Shows
Moms with BenefitsChasing Change: Creating a Culture That Cares: How Bozzuto Supports Working Parents & CaregiversWant to become a change agent in your organization? Want to create a powerful and impactful Employee Resource Group? Join us as we talk with Meredith and Aprile from Bozzuto's 'Parents and Caregiving Together' (PACT) ERG. Learn the secrets to their success, from fostering engagement to driving meaningful change within the organization. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories for anyone looking to chase change and build a strong community at work. Topics include:The Birth of PACT: A Community for ParentsDefining Success for PACT ERGPersonal I...2025-04-0327 minMoms with BenefitsChasing Change: Building a Supportive Workplace + How Liberty Mutual is Leading the WayLooking for a workplace that truly supports working moms? In this episode, Samantha dives deep with Alison, a working mom and CFO at Liberty Mutual to explore the amazing initiatives they've implemented to create a positive and inclusive environment. From flexible work arrangements to enhanced benefits like free virtual mental health counseling, Liberty Mutual sets a new standard for working parent support. Get inspired to advocate for positive change in your own workplace and create a culture where working moms can thrive!Connect with Alison on LinkedIn if you enjoyed this conversation.Expecting o...2025-02-2733 minMoms with Benefits529 Plans: Everything Parents Need to KnowAre you a parent or grandparent who wants to learn more about 529s?
529s can be a great way to save for college but can also be confusing. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about 529s in a way that's easy to understand. We talked to financial advisor Alissa Maizes about everything 529s, including the tax benefits, when to open a 529 account, and how to pick the best option for your family.
Throughout this episode, Samantha and Alissa discuss:
The Importance of Financial Education
Understanding 529s2025-02-1134 minMoms with BenefitsReturning to Paid Work: Your PlaybookTamara, Director of Product at a leading technology company, Harvard MBA, and mother, shares her personal journey navigating the complexities of a demanding career and motherhood.
Tamara offers valuable insights into overcoming fertility challenges, developing a return-to-work strategy, prioritizing personal values, maintaining healthy boundaries, and achieving fulfillment in both professional and personal life. Her experience provides an intuitive playbook for those returning to paid work.
Throughout this episode, Samantha and Tamara discuss:
The Challenges of Balancing Motherhood and a High-Pressure Career
Navigating 2 Different Experiences for Maternity Leave and the Return to W...2025-01-2848 min
Moms with BenefitsChasing Change: Building Inclusive Workplaces: Lessons from a Parent ERG FounderIn our special mini-series Chasing Change, host Samantha Saxby unveils what change looks like from the inside. She interviews women who have instigated meaningful change in their workplaces to get the support they and others needed.
In this episode, Samantha Saxby is joined by Kristen Posso, mom of 2 and founder and leader of Informatica’s Parent and Caregivers Connection EIG. Kristen shares her journey of creating a supportive community for working parents and caregivers, from tackling logistical challenges like access to pumping rooms to advocating for policy changes that make a real difference. Discover how...2024-11-2835 min
Moms with BenefitsAmbitious Identity Paradox for Working Moms with Dr. Anne WelshIn this episode, Samantha Saxby is joined by Dr. Anne Welsh, mom of 4, a clinical psychologist and executive coach specializing in supporting women through the transition to parenthood, particularly in STEM, law, and healthcare. They dive deep into the Ambitious Identity Paradox, a concept developed by Dr. Welsh to explore the inner conflict faced by many ambitious moms who struggle to reconcile personal goals with societal expectations. The discussion covers the challenges of balancing family, career, and self, and the emotional toll of attempting to meet external standards of perfection. Dr. Welsh emphasizes the importance of rediscovering personal values...2024-11-1230 min
Moms with BenefitsChasing Change: How UPS, a Fortune 50 Company, Supports its ParentsIn our special mini series Chasing Change, host Samantha Saxby unveils what change looks like from the inside. She interviews women who have instigated meaningful change in their workplaces to get the support they and others needed.
In this episode, Samantha is joined by Lucy Boyd, working mom of an amazing two-year-old boy and Sales Technology Manager and leader of the Parents and Caregivers Business Resource Group at UPS. She discusses the challenges new parents face in the workplace, the power of community, and how she and her team are working to support parents and caregivers through a...2024-10-3135 min
Moms with BenefitsThe Science of Motherhood: Breaking Stigmas & Embracing Postpartum RealitiesDr. Nikki Pensak is a working mom of 2 and after dedicating her work to supporting the medical field, she turned her interest and research to understanding how to support the caregivers in the room best. To her, mothers are the ultimate caregivers, and this has inspired her most recent book Rattled which breaks down the science of motherhood and matrescence. Dr. Nikki Pensak is a clinical psychologist, researcher specializing in treating postpartum mental health issues, author, and TEDx Speaker.
In their uplifting conversation, Dr. Nikki and host Samantha Saxby discuss:
Understanding the Neurocognitive Development of M...2024-10-1533 minMoms with BenefitsChasing Change: How to Advocate for Family-Friendly Policies at WorkIn our special mini series Chasing Change, host Samantha Saxby unveils what change looks like from the inside. She interviews women who have instigated meaningful change in their workplaces to get the support they and others needed.
In this episode, Samantha is joined by Allison Ward, working mom of two and Chief People Officer at marketing agency Walker Sands. In her 10+ years with the company, Allison has witnessed growth from a smaller agency to a fully corporate function, including the addition of new family-friendly policies. Thanks to her efforts, Walker Sands now boasts flexibility f...2024-09-2635 minMoms with BenefitsHow Mother Forward is Tackling Childcare ReformRachel Rangel is a working mom to a two-year-old son. Through Mother Forward (formerly Campaign for Childcare), she and hundreds of other women, moms, and caregivers advocate for large-scale meaningful change in the childcare system around the country, at all levels. Rachel is passionate about childcare reform, after a particularly heartbreaking experience at their own center motivated her to seek change at a higher level.
In their inspiring conversation, Rachel and host Samantha Saxby discuss:
Questioning returning to work after pregnancy
The hidden struggles of childcare centers
Grassroots be...2024-09-1028 minMoms with BenefitsChasing Change: How this Mom is Transforming Maternal Mental HealthIn our special mini series Chasing Change, host Samantha Saxby unveils what change looks like from the inside. She interviews women who have instigated meaningful change in their workplaces and communities to get the support they and others needed.
In this episode, Samantha speaks with Nikki Brooker, who has dedicated her life to supporting mothers in crisis. Nikki is the Founder and CEO of You Are Not Alone (YANA), a nonprofit organization created in the wake of two community tragedies that took the lives of two mothers and their children. YANA offers completely free p...2024-08-2924 minMoms with BenefitsMom of 4 Shares Journey Including Covid Baby and Parent DeathMelanie Maldonado is a business owner, medical professional, doula, wife, and working mom to four children ages 10 and under. Through her business, Golden Love Birthwork, Melanie provides birthing mothers with prenatal, labor, and postpartum support to create a healthy, positive, empowering birth experience. Each of Melanie’s four pregnancy and birth experiences were different, and in this week’s episode, she shares how each of them impacted her and shaped her into the working mom she is today.
In their inspiring conversation, Melanie and host Samantha Saxby discuss:
Learning how to be a fi...2024-08-1327 minMoms with BenefitsModern Motherhood: Research and Stories from Psychologist Molly MillwoodDr. Molly Millwood is a clinical psychologist, author, educator, consultant, wife, and mother of two boys. Her 2019 book, To Have and To Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma, is inspired by her own experiences as a new mother and navigating the changes it brought to her marriage and life. In it, she explores the complexities of new motherhood, and the emotional, physical, mental, and professional impacts it brings to individuals and their partners. She examines the link between women’s well-being as mothers and the well-being of their relationships, while offering guidance to help overcome guilt and reclaim th...2024-08-0640 minMoms with BenefitsEvolving HR and Manager Support for MomsRosa Castano is a workplace well-being expert and advocate, business owner, yoga teacher, wife, and working mom of a three-year-old daughter. Through her business, Workplace Stress Solutions, Rosa and her team provide trainings and workshops on wellness, well-being, leadership development, and stress management tools for employers and employees of all levels of influence.
In their inspiring conversation, Rosa and host Samantha Saxby discuss:
Transition from career to motherhood during the pandemic
Navigating insurance and short-term disability challenges
Integrating wellbeing into the workplace effectively
Empowering employees to advo...2024-07-3037 minMoms with BenefitsTherapist & Mom of 3 Reflects on Her First 5 Years of MotherhoodAlexis Adams is a full-time business owner, therapist, coach, wife, and mother of three kids five and younger. Her motherhood journey has been anything but conventional, and she joined the Moms With Benefits Podcast to share her experiences and what she’s learned about motherhood and herself and adds a unique layer of seeing it through a therapist’s perspective.
In their insightful conversation, Alexis and host Samantha Saxby discuss:
Different lgoals of maternity leave for each child
Navigating job interviews while pregnant
Identity shifts during motherhood
Leavi...2024-07-2329 minMoms with BenefitsChasing Change: How a Colorado Business Solved Their Childcare Crisis with a 300% ROIIn our special mini series Chasing Change, host Samantha Saxby unveils what change looks like from the inside. She interviews women who have instigated meaningful change in their workplaces to get the support they and others needed.
In this episode of Chasing Change, Samantha speaks with Loryn Duke, Communications Director at Steamboat Ski Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Loryn and her colleagues developed and opened the resort’s first-ever employer-based childcare center in 2022, resulting in a 425% return on investment. The opening of Steamboat Child Care Center has had a hugely positive impact not only on...2024-07-1835 minMoms with BenefitsFinancial Confidence in Motherhood: Expert Advice from a Financial AdvisorAlissa Maizes is a financial advisor, attorney, RIA, wife, and mother of two adult children. She’s the Founder of Amplify My Wealth, where it’s her mission to empower women and families with their finances. She provides her clients with financial advice and custom plans to help simplify their finances and equip them with knowledge, education, and guidance to amplify their wealth.
In their conversation, Alissa and host Samantha Saxby discuss:
Being financially stressed vs. financially confident
Assessing goals related to paid work vs caretaking
Loud budgeting and f...2024-07-1640 minMoms with BenefitsAligning Work, Mission, and MotherhoodLinda Alunkal is an entrepreneur, strategic business consultant, COO, founder and CEO, wife, and mother to two boys. In childhood, she and her family came to the United States as Chinese immigrants, and it’s those experiences that shaped her work ethic, outlook, and values. After an impressive corporate career with Johnson & Johnson, Linda pivoted to entrepreneurship after realizing her life’s mission—among other entrepreneurial endeavors. She’s now building bitebrave to help families navigate life-threatening food allergies with knowledge and confidence.
In their inspiring conversation, Linda and host Samantha Saxby discuss:
How your...2024-07-0934 minMoms with BenefitsInspiring Connections: The Working Mom ConferenceChrista Bright is the founder of the Working Mom Conference, an annual two-day event that honors working moms, acknowledges the challenges they face, and helps them achieve success in their professional and personal lives. This year’s conference is August 3-4, 2024, in Philadelphia, PA.
Christa’s background in event planning and entrepreneurship, and ambition to create a supportive community for moms like her, led her to launch the Working Mom Conference in 2022. Its second-year speaker lineup is packed with inspiring women and moms from around the country, each with unique experiences and outlooks to share...2024-07-0241 minMoms with BenefitsChasing Change: How Northeastern University Supports Their Working ParentsThis is the first episode of our podcast miniseries, “Chasing Change.” Host Samantha Saxby unveils what change looks like from the inside. She interviews women who have instigated change in their workplace to get the support they needed. Including how employees have utilized Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and affinity groups, to make an impact in the workplace, especially for working parents.
In this episode, Samantha is joined by Alison Nogueira and Melissa Peikin from Northeastern University. Allison and Melissa co-founded NU Parents, a parent affinity group for working parents at all stages of parenthood. NU Pa...2024-06-2740 minMoms with BenefitsFinding Harmony in Your Career and MotherhoodZaiba Hasan is a corporate event planning professional, corporate wellness consultant, coach, podcast host, wife, and mother of four. She’s the founder and CEO of Emerge Consulting Solutions, a coaching company that guides and empowers parents to align their body, mind, and soul and unlock strengths and instincts to help them be the best parents they can be. Much of her work focuses on women in the workplace and DE&I.
In their insightful conversation, Zaiba and host Samantha Saxby discuss:
Evolving your career to align with your needs
Cha...2024-06-2535 min
Moms with BenefitsFinding Your North Star as a Working ParentThis week, host Samantha Saxby is joined by Danielle Pickens, a mother of three, consultant and career coach. Danielle has coached working parents through negotiating with their employers and effectively advocating for flexibility vs. shortened hours. This conversation gives tangible examples and actionable tips to help working parents advocate for their ideal work-life setup postpartum.
In this insightful conversation, Samantha and Danielle discuss:
How are the systems and dialogue changing to support working parents?
How is employee feedback impacting the workplace, especially for working parents?
What’s a “north star,” and how do yo...2024-06-1838 min
Moms with BenefitsNavigating Purpose-to-Impact Work as a Single MotherArika Linton is a nonprofit leader, education expert, board member, writer, scholarship supporter, and working mom to a five-year-old son. Her writing has been published in The Chicago Defender, Blavity, 21Ninety, PYNK Magazine, and more. Arika is passionate about “purpose to impact” work and making a difference in her community and beyond.
In their conversation, host Samantha Saxby and Arika discuss:
Mom guilt
Balancing work and life as a single mother
Finding your support system as a single mom
Recognizing when to step back from work
2024-06-1142 min
Moms with BenefitsTop Tax Tips for MompreneursOctavia Conner is a virtual CFO and tax strategist, Founder and CEO of Say Yes to Profits, mother of four, and new grandmother. Say Yes to Profits is a premier full-service accounting firm that offers virtual CFO services tailored to consultants and service-based businesses seeking clarity, control, and confidence in their financial endeavors.
In their insightful conversation, host Samantha Saxby and Octavia discuss:
Benefits of entrepreneurship for motherhood
Reevaluating your business structure for higher tax savings
How to determine a “reasonable” salary as a business owner
Identi...2024-06-0429 min
Moms with BenefitsWorking Through Startup Realities as a New MomDr. Carly Buxton is a mother of two, certified lactation specialist, postpartum doula, and the CEO of Nessle, a parent-to-expert connection platform. Through Nessle, Carly and her team connect parents to experts, resources, brands, and services that match their needs throughout their parenthood journey, from fertility to teenhood.
In their conversation, host Samantha Saxby and Carly discuss:
How her motherhood journey inspired Nessle
Deciding whether or not to start a family
Challenges of returning to paid work after maternity leave
Finding alignment between your work and yo...2024-05-2929 min
Moms with BenefitsWorking Through Startup Realities as a New MomDr. Carly Buxton is a mother of two, certified lactation specialist, postpartum doula, and the CEO of Nessle, a parent-to-expert connection platform. Through Nessle, Carly and her team connect parents to experts, resources, brands, and services that match their needs throughout their parenthood journey, from fertility to teenhood.
In their conversation, host Samantha Saxby and Carly discuss:
How her motherhood journey inspired Nessle
Deciding whether or not to start a family
Challenges of returning to paid work after maternity leave
Finding alignment between your work and yo...2024-05-2830 min
Moms with BenefitsHappiness in Motherhood: Can Science Help?In this week’s episode of the Moms With Benefits Podcast, host Samantha Saxby is joined by Elle Benson, mom of two, non-profit capacity builder, keynote speaker, author, and certified expert on the science of happiness. Her 2020 TED Talk, “A Crash Course in Learning to Laugh,” explores the relationship between humor and happiness.
In their conversation, Elle shares what she’s learned about happiness through research and her own experiences, and how other moms can use the “TAB” method to improve happiness using examples from maternity leave and young motherhood. Specifically, Samantha and Elle discuss:
...2024-05-2148 min
Moms with BenefitsDemystifying California’s 2024 Parental Leave LawsIn this week’s episode, host Samantha Saxby talks with Akiko Thayer, wife, mother of two, certified leave management specialist, and founder of Maternity Leave 411. Through her business, Akiko helps parents navigate the complexities of maternity and paternity leave benefits, in California and beyond. She empowers expectant parents with the knowledge of their leave rights so they can have productive conversations with their employers—and maximize their time with their newborn babies.
In their insightful conversation, Samantha and Akiko discuss:
How Akiko’s leave experiences inspired Maternity Leave 411
California’s Pregnanc...2024-05-1439 min
Moms with BenefitsBoundaries and Burnout in Working MotherhoodThis week, host Samantha Saxby is joined by Danielle Melton, a coach, speaker, foster parent, and working mom wellbeing expert and advocate. Danielle is the Founder and CEO of MOTHERboard Society, a comprehensive burnout and wellness solution for working mothers.
In their conversation, Samantha and Danielle discuss:
1:18 Untraditional paths to parenthood
8:34 Setting boundaries as a working parent
10:50 Finding work-life balance as a working parent
13:13 Prioritizing and setting goals as a working mom
16:34 Loud parenting and loud budgeting
24:28 Recognizing and dealing with burnout ...2024-05-0733 min
Moms with BenefitsCreating Generational Wealth as a Mom-focused EntrepreneurDiscover how Mariah, founder and CEO of Made for Mothers, transformed her traumatic maternity leave experience into a powerful mission to support and uplift fellow mom entrepreneurs. Gain valuable insights into financial empowerment, long-term visioning, and the importance of a value-driven business. Whether you're a mom entrepreneur seeking solidarity or simply curious about the intersection of motherhood and business, this episode offers profound wisdom and inspiration for every listener.2024-04-3034 min
Moms with BenefitsMaternity Leave Anxiety: Daycare and Small Team StrugglesIn this compelling episode, we sit down with Molly, a doctor of physical therapy and a working mom, to explore the anxiety-inducing challenges of navigating maternity leave on a small team and the daunting task of finding suitable daycare. Molly also shares her perspective on postpartum healing, both from a clinical and personal experience.2024-04-2330 min
Moms with BenefitsPivoting with Purpose: Navigating Career Change After MotherhoodIn this insightful episode of "Moms with Benefits," host Samantha Saxby sits down with Yasmine, a former lawyer and mother of three, to delve into her journey of pivoting careers after entering motherhood. Yasmine shares her candid experiences, from grappling with the internal struggle of feeling misaligned in her legal career to finding clarity during her maternity leave. Through a meticulous process of self-reflection and research, Yasmine navigated the complexities of choosing a new career path while considering the financial implications for her family. From untangling societal expectations to embracing the empowering realization that she wasn't alone in her...2024-04-1630 min
Moms with BenefitsTwo Mom Military Family Making It HappenListen to Joanna’s experience as a military spouse and mom on planning ahead for RIVF, childcare, constant moving across states, and a partnered approach to family finances.2024-04-0930 minMoms with BenefitsReinventing the Norm: Life with a Traveling Spouse and Non-Traditional BenefitsNavigating assumptions, clearly communicating, and rethinking the narrative are all part of Heather’s ingredients for success. Listen to working mom Heather share how her family thrives even with the challenge of having one spouse who is consistently traveling for work.2024-04-0232 minMoms with BenefitsSingle Mom By ChoiceWith an 11% chance of getting pregnant through IVF, listen to Abbey, age 40, who chose to financially invest over $40,000 in her dream of becoming a mom. As a therapist and coach, Abbey shares her return to paid work journey and discusses the current social and cultural climate of support for working moms.2024-03-2632 min
Moms with BenefitsSingle Mom By ChoiceWith an 11% chance of getting pregnant through IVF, listen to Abbey, age 40, who chose to financially invest over $40,000 in her dream of becoming a mom. As a therapist and coach, Abbey shares her return to paid work journey and discusses the current social and cultural climate of support for working moms.2024-03-2632 min
Moms with BenefitsGaining Independence Through MotherhoodListen to Kim, mom of 2, discuss her evolution as a career-oriented woman in a male-dominated fitness industry, navigating an amicable divorce, and on what keeps her emotionally grounded.2024-03-1924 min
Moms with BenefitsFresh Perspective from a Working Mom of a 16 Month OldWe talk to mom, principal, and breadwinner Brianna on her transition back to paid work. With a 16-month-old at home, she shares her recent struggles and how she overcame them. Brianna also talks about having separate bank accounts with her husband, but shared accounts for her children’s financial future.2024-03-1233 min
Moms with BenefitsWorking Mom vs. Stay at Home Mom: Financial ConsiderationsTo be very clear, ALL MOMS WORK. HARD. REALLY HARD. Some moms just get paid for it. Join us as we discuss with Alissa, her perspective on the financial considerations - both short-term and long-term - of deciding which path aligns with your goals.2024-03-0535 min
Moms with BenefitsIs postpartum the best time to start your new business?Join us as Samantha talks with the founder of MamaMode app, Emily, on how her gut told her to create a new business she wished she had existed for herself. A lively and fun conversation - Emily and Samantha share a similar postpartum feeling of wanting to help and create resources for other moms.2024-02-2728 min
Moms with BenefitsPostpartum Depression + Burnout SeasonsKim shares raw details of her postpartum depression journey and how she felt like it made her a ‘bad mom.’ This mother of 1 also shares her seasons with burnout and how she has learned to manage it.2024-02-2033 min
Moms with BenefitsCurating Your Mom TribeIf you’re in the thick of young motherhood, this episode will ground you with the perspective of a working mom who's 13 years in. Join us as we talk with former teacher Devin, mom of 4, on why your curated mom tribe is essential for your motherhood journey.2024-02-1333 min
Moms with BenefitsThe Common Denominator is You, MomImmerse yourself in Jenessa's personal transformation story through motherhood - tackling mental load, layoffs, and fulfilling a lifelong dream.2024-02-0628 min
Moms with Benefits2024's Parental Leave Landscape: Creating & Navigating The MazeShelby George, CEO and ERISA attorney breaks down the 2024 Parental Leave landscape. Shelby explains the various types of protections that exist today, gives a legislative update, and shares a new resource available to every expecting parent to learn what their unique bonding leave protections are.2024-01-3031 min
Moms with BenefitsUS vs France: Motherhood Cultural and Systemic DifferencesShawna had her first child in the US and her second in France. Shawna shares the shocking differences between those two experiences with real-life examples of pregnancy and postpartum support, child care infrastructure, and cultural expectations.2024-01-2332 min
Moms with BenefitsNavigating Mental Load, Partner Resentment, and Family FinancesWith two kids under 4, Corporate Climber Savannah shares how her evolution into motherhood meant a career shift and overcoming partner resentment.2024-01-1825 min
Moms with BenefitsIdentity, Work-Life 'Balance', and Entrepreneur Postpartum RealityAs a new mom of a four-month-old, Entrepreneur Ronniesha shares her experience being on the job site one week after birth, how she gets her mom-confidence, her work-life 'balance' evolution, and her household's unique approach to finances.2024-01-1835 min
Moms with BenefitsHeart of Motherhood: Therapist, Social Worker, and Working MomAs a married mom of 3 kids, Lauren shares her evolving relationship with return to paid work. Lauren also digs into her work as a therapist and social worker and the postpartum challenges she helps her clients with.2024-01-1823 min
Moms with BenefitsWelcome All Working Moms!“This is just real moms, doing real mom work, and real moms listening trying to figure out our real mom stuff.”
Through stories of everyday, earnest working moms, this podcast community aims to be a bright, yet honest spot in your day to help us moms evolve into working motherhood with emotional and financial stability.2024-01-1703 min