This is a special Mommywood recut — and honestly, one that hits differently now.

When this conversation was first recorded, my daughter was only ten weeks old and I was deep in new-mom survival mode, trying to figure out how acting and motherhood were supposed to exist in the same life. Meanwhile, Hannah Hines was already navigating the preschool years, self-tapes, childcare logistics, and the reality of keeping a creative career going after becoming a parent.

In this episode we talk about:
• how actors actually schedule auditions with a baby
• building a “village” when you don’t have family nearby
• the identity shift that comes with motherhood
• pandemic isolation with a toddler
• day jobs and financial survival as an actor parent
• returning to work postpartum
• and Hannah’s unexpected career pivot into screenwriting

Since recording, Hannah and I have actually become real-life friends (yes, even a book club together), which makes this conversation feel even more special.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can still pursue acting after having a child — this episode is for you.

Mommywood Recut: Past Episode, Present Moment

This week I’m revisiting one of the conversations that means more to me now than it did when we first recorded it.

When I originally sat down with Marla Sokoloff, I was a brand-new mom trying to figure out how motherhood and acting could possibly coexist. Marla was already living it — raising three daughters while navigating a long career in Hollywood and shifting from acting into directing and creating her own work.

In this edited highlight episode, we talk about the part of motherhood creative women don’t say out loud enough: losing momentum, redefining success, the guilt of being away from your kids, and the mental load of trying to be present at home while still holding onto your identity.

We also get honest about body image after pregnancy, the pressure around breastfeeding, and why sometimes the career you planned isn’t the one that ultimately fits your life.

If you’ve ever worried that becoming a parent might erase the version of yourself you worked so hard to build — this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Mommywood, host Emily Bolt engages in a candid conversation with Annie Gerard and Diana Wright, an award-winning writing and directing duo behind Girwrighty. They discuss the intricacies of collaboration in the entertainment industry, the challenges of balancing motherhood with a creative career, and the evolution of their partnership. The conversation touches on the impact of parenthood on creativity, the realities of working with major studios, and the importance of self-promotion in a competitive field. With humor and honesty, they share their experiences and insights, encouraging listeners to embrace their creative journeys and redefine success on their own terms.

Takeaways

Collaboration is key to sustaining a creative partnership.

Motherhood can enhance storytelling and empathy.

Navigating the entertainment industry requires resilience and adaptability.

It's important to communicate openly in partnerships.

Parenting is a creative endeavor in itself.

Success is redefined through the lens of parenthood.

The industry is often chaotic and unpredictable.

Self-promotion is essential for career advancement.

Creative projects can stem from personal experiences.

Finding balance between work and family is a continuous journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Guests

01:58 The Genesis of a Creative Partnership

05:38 Navigating Motherhood and Career

11:35 The Impact of Parenthood on Creativity

17:27 The Challenges of Collaboration in Hollywood

23:29 Finding Balance Between Work and Family

29:19 The Evolution of Comedy Across Mediums

35:19 The Reality of Working with Big Studios

41:15 Staying Motivated in a Creative Career

47:08 Redefining Success as a Parent

53:03 Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions

58:40 Current Projects and Future Aspirations

In this episode of Mommywood, Emily engages in a heartfelt conversation with Katie Santry, a beloved mom influencer. They explore the complexities of motherhood, the importance of community, and the challenges of maintaining personal identity while navigating fame. Katie shares her journey from being a YouTuber to a mom of two, discussing the impact of social media on her life and the significance of authenticity in her content. The conversation highlights the need for support among mothers and the value of prioritizing self-care and personal time. Through laughter and honesty, they emphasize that motherhood is a unique journey for everyone, and building a supportive community can make all the difference.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Guest Introduction

02:47 Katie's Journey from YouTube to Motherhood

05:56 Navigating Fame and Personal Identity

09:01 The Impact of Motherhood on Self-Identity

11:56 The Challenges of Balancing Career and Family

14:41 The Return to Social Media and Viral Moments

17:46 The Honest Side of Motherhood and Community Building

20:46 The Importance of Maintaining Personal Identity

23:50 Navigating Relationships and Parenting Dynamics

26:36 Building a Supportive Community for Moms

29:46 The Business of Social Media and Brand Collaborations

32:39 The Evolution of Content Creation and Authenticity

35:27 Advice for New Moms and Embracing Community

38:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Mommywood, host Emily Bolt engages in a heartfelt conversation with actress Shannon Kane about the complexities of motherhood and the entertainment industry. Shannon shares her journey as a single mother, the challenges of balancing her acting career with parenting, and the emotional depth that motherhood has brought to her craft. The discussion touches on themes of self-acceptance, authenticity, and the importance of storytelling in both acting and life. Shannon's candid insights resonate with many mothers navigating similar paths, making this episode a relatable and inspiring listen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mommy Wood and Shannon Kane

02:03 Shannon's Career Journey and Current Chapter

04:53 Motherhood: The Unexpected Journey

10:02 Processing the Birth Experience

13:56 Single Motherhood and Its Challenges

17:40 Balancing Acting and Motherhood

21:47 The Reality of Being a Working Actor

25:38 Self-Acceptance and Body Image

29:25 The Importance of Authenticity in Acting

33:25 Navigating the Industry's Expectations

37:27 The Duality of Joy and Sacrifice

41:36 Finding Strength in Vulnerability

45:31 Advice for Aspiring Actors

49:24 The Impact of Motherhood on Acting

53:11 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

Takeaways

Shannon discusses the unpredictability of acting and motherhood.

She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity.

The conversation highlights the challenges of being a single mother in the entertainment industry.

Shannon shares her experience of processing her son's birth and its impact on her life.

The duality of joy and sacrifice in motherhood is explored.

Shannon reflects on the misconceptions about being a working actor.

She encourages aspiring actors to focus on storytelling rather than fame.

The importance of finding silver linings in difficult situations is emphasized.

Shannon discusses how motherhood has deepened her emotional access as an actress.

She shares advice for navigating the challenges of being a working mom.

In this episode of Mommywood, Emily chats with Mary Elizabeth Kelly, a writer, actor, comedian, and new mom. They discuss the challenges and joys of motherhood, the evolution of Mary’s creative career, and how becoming a parent has shifted her perspective on comedy and content creation. The conversation touches on the importance of community among mothers, the balance between personal life and social media presence, and the unique experiences that come with being a parent in the entertainment industry.

Takeaways

Mary Elizabeth Kelly is a multifaceted creative navigating motherhood.

The transition to motherhood can shift priorities and creative focus.

Building a supportive network is crucial for new moms.

Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with audiences.

Impersonation skills can be honed from a young age and become a career.

The joy of making children laugh is unparalleled for parents.

It's important to share the realities of motherhood, both good and bad.

Creativity can thrive even amidst the challenges of parenting.

The perception of motherhood often includes fear and negativity, but it can also bring joy.

Every parent's journey is unique, and it's important to follow your instincts.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

01:26 Meet Mary Elizabeth Kelly

05:12 Journey from Connecticut to LA

09:37 The Art of Impersonation

15:17 Navigating Social Media and Career

22:48 The Challenges of New Motherhood

30:31 Shifting Content Focus as a Mom

35:04 Building a Support Network

39:40 Balancing Creativity and Parenting

50:57 The Joy of Making People Laugh

01:00:09 Advice for Aspiring Parent-Actors

This episode is brought to you by DondersteenCo Use code Emily10 for 10% off your entire purchase

In the world of Hollywood, where glitz and glamour often take center stage, the realities of parenthood can sometimes feel overshadowed. In this episode of Mommywood, I sit down with casting director Josh Einsohn, who shares his unique perspective on balancing a flourishing career in entertainment with the challenges of being a single dad.

Understanding the Dual Roles

Josh Einsohn is not only a renowned casting director but also a single father to a vibrant two-year-old daughter. He delves into how these two worlds collide, revealing how becoming a parent has redefined his approach to casting and storytelling. He explains, "How becoming a parent changes the way you see actors, how casting changes the way you parent." This duality is a recurring theme throughout their conversation, highlighting the complexities and joys of managing both roles.

Navigating Parenthood

Josh reflects on the early days of parenting, admitting that he felt like a "freshman in college" when it came to raising a child. He shares the bittersweet experience of watching his daughter grow and the emotions tied to each stage of her development. "You're always mourning the child that isn't anymore while you're falling in love with this new creature who is in front of you," he notes, showcasing the emotional depth of parenthood.

The Impact of the Entertainment Industry

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the logistics of balancing Hollywood deadlines with parenting responsibilities. Josh candidly discusses the challenges of managing school pickups and bedtime routines while navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry. He reflects on how working with colleagues who are also parents has been a significant support, stating, "It's been a lot easier than I thought."

The Adoption Journey

Josh shares his journey to becoming a dad through adoption, revealing the personal struggles he faced along the way. He recounts how the pandemic served as a period of reflection, leading him to make the decision to adopt. "I feel like this is doable," he said, emphasizing the confidence he gained during that time.

Breaking Stereotypes

A particularly poignant part of the discussion revolves around the misconceptions surrounding single fathers. Josh highlights the surprising reactions he receives from others, noting the gender biases that still exist. "I think that there is... everybody's sort of shocked and surprised and amazed that like, you can do that by yourself," he shares, raising important questions about societal expectations.

Conclusion:

Josh Einsohn's journey as a single dad in the entertainment industry is both inspiring and relatable. His candid insights shed light on the often-overlooked challenges and triumphs of parenthood in a demanding field. As he navigates his dual roles, he demonstrates that with the right support and mindset, it is possible to build a fulfilling career while being an engaged parent.

Key Takeaways:

- Balancing a career in the entertainment industry with single parenthood is challenging yet rewarding.

- The emotional journey of parenting involves celebrating growth while mourning the past.

- Support from colleagues who understand parenting can make a significant difference.

- Breaking down stereotypes surrounding single fathers can help reshape societal perceptions of family.

This Episode is brought to you by Dondersteen.

We’re wrapping up Season 6 and taking a beat to reflect — on the highs, the chaos, and everything we’ve learned along the way. This episode dives into the messy, beautiful world of emotions — ours and our kids’. We talk about how little ones express their feelings (sometimes loudly), how our own reactions shape those moments, and why staying calm — even when it’s hard — can change everything. It’s about learning to communicate, not just correct, and finding connection in the chaos.

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