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Mom Founder Imagination Hub

250 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 28 ratings

Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub (formerly Unimaginable Wellness), your weekly podcast to inspire you to dream bigger in business, plan how and who can help you get to that next level, find the energy to keep going, and make sure your creative juices are flowing so that you can get what you really want rather than having to settle.

Get ready to discover how successful mom founders here on this podcast have reimagined entrepreneurship and motherhood. Ever wonder how they do it? Tune in to find out.

And stretch yourself by also learning from diverse entrepreneurs who might not be moms but who have lessons you can tailor about how you can disrupt industries and step way outside of your comfort zone.

I believe every mom's superpower is her imagination. In this podcast, I'm going to give you the mindset, methods, and tools to unleash yours.

I’m your host Melissa Llarena a mom to three high-energy boys and an entrepreneur since 2011. I carried my firstborn in my Ergobaby to my first pitch and two years later birthed identical twin sons. Originally from New York (you'll be able to tell from my accent), my family and I have lived in Sydney, Australia and currently call Austin, Texas home.

What began as my "always keep networking" personal strategy meant to keep me plugged into corporate America as an early days career coach, shortly became favorite way to mother my boys through example as an imagination coach to mom founders who have to find their way into the right rooms faster than traditional methods would let them i.e. I can help you skip gatekeepers and not need warm intros. Both save you time and money and from even having to go out to happy hours too.

Back to my story, whether it was when I launched this podcast in 2017 and landed GaryVee or when I wrote my #1 Amazon bestseller Fertile Imagination back in 2023, I've had the opportunity to pursue my sometimes outrageous professional goals in front of my kids. It's been amazing to show them what it's like to go after pursuits, fail then get back up, and I've even enlisted them in some of my highly imaginative ideas....which is why I want to share my learnings with you my fellow mom founder.

Here's what I know: the one constant throughout these years has been my personal and professional need to change and, in this podcast, I want to share my lessons learned as well as feature some of the most dynamic humans in the world who are operating at the fringes of their imagination so that you can optimize yours.

Think about this as your source of creative ideas to get through the day, a launch, out of a rut, you name it!

Sounds good. Then start listening.

New episodes are available every Tuesday. Meanwhile, pick one today from the current 230+ episodes to help you keep going after your ambitions, get the vitality and energy to create your own momentum, find creative and practical ways to carve your own path, and stay inspired so that you can bounce back from any mom or business setbacks. Learn from founders (GaryVee, Suzy Batiz), entrepreneurs (James Altucher, David Meltzer), authors (Zibby Owens, Jessica Lahey), nutritionists (Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. Sabrina Falquier), writers (Lisa Messenger, Laura Carney), multi-passionates (Beth Comstock, Gabriele Corcos), artists (Max Mendez, David Roberts), intellectuals/thinkers (Jordan Harbinger, Cal Fussman), and Melissa.

Let’s explore how others are using their imagination to create their own opportunities to imagine more for themselves and impact those around them without compromising their own bold ambitions so that you (and I) can keep it all together. Also, be sure to share your favorite show with fellow founders, entrepreneurs, and creators who want to keep their standards high and inner mental conflicts low.

Say hi on Instagram @melissallarena for additional insights, stories, and lessons to help you use and leverage the skills you’ve gained as a mom as your competitive edge.

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Episodes

237: Mastering Entrepreneurship and Motherhood: Leadership, Resilience, and Imagination with Randi Rubenstein

July 02, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 114 MB

In this episode, we delve into the intricate dance of balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, especially when raising a strong-willed child. Join us as Randi Rubenstein, parent coach, author, and founder of Mastermind Parenting, shares insights on maintaining structure, accountability, and firm yet loving boundaries. Discover how the principles of pack leadership can transform your parenting approach and draw parallels between the challenges of managing a business and raising resilient ch...

236: Feel the Pressure When Attending Networking Events? Anticipating Some This Fall?

June 25, 2024 08:00 - 15 minutes - 21.7 MB

You've joined so many associations, networking associations, maybe even membership groups, you've attended conferences, you experienced networking, quote-unquote, societies, tried happy hours, gone to Toastmasters. So why is it that just the thought about going to networking events is still scary? Here's something that I've realized. It's because there's something missing. There's something missing from your strategy, and in this episode, I want to share with you exactly what that is. Now,...

235: This Austin-Based Community Builder Will Teach You How to Make Mom Friends

June 18, 2024 08:00 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MB

Do you wish you had mom friends who would push you, who would get you out of a rut? Do you feel like you don't have a community that you belong in? I know this pops up oftentimes during the summer season. And so I wanted this conversation to soothe your soul and give you a chance to change that. Let’s connect if this resonates with you: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ Do you ever feel lonely? I can relate. As a mom in those early days, the feeling of loneliness was all too fami...

234: Need Outside Motivation for Your Business Growth This Summer

June 11, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MB

Struggling to stay motivated and keep your business on track during the summer? Discover how you can transform these months into a powerhouse of productivity and growth. Join us as we dive into actionable strategies tailored for mom founders, ensuring you hit the ground running this fall. Don't let another summer slip by—tune in now to learn how to leverage this time for maximum business impact. Let’s connect if this resonates with you: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ And if...

233: FOMO: Working Moms vs. SAHMs - Insights from Sharon Macey, Host of the Mom to More™ Podcast

June 04, 2024 08:00 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MB

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the unique perspectives of stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) and working moms. Our special guest, Sharon Macey, host of the Mom to More™ podcast, shares her journey from being a SAHM for 20 years to reinventing herself professionally. This conversation offers working moms a chance to understand the other side of the coin and see that no matter the path chosen, there's no missing out or falling behind. This episode is perfect for you if you wish to uncover ...

232: I said I would spend more time with my kids this summer

May 28, 2024 08:00 - 54 minutes - 74.3 MB

In this episode, I'm here to help you tackle the challenge many mom entrepreneurs face: balancing business growth with family time during the summer break. I'll share practical strategies to maintain momentum in your business while spending quality time with your kids. Drawing from my experience and my signature three-step method, you'll learn actionable advice on leveraging the summer months to refine your company vision, boost energy levels, and enhance storytelling skills. By involving yo...

231: How to Answer Your Calling featuring Non-Profit Co-Founder Michelle Valiukenas of the Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation

May 21, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 110 MB

What's your calling? Ever thought you might be called to something more? What if your calling is waiting to be answered today? This could be the most inconvenient time for a calling to come your way, yet it can also be the perfect time for you to rise up and show up for yourself and others. If this resonates with you, then this is the episode you won't want to miss. Join us as we dive into a conversation with Michelle Valiukenas, a mom founder who answered her calling and created an incredib...

230: How to Increase Mental Bandwidth: Mindful Maycember

May 14, 2024 08:00 - 19 minutes - 27 MB

Hello, fellow mom founders and corporate executives!  Before we dive into today's episode, let me paint a picture for you: it's Maycember, and life is throwing everything it's got at us—projects, unexpected snafus, and plans shifting faster than we can keep up. But amidst this chaos, there's a beacon of hope: a way to navigate this month with more presence, less stress, and a whole lot more emotional and mental bandwidth. Today, we're going to explore how to increase your mental bandwidth ...

229: Zibby Owens, BLANK: Revealing Leadership Secrets Learned Through Motherhood: Lessons Business School Misses

May 07, 2024 08:00 - 44 minutes - 60.4 MB

What if your everyday mom moments could fill the pages of a book? What if motherhood has taught you leadership skills unmatched by any book or top-tier business school? What if the only thing holding you back from sharing your message with the world was simply not recognizing and appreciating your own value and the support others can offer once you do? These personal topics, especially if you're a bookworm or entrepreneurial mom, are discussed in today's episode with Zibby Owens, bestselli...

228: 3 Time and Money Traps Mom Founders Must Dodge!

April 30, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MB

Attention, mom founders! With summer on the horizon and the impending chaos of kids being out of school, there's no better time to reclaim control over your precious time and accelerate your business growth. In this episode, Melissa dives deep into three common time wasters holding mom entrepreneurs back from reaching their full potential. But fear not, because she also provides actionable strategies to replace these obstacles with productivity and profit. Say hi, I want to know if you agr...

227: Empathy Expert Michael Tennant Discusses The Transformative Power of Empathy in Business and Family Life

April 23, 2024 08:00 - 44 minutes - 41 MB

Have you ever stopped to consider the significant role empathy plays not only in our personal lives, but also in our professional environment? That's exactly what we did in our recent conversation with Michael Tennant, the founder and CEO of Curiosity Lab. Michael, a new dad, shared with us his deep respect for his wife and all mothers, and how becoming a parent has forced him to remain present and lead with empathy. We explored how empathy can be a secret weapon for anyone - be it moms, fou...

226: Unmasking Imposter Syndrome: The Hidden Costs for Mom Founders

April 16, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes - 24.7 MB

In this episode, you'll delve into the insidious impact of imposter syndrome on mom entrepreneurs. Discover the toll it takes on your confidence, time, and financial opportunities, and learn why confronting it head-on is crucial. I emphasize the necessity of breaking free from societal norms and embracing expansive thinking, a key component of your journey with my Imagination to Impact to Income Method™. We'll explore the risks of not addressing impostor syndrome, especially regarding miss...

225: Don't Let Mom Guilt Stop You! Meet Alisha Fernandez Miranda, (Mom 2.0 Speaker)

April 09, 2024 08:00 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MB

Ever feel that pang of guilt when you finally score a kid-free getaway with girlfriends? How about when you go away to a conference and that means missing your son's trumpet solo? Big confession. I recently went to a conference and missed my kid’s solo. Yep, I felt mom guilt especially while I watched the livestream, but as a mom of three, I knew I was doing my best and that this conference (ironically the Mom 2.0 conference) was a big deal for my book and business. And (further justificatio...

224: Craft a Killer Elevator Pitch & Own Networking Events Like The Mom 2.0 Summit (Free Slides, Sample, and Playbook Included!)

April 02, 2024 08:00 - 27 minutes - 38.1 MB

Welcome to episode 224. Tired of sounding like everyone else at networking events i.e. boring? Wish you could stand out and really put yourself and your business out there in a way that will make an impact? This episode equips you with the tools to transform your elevator pitch and turn those events into meaningful connections, even if finding and sharing the essence of who you are and why your business is unique has been harder in the past! This is a special episode especially for my fellow...

223: My Kid Left Her HW at Home, Should I Take It to School for Her? Jessica Lahey, a NYT Bestseller Weighs In

March 26, 2024 08:00 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MB

Welcome to episode 223. Do you rush to fix your child's mistakes, shielding them from failure?  Many moms do!  Maybe it's a forgotten homework assignment or a missed deadline.  This episode is your guide! New York Times bestselling author Jessica Lahey shares a relatable story of when she had to decide: intervene and save her daughter, or let her face the consequences of forgetting homework.  In this episode, you'll learn: •    How Jessica handled the homework situation (and the surprisin...

222: Contact to Connection: Go First Networking & Follow-Up Playbook for Mom Entrepreneurs

March 19, 2024 08:00 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

Ever think to yourself, "Sure, I can network with strangers confidently... as long as they go first?" Do you ever wish you had the chutzpah and perfect words to break the ice as a mompreneur, even if you're introverted? Want access to my frameworks and easy-to-use follow-up insights – the exact ones I've used to land big-name podcast interviews with people like Suzy Batiz or GaryVee? Welcome to episode 222. Bookmark this episode to learn exactly how to go first to strike a conversation wit...

221: What’s the REAL Secret to Scaling,? Meet Angela Middleton MBE

March 12, 2024 07:00 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MB

 What if you don’t want to be a solopreneur forever? What if one day you want to exit from your business or you want to run a fully functioning business that can operate without you in it? Welcome to Episode 221. This conversation is perfect for you if these are the questions on your mind as a business owner, especially one who is a mom (or mum). Meet today’s guest Angela Middleton, MBE.  Angela is the chairman of The Limitless Group, comprising several companies in the workforce and careers...

220: Is Your Company Vision Failing You? (Mom Founder Masterclass)

March 05, 2024 08:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MB

It's starts with a vision and if yours lacks any of these criterium then it will be HARD to stay up as a chronically exhausted mom or leader of any sort! It's also important that you articulate your vision in a way that generates goosebumps, inspired actions, or plants an audacious visual in the mind of someone else....THIS transaction of language is what will mobilize your network. It's WAY easier if your vision is true to you. It's impossible if you don't buy-into a vision....this stuff is...

219: Trust Your Intuition!: Tips from the Host of That’s Total Mom Sense Kanika Chadda Gupta

February 27, 2024 08:00 - 37 minutes - 50.8 MB

Welcome to Episode 219. As a mom, have you ever asked yourself? Am I doing it right? Am I ruining them? Am I going to be responsible for them needing therapy when they grow up? As moms, especially in the early days, we need so much reassurance and being able to rely on our intuition is tough. Yet, that is exactly what today's guest shares with us and helps us to learn to trust! Meet Kanika Chadda Gupta. She is a seasoned CNN television journalist podcaster and mom of three. And in that three...

You are Invited to a Mental Health Break for Mom Business Leaders, Special Episode

February 21, 2024 08:00 - 6 minutes - 6.1 MB

Attend a mental health break for mom business leaders on March 1st. Sign-up today for free meditation prompts fit for mom business owners who want to be both present moms and focused business owners - Details (sign-up and get the prompts instantly): https://bit.ly/mindmom Learn the exact process that meditation practitioner, bestselling author, business coach, and mom to three young boys, Melissa Llarena, follows to have a consistent meditation practice despite no longer having privacy, ti...

218: Has adding the RIGHT things to your plate ever lit a GOOD fire under toosh?

February 20, 2024 08:00 - 22 minutes - 31 MB

In this episode you will uncover why this is an important change in perspective: The answer is not always about taking things off of your plate. It depends on what drives you. Ever wanted to gain self-awareness around what makes you go, stop, or bounce back up faster? Listen with an open mind to this episode.  Some moms with their own businesses rise to the occasion when a business challenge arises. Going after worthy goals clears up a busy life like no other thing has for me. You might be...

217: Mom-Friendly Ideas For Random Acts of Kindness That Boost Your Mental Health

February 13, 2024 08:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MB

Welcome to Episode 217. Did you know that February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day? My plea is to count yourself in! Moms can perform random acts of kindness and be the recipient of them too! Did you know that when you are kind or generous to others that you can feel a helper’s high? I bet you have oodles of ideas of things you can do with your kids and today’s guest shares her thoughts on those too. However, what I found fascinating is that, despite being a busy mom of two, Jennifer Kle...

Are you a mom entrepreneur with a vision? I need your opinion.

February 07, 2024 08:00 - 13 minutes - 13 MB

Would you consider yourself to be a visionary mom entrepreneur? If you are then I'd love to talk to you to better understand your unique perspective on something I'm working on. You can pick the best 15-minute time ( https://go.oncehub.com/ClientSessionMelissaLlarena) that works for you if you currently have a vision that you are working towards this year. Or you can email me melissa (at) melissallarena.com I'n 15-minutes, we'll go through this NEW offer based on 12-years of mothering whil...

216: Fighting a Chronic Illness and Growing a Business as a Single Mom, Elva Treviño

February 06, 2024 08:00 - 35 minutes - 49.4 MB

 Welcome to episode 216. This is a story of a single mom who has been battling chronic illness, Crohn's, and has also been in the hospital for at least 13 kidney related surgeries. in spite of her doctor appointments and uncertain health status every single day, she continues to go all in on building a  business that expresses this: we are all that we are all champions inside. Today's guest is Elva Treviño.  Elva is an entrepreneur with a passion for fitness, leadership, entertainment, and m...

215: How Do You Stay Positive When Navigating Change? Mom Founders and Entrepreneurs Bookmark THIS

January 30, 2024 08:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MB

Tune in to learn how to leverage the three pillars of positivity to build your success by Silicon valley entrepreneur and business strategy John Hagel III. Consider this THE change management guide for mom entrepreneurs. If you are exhausted by the fear, uncertainty, and emotional gunk of change then bookmark this conversation. My take is that John offers a fresh and much needed reframe (it's more than a reframe) to help us get more out of our business ideas. Becoming an entrepreneur is an...

214: Really EASY Focus Tips for Mom Entrepreneurs

January 23, 2024 08:00 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MB

Welcome to episode 214. Feeling pulled in a million directions as a mompreneur? Juggling tasks, battling overwhelm, and chasing those next-level business goals seems like a constant tightrope walk. But what if you could harness the power of focus to turn your hectic days into laser-sharp productivity? In comes today’s podcast guest Severine Naessens a seasoned entrepreneur and mother to a teenage daughter.   Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/   About Sever...

213: 5 Unexpected Secrets to Build Business Momentum in 2024

January 16, 2024 08:00 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MB

Welcome to Episode 213. Are you a mom entrepreneur who struggles with impostor syndrome,  wants to nip overwhelm in the bud, wishes to realize the power of networking and/or wants to turn her business and mom life AROUND in 2024? If yes then hit PLAY. Say hi to me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ This is a recording from my free webinar that I conducted on January 9th, entitled Mom Mogul Makeover. You’ll hear how you can put the insights enclosed in my bestselling ...

212: The Most Important Episode For Mom Entrepreneurs

January 09, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MB

This episode is brought to you by Mom Mogul Makeover happening today on 1/9 for free.   There is still time to SIGN-UP: https://witty-thinker-2643.ck.page/7e884a0f0a   If you are like me then perhaps you are getting ready for your kids to return to school very soon and your plan is to hit the ground running. I know this is my plan as a mom of three. This is why I want to invite you to a LIVE 20-minute webinar entitled Mom Mogul Makeover 1/9 at 12pm CST.   The idea is to share the...

211: Making Mom Friends (Best of Fertile Imagination Book Launch Party)

January 02, 2024 09:00 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MB

Welcome to Episode  211. It's 2024. So now you've got to hit the ground running. You've got to go towards your ambitions and everything seems to be in sync. And I want you to feel energized. We all do. I am so on your side and I'm thrilled that you're here to celebrate 2024. So this conversation is with Meryl Cook and she is a creative person whom I admire. She's a writer, an author herself, and she does something called hooking. Now get your mind out of the gutter. It has to do with yarn an...

210: The Impact of a Mom Who Believes In Her Kids Is Revealed Today (Best of Fertile Imagination Book Launch Party)

December 26, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MB

Welcome to Episode 210. We're going to talk with Margot Bisnow, who wrote the book, Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams - 99 Stories from Families Who Did. What I love about this conversation is that there are so many moms behind us, and there are also moms ahead of us. This includes moms who have authored books too! Moms to young men as well. The available mom mentors are truly plenty and for that I’m grateful to have had so many book launch conversations...

209: Dare To Show Up (Best of Fertile Imagination Book Launch Party)

December 19, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 41.2 MB

Welcome to Episode 209. In today's episode, you are going to hear how I landed some big-name podcast guests on this podcast Unimaginable Wellness. You’ll hear from Beth Nydick, the creator of the F.A.M.E Formula. This conversation happened on my book launch day for Fertile Imagination. Beth Nydick is a PR expert. Definitely check her out. She is the type of mom who, like me, loves a good dare. As it relates to my book launch in October, a dare might be the key to your success. I want to invi...

208: Navigate Holiday Chaos (Best of Fertile Imagination Book Launch Party)

December 12, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MB

Welcome to Episode 208. Christmas is drawing near. My twins are soon going to be 10 years old. This is a huge moment for my family and I can imagine yours too. A moment of chaos and stress in a lot of ways. Hence, this is why I wanted to share with you an amazing conversation that I had with Jenna Hermans Hermans, who is the Queen of Calm and the author of Chaos to Calm: 5 Ways Busy Parents Can Break Free from Overwhelm. Jenna Hermans interviewed me on book launch day for Fertile Imagination...

207: Lose the Mom Guilt, Try This Flip (Best of Fertile Imagination Book Launch Party)

December 05, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MB

Welcome to Episode 207. In today's conversation, I actually had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Lana Ashby Rowder, the founder of LookingGlass Lifestyle, which is about styling yourself and leveraging technology in order to make this wonderful, wonderful gift of aesthetics, a possibility for every single person. I wanted to just share something before we jump in. Lana and I met at a library. It was me talking to strangers which brought us together. She helped me pick out the style th...

206: Defy the Odds (Best of Fertile Imagination Book Launch Party)

November 28, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 33.8 MB

Welcome to Episode 206. We're going to talk with Laura Carney, my copyeditor, who is not herself a mom, but really understands what it's like to nurture big dreams. You're going to love this conversation. It happened on book launch day, and she actually helped me take this book to the finish line. So I'm very grateful to her. She wrote My Father's List. And you will love to see her investigative journalism skills at play.  If you love parties than please do say hi on Instagram which was wh...

205: Family First, Business Second (Best of Fertile Imagination Book Launch Party)

November 21, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MB

Welcome to episode 205. In today's episode, we're going to talk about priorities and also how family comes first, and it's appropriate for Thanksgiving week. If you feel like there's a lot of conflicting priorities in your mind this week. You are not alone. This conversation is a clip from the IGTV lives that I did on my book launch day back in Halloween with Zanny B Davis from the UK. She's an online course creator, coach, and Christian who is also a podcaster.  If you love parties than p...

204: You Can Pivot at Anytime (Best of Fertile Imagination Book Launch Party)

November 14, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 38.5 MB

Welcome to episode 204. Today's episode, you're going to hear from Bethany Braun Silva, who interviewed me on Fertile Imagination's launch day on Halloween. Bethany is the author of Like a Mother, Banish Guilt, Blaze Your Trail, and Break the Rules to Create a Life You Love. It's amazing to be interviewed by a fellow mom, author, and New Yorker. We discussed how watching our moms go first really informed how we, and what we thought we were capable of as moms. I wanted to just share this. S...

203: Returning to Yourself Following A Post-Partum Depression and OCD Diagnosis

November 07, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 37.8 MB

Alaina was an early reader of Fertile Imagination. She shared her thoughts on the book, which she found refreshing and a book that didn’t feel like work. We delved into her thoughts on being creative, whether in her old career in tech and now as a yoga instructor. We also got into her raw and honest opinion on post-partum and navigating OCD along with her journey back to herself. We ended with why it might be urgent for you to return to yourself so you can help others who might be going thro...

202: Unleashing Mom's Superpower of Imagination

October 31, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes - 18.1 MB

Today is LAUNCH DAY.  Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom’s Superpower for Maximum Impact is available on Amazon and ready for you to shop at 10 am EST today! https://amzn.to/3F6AgMu Join me today from now until 6 pm EST for an exciting launch day celebration! Together, we can make a powerful statement to the world that moms matter and that we have the power to pursue our dreams on our own terms. To kickstart this movement, I'm offering a special one-day-only sale of th...

201: A Powerful Tribute To VERY Busy Moms

October 24, 2023 08:00 - 10 minutes - 13.8 MB

Welcome to episode 201! On October 31, I am offering the Kindle version of my book Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact for only 99 cents on Halloween. If you love a sale and want to be the first to be notified of when to shop, then sign up on www.fertileideas.com. In this episode, for any mom who doesn't have time to read books, I will read to you what a mom in the thick of it with a toddler, a baby, limited childcare living as an expat a...

200: HUGE Announcement: Fertile Imagination Coming October 31 2023

October 17, 2023 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.41 MB

Welcome to Episode 200, this HUGE announcement feels like the perfect culmination of the Unimaginable Wellness podcast. If you’d like to follow my book launch journey then let’s connect on Instagram too!  https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ This is what’s coming up on October 31, 2023 and what you can expect from my debut book….Fertile Imagination the link to sign-up today to be the first notified of when it goes on sale is www.fertileideas.com --- be sure to sign-up today to ensur...

199: Keeping Latinx Food Traditions And Navigating Your Family's Health with Dr. Sabrina Falquier

October 10, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 53.5 MB

Are we connected on Instagram yet? Say hi over here: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ Welcome to episode 199. If you've ever tried to eat more healthy than perhaps your parents or than might be common in cultural dishes, then this is the conversation for you. I would say that this conversation with Dr. Sabrina Falquier is extremely important as many of us are making different choices than our parents when it comes to nutrition and wellness. In my case, my dishes look unlike those ...

198: Exploring the Depths of Motherhood and Imagination with Kristen McGuiness

October 03, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 51 MB

What if you could write your book? Imagine if you started today and just kept going even at a pace of 10 words or 10 pages every night? What if you could write your own story and in parallel navigate life’s reality that includes loss and grief and the realities of marriage? What if your book could be your own revolution around a topic you held close to your heart?  Today’s guest is a mom of two, a caregiver to her grandmother, a partner to her best friend, and a working mom who found a way...

197: Breaking Norms in Motherhood and Entrepreneurship with Bethany Silva

September 26, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 29.2 MB

Do you often experience mom guilt? What if you can't take the kids trick-or-treating? How can we redefine guilt? In this candid conversation between two NYC moms who are deep in the trenches, you'll discover what it truly takes to juggle it all and maintain your sanity as a working mom who adores her kids but also recognizes the importance of self-care. Be ready to reinvent motherhood and entrepreneurship and buckle up for a whirlwind chat with the phenomenal Bethany Braun Silva, a celebra...

196: How to Survive A Target Trip With Your Kids, A Conversation with Amy Trueblood, the Author of Unflustered Mom

September 19, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 55.1 MB

Hi there, please let me know if this episode resonates with you. Send me a DM @melissallarena on Instagram and say YES: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/   Welcome to episode 196, have you ever felt anxious about taking your kids to a supermarket or Target? If the answer is yes then you have got to tune into this week’s guest Amber Trueblood the author of the best-selling book THE UNFLUSTERED MOM. She has four boys of her own and several credentials including being a licensed m...

195: The Backstory to Being Published In Fast Fall Women edited by Gina Barreca (My Book Preface)

September 12, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 24.1 MB

In this episode, I’ll reveal the backstory of my participation in Fast Fall Women. But first, what was I thinking? I went from no one knowing about my experiences being raised by a mom with manic depression – to today, the world being able to hear one of my most vulnerable moments for $18.95.  Here’s the truth: Today marks a milestone for me as a published author in a book that features these writing goddesses: Amy Tan, Jane Smiley, Caroline Leavitt, Bobbie Ann Mason, Honor Moore, Darien H...

194: Why Would Any Mom Procrastinate Launching a Forecasted $30K Business Offer? (LIVE Coaching Session With Carin)

September 05, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 55.1 MB

Let’s connect on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ Send me a “hi” DM on Insta letting me know you caught this week’s episode. I’d love to know who is listening. Welcome to episode 194. Do you have a great business idea stuck in your head? What if getting it out of your head would put $30K in your pocket? Why would anyone procrastinate on executing such an idea? Meet Carin today’s live coaching session participant.  This is her situation and yet she has been procra...

193: Serin is Not Writing Her Memoir Due to a Fear of Judgment

August 29, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 32.2 MB

DM me to talk about the fear of judgment. Is it real to you too? https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ Have you ever felt trapped within your own survival story? This week, we walk through this very journey with Serin, a mother and author who finds herself entangled in the chains of her past. As we traverse the winding path of her life, we uncover the deep-seated fears that have held her back from achieving her full potential as a mom and writer. Diving into the heart of her narrative,...

192: Is Impostor Syndrome Standing In Sandrine's Way From Asking For Referrals? (LIVE Coaching Session)

August 22, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 27.3 MB

Let's DM: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ Welcome to episode 192, this is a live coaching session where I coach Sandrine a web designer who is struggling with imposter syndrome. She was spending a lot of time creating social media assets when we spoke yet her former clients all came from referrals – is she going to meet her income goal this month or is that use of her time really a clue that she is procrastinating due to imposter syndrome? Time to find out and if this episode...

191: Caroline’s Path from Law to Art: Embracing Art Amid Societal Pressures

August 15, 2023 08:00 - 46 minutes - 43.6 MB

Feel free to DM me your thoughts on this episode? https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ This is a live coaching session with a creative mom who has entrepreneurial ambitions to write and sing music. She has two young kids at home and works part-time as an attorney. She recently turned forty and does not want to squander this season of her life. Take this opportunity to see what a coaching session with me sounds like and if you are a creative mom with entrepreneurial goals that you are ...

190: One Decision Can Change Your Life + A Free 10-Minute Meditation For Better Decision-Making For Moms

August 08, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 36.2 MB

One decision can change your life entirely. Melissa shares an anecdote from her book, Fertile Imagination, about her mom's one turning point decision moment back in the 60s. Melissa leads a 10-minute meditation to help you build a greater awareness of your body sensations. Melissa talks about the decision to raise bilingual third generation Latinos. Excerpt from Melissa's book: Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Every Mom's Superpower for Creating Maximum Impact - https://www.melissal...

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