and telehealth care
• What it really takes to balance entrepreneurship, motherhood, and self-care
• 
  

If you're a working mom, someone navigating fertility, or a woman trying to build a meaningful career while prioritizing your health, this episode will make you feel seen—and supported.

In this episode of the Working Moms Playbook, host Antonia sits down with Viviane Aires—a licensed aesthetician, wellness educator, and entrepreneur—to explore the real meaning of self-care for mothers. Viviane shares her inspiring journey from Brazil to building a thriving skincare business in the U.S., all while navigating single motherhood, step-parenting, and the challenges of putting herself first.

Discover practical self-care rituals, the importance of asking for help, and why nurturing yourself is essential for your family and your career. Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned parent, or simply seeking more balance, this conversation will leave you empowered to prioritize your own well-being.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

working mom. working moms, career mom, career moms, working mom challenges, self care, modern motherhood, self care for moms, wellness for moms, self care for mothers, aesthetician, philadelphia, self care rituals, asking for help, mom village, life balance

In this episode of The Working Mom’s Playbook, Lisa Broderick shares her powerful journey from struggling to breastfeed her daughter to becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Lisa opens up about the misinformation surrounding breastfeeding, the lack of lactation education in medical schools, and why so many moms feel unsupported by healthcare providers.

She also dives into real, practical advice—from managing stress and using high-voltage pumps to understanding how hormonal birth control can affect milk supply. Plus, we talk about how longer maternity leaves, on-site daycare, and workplace IBCLC support can help moms thrive at home and at work.

Whether you’re a new mom, expecting, or supporting one, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and seen.

Not sure what to wear after having a baby? You’re not alone. Stylist Nancy Amoroso joins Antonia DePace to share simple, realistic postpartum style tips that focus on comfort, confidence, and self-acceptance. From flattering basics to easy wardrobe updates, this episode is your guide to feeling good — in every sense — after baby.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

working moms, career moms, career mom, working mom, nancy amoroso, mom style, style, postpartum style, confidence style, comfortable style, working mom fashion, postpartum fashion, postpartum confidence, postpartum acceptance, body acceptance, wardrobe update, stylist

In this episode of The Working Mom’s Playbook, host Antonia DePace sits down with Linzay Davis, parental leave advocate and founder of Hello Bundle, to talk about the reality of parental leave in the United States—and what working parents really need to know before starting their leave journey.

After experiencing a difficult parental leave herself due to lack of information and employer guidance, Linzay turned her challenge into purpose—launching a business that helps parents understand their benefits, navigate complex policies, and advocate for paid time off.

Together, Antonia and Linzay unpack:

• The state-by-state differences in paid parental leave benefits
• How to plan and advocate for your own parental leave at work
• The global gap in U.S. parental leave compared to countries like Canada and Australia
• What needs to change in company culture and workplace flexibility to truly support working parents

If you’re pregnant, planning for maternity leave, or simply curious about how to balance career and family, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating one of the most overlooked parts of modern motherhood.

👉 Tune in for actionable tips, honest conversation, and insight every working mom needs to hear.