What if the hardest seasons in life became the doorway to showing up fully as yourself?

In this episode, Amri Kibbler and Erika Hanafin, share a deeply personal conversation about the challenges and growth that come with navigating life’s toughest moments as mothers and entrepreneurs. From cancer diagnoses to divorce, co-parenting, and the constant hustle of building a business, they discuss how they’ve learned to slow down, lean into being, and build their own supportive teams.

This episode is a reminder that true strength is found not just in doing, but in simply being — in showing up for yourself even when it feels hard.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Facing the unexpected: Amri’s journey through a cancer diagnosis and recurrence that reshaped her outlook on life, health, and work.
• Finding monumental moments in the everyday: How small, joyful experiences with children and loved ones can shift your mindset and fuel resilience.
• Motherhood and healing: Erika’s personal story of navigating divorce, co-parenting, and blending families while finding new strength and hope.

This conversation is for any mama who feels overwhelmed by the weight of it all and needs a gentle reminder that you are enough just as you are.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro
(00:39) Podcast acquisition and personal reflections

(02:12) Challenges and shifts in mindset

(03:04) Cancer journey and coping strategies

(05:46) Progress over perfection

(07:13) Monumental moments and support systems

(12:31) Motherhood and family dynamics

Resources:

• Follow Leaning into Being: https://www.instagram.com/leaningintobeingpodcast/
• Access Leaning Into Being Resources: www.momumentalmoments.co
• Connect with Amri: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
• Connect with Erika: https://www.instagram.com/erikahanafin/

What if the hardest season of your life became the catalyst for discovering who you truly are?

Lauren Walsh, a leading brand builder in sports and entertainment, shares a powerful story of personal transformation shaped by motherhood, mental health struggles, and finding her voice. From leading major campaigns to surviving postpartum depression and advocating for her son’s health, Lauren opens up about the moments that tested her—and ultimately reshaped her.

This episode highlights an important reminder that healing begins when you decide to show up for yourself.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Motherhood as a catalyst for transformation: Lauren’s identity shifted after becoming a mother, prompting her to reevaluate her values and purpose. She realized that raising her children with intention mattered more than any career achievement.
• The silent battle of postpartum depression: After giving birth in 2020, Lauren faced severe postpartum depression during the pandemic. Despite being dismissed by others, she found the strength to advocate for herself and heal.
• Authenticity in a male-dominated industry: Lauren now leads with vulnerability and confidence, choosing authenticity over performative professionalism. This shift has deepened her relationships and helped her leave behind unfulfilling spaces.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:34) Lauren's motherhood journey
(04:09) Challenges and resilience in motherhood
(08:58) Postpartum depression and mental health
(12:46) Struggling alone during the pandemic
(12:59) Seeking medical help
(13:59) Dealing with medication side effects
(14:53) Exploring alternative therapies
(16:49) The importance of community support
(26:25) Balancing career and personal life
(28:54) Lauren’s future plans

Resources:
Connect with Bethany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-braun-silva/
Follow Leaning into Being: https://www.instagram.com/leaningintobeingpodcast/
Access Leaning Into Being Resources: www.momumentalmoments.co
Connect with Amri: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
Connect with Erika: https://www.instagram.com/erikahanafin/

What if embracing community and breaking the rules could transform your life?

Bethany Braun-Silva, an on-air parenting expert and author of Like a Mother: Banish Guilt, Blaze Your Trail, and Break the Rules to Create a Life You Love, shares her powerful journey of balancing career, motherhood, and self-care. From launching her journalism career to writing a book on empowering moms, Bethany has learned to embrace the chaos and prioritize what truly matters.

Whether you’re navigating motherhood, career, or self-care, this conversation offers valuable insights on how to take the first step toward the life you deserve.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Finding balance in the chaos: Balancing family and career can feel overwhelming, but intentional prioritization can help you regain control. Identify what truly matters in your day-to-day life, set boundaries, and focus on what will bring the most value to both your work and your family.
• Empowering yourself through community: You don’t have to do it alone. Surrounding yourself with like-minded women can provide invaluable support, inspiration, and motivation. Connecting with a community of other mothers and professionals can help you navigate challenges and celebrate wins together.
• Turning guilt into action: It’s easy to feel guilty about taking time for yourself, but self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for your well-being. Learn practical ways to prioritize your mental and physical health, even on your busiest days, so you can show up as the best version of yourself for both your career and your family.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(04:24) Balancing career and motherhood
(06:57) Morning routines and self-care
(08:45) Inspiration behind 'Like a Mother'
(13:20) The power of community
(17:07) Bethany's podcast journey
(24:52) When life gives you lemons...or insulin pumps

Resources:
Connect with Bethany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-braun-silva/
Follow Leaning into Being: https://www.instagram.com/leaningintobeingpodcast/
Access Leaning Into Being Resources: www.momumentalmoments.co
Connect with Amri: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
Connect with Erika: https://www.instagram.com/erikahanafin/

Joy can be found in the smallest moments of your day.

Dr. Risa Ryger, a Clinical Psychologist at Risa Ryger Ph.D. Private Practice, sheds light on the feminine experience and hidden assumptions shaping women’s lives. From her work with mothers to her reflections on her own journey, she explores the emotional labor, societal myths, and unspoken expectations that often define womanhood. Dr. Ryger’s insights into “the land of and” and the “four Fs” reveal a profound yet practical path to embracing both joy and boundaries.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How to find strength in boundaries: Embracing your limits isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower. By identifying your non-negotiables and learning to say no, you can create space for what truly matters, ensuring that your energy goes toward your priorities, not everyone else’s expectations.
2. How to find joy in the small things: The magic of motherhood and career doesn’t always come in big wins. It’s in the micro-moments: shared laughs, quick hugs, or a quiet coffee break. Training your mind to savor these moments can recharge your spirit and make even the busiest days feel meaningful.
3. How to redefine “enough”: Society often pushes women to believe they should handle it all, but unlimited capacity is a myth. Trusting in your ability to focus on what matters and releasing unnecessary expectations allows you to thrive, bringing balance and joy to work and family life.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00 Intro

(02:15) Centering in motherhood

(08:05) The four f's of the feminine

(11:18) The myth of unlimited capacity

(18:40) Living in the land of and

(21:56) Navigating fatigue and non-negotiables

(27:38) Finding joy in micro moments

Resources:
Connect with Dr. Risa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-risa-ryger-69a47a21/
Follow Leaning into Being: https://www.instagram.com/leaningintobeingpodcast/
Access Leaning Into Being Resources: www.momumentalmoments.co
Connect with Amri: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
Connect with Erika: https://www.instagram.com/erikahanafin/

Unwanted challenges often become the turning points we never expected.

Health and beauty influencer Christine Bullock shares her journey of navigating life's unexpected turns with grace and resilience.
From her decision to embrace adoption after years of fertility struggles to the bittersweet closure of her wellness business, Christine opens up about how these challenges shaped her personal and professional growth. As a mom to three daughters, she reflects on how she and her husband balance parenting and their demanding careers, supporting each other through teamwork and humor.

Christine's story reminds us of the importance of resilience and how life's challenges often lead to newfound strength and purpose.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Advice for health and wellness entrepreneurs: Christine shares her journey of launching her brand, revealing lessons about innovation, funding, and the importance of a strong team.
• How to raise strong daughters: Christine and her husband are dedicated to empowering their three daughters to be confident, independent, and resilient. They’re teaching them life lessons through both their actions and words.
• New perspectives for a resilient mindset: Christine’s story is a testament to seeing every challenge as a gift—a chance to grow, shift directions, and improve your life. Trust the universe's timing, find strength in faith, and approach obstacles as opportunities.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:25) Christine's journey to motherhood
(01:56) Adoption and fertility challenges
(08:14) Wellness practices for busy moms
(11:30) Christine's wellness philosophy
(15:41) Entrepreneurial insights
(18:55) Balancing family and career
(22:29) Raising strong girls
(26:07) Embracing resilience

Resources:

• Connect with Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-bullock-8677351b/
• Follow Leaning into Being: https://www.instagram.com/leaningintobeingpodcast/
• Access Leaning Into Being Resources: www.momumentalmoments.co
• Connect with Amri: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
• Connect with Erika: https://www.instagram.com/erikahanafin/

What if doing less could help you feel more like yourself? In this episode, Ayurvedic practitioner and mom of two, Nidhi Pandya, shares simple ways to bring calm and clarity into your daily life.

She talks about how motherhood changes us—and how we can meet those changes with presence instead of pressure. From warm food and longer exhales to oil massages and evening routines, Nidhi gives practical tips to help you feel more grounded.

She also opens up about raising her daughters in New York City, going through a divorce, and creating a life that feels aligned.

This conversation is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to do more to feel better. You just need the right tools—and the willingness to pause.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your evening routine might matter more than your morning one
• The three core Ayurvedic principles that every mom can benefit from
• How to shift from treating symptoms to building deep, daily healing
• Simple, healing practices like Abhyanga (oil massage) and longer exhalations
• How to support your kids’ resilience while staying aligned yourself

Jump into the conversation:
(02:00) Reparenting through every stage of motherhood
(05:00) The balance between solar and lunar energy
(08:30) Living in sync with your body’s natural rhythm
(12:30) An easy evening routine for moms
(27:00) The difference between healing and treatment

Resources:

• Connect with Nidhi: https://www.nidhi.me/
• Order Your Body Already Knows: https://www.nidhi.me/nidhi-book-pre-order-new
• Follow Leaning into Being: https://www.instagram.com/leaningintobeingpodcast/
• Access Leaning Into Being Resources: www.momumentalmoments.co
• Connect with Amri: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
• Connect with Erika: https://www.instagram.com/erikahanafin/

We learn so much from our parents, and for Stacy Igel, one of the most impactful lessons was entrepreneurship. Growing up, she watched her mother build a business with passion. Stacy inherited that drive and is now passing it on to her own son.

As the founder of BOY MEETS GIRL®, Stacy has built a global brand that gives back through partnerships with nonprofits. In this episode, she shares her journey of weaving purpose into her business, balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, and mentoring other women. She also discusses the inspiration for her book, Embracing the Calm in the Chaos.

Stacy’s story is a reminder that anyone can create a legacy of giving, learning, and leading in their own lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Embracing Gratitude in the Chaos: The importance of celebrating big and small wins to stay grounded and motivated during life’s challenges.
Tips on Slowing Down in the Hustle: Strategies Stacy uses to stay grounded amidst the demands of running a global brand, including journaling, walking, and asking for help when needed.
Building a Legacy Through Giving Back: Aligning your business with meaningful causes creates deeper connections, drives purpose, and reinforces long-term success.
The Power of Mentorship: Connecting with like-minded moms and mentors can provide the encouragement and practical advice needed to navigate the demands of motherhood and a career.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:16) Stacy’s motherhood journey
(06:24) Lessons from Stacy’s entrepreneurial mom
(10:39) Giving back through entrepreneurship
(15:54) Finding calm in the chaos of life and work
(21:41) The impact of mentorship and community support
(27:06) What’s next for BOY MEETS GIRL?
(30:02) Stacy’s messy motherhood moment

Resources:
Connect with Stacy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyigel
Embracing the Calm in the Chaos: https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Calm-Chaos-Perseverance-Collaboration/dp/140023493X
Follow Leaning into Being: https://www.instagram.com/leaningintobeingpodcast/
Access Leaning Into Being Resources: www.momumentalmoments.co
Connect with Amri: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/
Connect with Erika: https://www.instagram.com/erikahanafin/

Time is our most precious resource, and as moms, knowing how to make the most of it can make all the difference.

In this episode, Fran Hauser—bestselling author, keynote speaker, and book coach—shares how we can reclaim our time and focus on what truly matters. Fran opens up about her career shift from media executive to entrepreneur, a decision fueled by her desire for more flexibility and family time. She also highlights the power of building the right team to turn big dreams into reality.

Fran gives us a first look at her upcoming book, Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour, offering practical, actionable time management tips to help moms make the most of their limited time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of building the right support team: By finding the right people to support you, you free yourself to focus on what truly moves the needle in your career and family life.
• Making time for what truly matters: Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to being present for your family, career, and yourself. Short, focused bursts of time can have a greater impact than long, distracted hours.
• Let go of perfectionism and people-pleasing: Many moms feel the need to say “yes” to everything. Learning to say “no” without guilt is essential for maintaining focus and alignment with your personal and professional goals.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Meet Fran Hauser
(02:46) Focusing on quality over quantity in time with family
(08:07) Grounding practice in the morning to start the day right
(11:37) Leading with kindness and empathy
(14:30) Helping female authors through Bookbound
(17:12) Delegation and finding the right support
(20:28) Creative bartering ideas to ease your load
(22:05) Time management strategies for busy moms
(26:34) Saying "no" to focus on what truly matters
(31:24) Fran’s messy motherhood moment