Momcozy Village - Together We Grow podcast

32:52

How do you win at both life and motherhood? Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and MommiNation co-founder Sanya Richards-Ross has plenty of wisdom to share on this topic and more. Sanya sits down with host Lalaina Rabary to explore her journey, from being crowned Olympic Champion in the 400m at the 2012 London Games to becoming one of the most decorated female track and field Olympians in history. She also opens up about her life beyond the track: her transition into motherhood, building a supportive community for Black moms, and navigating challenges with resilience and grace. Sanya co-founded MommiNation to address a critical gap many moms face - the lack of a village to lean on during motherhood’s toughest moments. Through this platform, she aims to empower, connect, and uplift mothers, offering the kind of support she found invaluable on her own journey. In this special live episode, Sanya shares practical tips on balancing motherhood and personal goals, how sports prepared her for life’s toughest transitions, and why giving yourself grace is key to thriving as a mom. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction 01:16 – Reflecting on Sanya’s Olympic achievements 01:53 – Lessons in dedication: How sports shaped her approach to motherhood 05:00 – The importance of giving yourself grace as a mom 07:03 – Navigating life, motherhood, and personal challenges 10:29 – Building resilience on and off the track 14:54 – Coping with pregnancy loss 17:16 – The role of faith and family in Sanya’s life 18:58 – Why Sanya co-founded MommiNation and what it means to her 23:55 – Advice for new moms: Be flexible and adapt 25:35 – Sanya’s daily practices for winning every day 27:30 – Listener Q&A Links: Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram Lalaina Rabary on LinkedIn Sanya Richards-Ross Website Sanya Richards-Ross Instagram Video Referenced in Episode Introduction MommiNation Website About the Host – Lalaina Rabary Lalaina Rabary is the host of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast and serves as Momcozy’s Brand Marketing Manager for North America. She’s also the founder and marketing strategy consultant behind Lalaina Rabary Creative and Communications. A proud mom of one little girl, and with another baby on the way, Lalaina is passionate about helping moms grow and thrive. About Momcozy Momcozy is dedicated to supporting mothers through early motherhood with innovative products and valuable resources. Known for their wearable breast pumps and comfort-focused nursing bras, they’re more than a brand—they’re a movement aimed at empowering moms and building a community where everyone can thrive together.…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Meeting the Unexpected Head-On with Corin Lines-Stary 25:23

21 days ago25:23

25:23

Life is full of surprises, and parenthood is no exception. From carefully crafted birth plans that don’t go as expected to the challenges of returning to work, the journey is rarely predictable. But amidst the unexpected, there’s also joy in the most surprising places. In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow , host Lalaina welcomes Corin Lines-Stary, an award-winning podcaster and GenAI expert. Corin previously hosted In Her Ellement , a Boston Consulting Group podcast highlighting senior women in digital, business, and technology. She opens up about her experience with not one but two c-sections, navigating first-time parenthood during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a surprising revelation she encountered upon returning to work. 00:56 – Corin’s expectations of parenthood. 03:00 – Life before children: What was it like for Corin? 05:06 – Surprises during pregnancy and birth. 08:53 – Corin’s first emergency C-section. 10:04 – Her second birthing experience in Tennessee. 10:58 – Advice for navigating the unexpected. 13:10 – “Red flag” moments from Corin’s first birth experience. 14:29 – What she did differently the second time. 16:16 – Returning to work after childbirth. 17:59 – How having kids changed Corin’s career perspective. 21:06 – Positive changes in her career post-parenthood. 23:06 – Final words of encouragement. Join your host, Lalaina Rabary, every two weeks for conversations with special guests about their motherhood journey. So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram Corin Lines-Stary on LinkedIn Smashing Pregnancy and Parenting Myths The Creative and the AI Podcast If you would record a message for us to play on the show, then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Pressing Pause, Rising Stronger - The Liberating Power of Pausing Your Career with Neha Ruch 30:25

6 weeks ago30:25

30:25

The decision for moms to pause or downshift their careers often carries a heavy stigma. Yet, it can also provide a valuable opportunity to prioritize family life and grow alongside it. In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina sits down with Neha Ruch, author and the founder of Mother Untitled, a leading platform for ambitious women embracing family life. Her new book, The Power Pause , redefines stay-at-home parenthood for a new generation of women and families. Together, they discuss why Neha took her pause, how you can grow and develop during a career pause or downshift, and how to nourish your self-esteem and set up systems for success. 02:07 - Neha’s backstory of career success. 04:08 - When you are judged for stepping back from work. 07:02 - Redefining ambition and feminism. 09:48 - Growing in yourself through motherhood. 13:05 - What challenges do moms face when taking a career pause? 16:44 - So many moms don’t have help at home. 20:48 - What to do when you want the pause to finish. 24:44 - Owning the story of your pause. 26:08 - Relying on friends and contacts to start again. 27:44 - The impact that Neha hopes The Power Pause has. 29:24 - How Neha nurtures her self-esteem. Join your host Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey. So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram Mother Untitled Website Neha Ruch on Instagram The Power Pause If you would record a message for us to play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Beyond the Bounce Back: Embracing Your Post-Baby Body with Amanda Tice 31:12

8 weeks ago31:12

31:12

So much of the narrative around pregnancy and our bodies revolves around getting back to the way we were, getting rid of the ‘baby weight’ or ‘bouncing back’. In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina sits down with Amanda Tice, a curve model and author of The New Mom Code a bold guide that invites moms everywhere to let go of outdated ideas about motherhood and embrace what it actually looks like. Together, they discuss the shame and pressure around moms' bodies, explore Amanda’s first high-profile post-pregnancy modeling job, and reveal how her new book tries to clarify those vague pre-motherhood conversations. 02:01 - Amanda’s modeling career pre-baby and post-baby. 03:33 - Amanda’s experience with body dysmorphia during pregnancy. 04:52 - Why are moms so hard on themselves and their bodies? 08:30 - The experience of motherhood and grief. 12:08 - Amanda’s first post-baby modeling for Heidi Klum’s swimsuit line. 16:19 - Why did Amanda write The New Mom Code ? 20:19 - What is matrescence? 22:59 - The reality of parenthood vs what you read about it. 24:42 - Amanda’s advice to moms struggling to love their bodies. 26:30 - What should moms do if people comment on their bodies? 28:23 - The New Mom Code audiobook. 29:51 - Amanda’s affirmations for self-esteem. Join your host Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey. So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram Amanda Tice Website Amanda Tice on Instagram The New Mom Code on Amazon If you would record a message for us to play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Smashing Pregnancy and Parenting Myths 29:50

12 weeks ago29:50

29:50

Pregnancy and parenting come with countless myths and misconceptions - whether it’s about drinking coffee, eating sushi, or even using hair dye. With so much conflicting advice and opinion swirling around, how can you separate fact from fiction and make informed choices? In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina sits down with Emily Silver and Jamie O’Day, the cofounders of NAPS. NAPS provides a refreshingly honest, practical, and judgment-free space where parents can access personalized support from trained medical professionals. Together, they tackle some of the most widespread - and often harmful - parenting myths, highlight the importance of trusting both your healthcare provider and your support network, and share actionable tips for improving communication with your partner. 01:18 - A few myths that Emily and Jamie hear all the time. 02:37 - Start with finding the right healthcare provider. 09:14 - There is more than one way of doing something. 10:25 - How do you help your partner understand the advice you’re receiving? 12:33 - Identifying your list of trusted contacts. 14:21 - Build a framework to have more fruitful conversations. 16:46 - How important is it to have productive conversations during pregnancy? 19:19 - What areas of pregnancy preparation are overlooked? 19:47 - How modern life has changed who is available to support. 23:23 - Trust your body and your intuitions. Join your host Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey. You'll also hear a sprinkling of expert tips and inspiring stories from the Momcozy community. So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood. Because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram Emily Silver on LinkedIn Jamie O’Day on LinkedIn NAPS Website If you would record a message for us to play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Taking Care of Yourself and Navigating the Holidays 30:54

16 weeks ago30:54

30:54

The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind for parents - a time filled with unique challenges that make boundary-setting and juggling logistics especially difficult. For many, the result is burnout. In this environment how can moms make space for themselves? In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, Lalaina sits down with Megan Thompson-Hansen, a mental health therapist, new mom, and owner of Making Space Therapy, a private practice based in West Des Moines Iowa. Together, they explore practical strategies for navigating the emotional complexities and high expectations of the holidays. From granting ourselves permission to set boundaries or ask for help, to recognizing when thriving might be an unrealistic goal, this conversation is a heartfelt guide to finding balance and self-compassion during a demanding season. 00:54 - What has changed about the holidays for Megan as a new mom? 03:38 - How do we manage our expectations about the season? 05:17 - What are boundaries and why are they important? 08:39 - Logistics and communicating boundaries. 11:01 - What to do when your boundaries are met with anger or frustration. 13:30 - How do partners fit into all of this? 16:05 - What happens when we make space for our complicated feelings? 19:39 - What to do if you see someone who needs support. 20:55 - How to spot the signs of anxiety and depression, and suppot resources. 26:00 - Why thriving shouldn’t necessarily be a benchmark this holiday season 28:06 - What Megan has learned as a new mom. 29:57 - Accessible self-care. Join your host Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey. You'll also hear a sprinkling of expert tips and inspiring stories from the Momcozy community. So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood. Because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram Megan Thompson-Hansen on Psychology Today Making Space Therapy Website RESOURCES Psychology Today Postpartum Support International If you would record a message for us to play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Lighting the Spark of Adventure: Traveling as a Parent 36:12

20 weeks ago36:12

36:12

For many of us, travel nourishes the soul. Yet, for some moms, the thought of traveling with children can seem overwhelming. The good news? There’s a wealth of tips and strategies available for those eager to keep exploring during pregnancy and beyond. In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, Lalaina welcomes Nneya Richards, an accomplished travel expert whose work has graced the pages of Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Vogue, and more. Together, they delve into how Nneya travels with her daughter, Blue Hazel, the destinations she visited while pregnant, and why meticulous planning is essential for stress-free travel with kids. Nneya, who splits her time between New York City and Bergamo in northern Italy, shares her insights and experiences, offering inspiration and practical advice for moms who dream of seeing the world with their little ones. 01:09 - Lalaina’s opinion on traveling with kids. 01:48 - How Nneya’s daughter Blue Hazel handles travel. 03:09 - Why a little kindness from strangers and staff goes a long way. 05:11 - Nneya’s career journey. 08:28 - Traveling while pregnant. 11:41 - Nneya’s advice for pregnant travelers. 13:44 - When did Nneya start traveling with Blue Hazel? 17:39 - Dealing with other travelers when flying. 20:48 - How has Nneya’s experience of travel changed since having kids? 23:54 - The real-life results of Nneya’s advice. 26:20 - Why planning before a trip is vital when traveling with kids. 32:40 - Why you should try traveling with kids again. 34:23 - Nneya’s travel affirmations Join your host Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey. You'll also hear a sprinkling of expert tips each week to help you thrive! So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood. Because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram Nneya Richards on Instagram My Toddler Has Been On Over A Dozen International Flights, Here's What I've Learned About Family Travel If you would record a message for us to play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Beyond the Baby Bubble: Socializing and Making Friends as a Mom 25:39

22 weeks ago25:39

25:39

Moms sometimes find that their social calendar changes or even shrinks after their kids come along. So, how should we be thinking about getting out there and connecting with others differently? In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, Lalaina is joined by Cierra Bragan, the owner and founder of Miami Mom Collective, a locally focused parenting resource and community. They discuss Cierra’s expectations of socializing with kids, why reaching out is so important, and the barriers and challenges moms smash every time they leave the house. 01:09 - The expectations of socializing as a mom vs the reality. 04:42 - How Cierra’s community has supported her. 08:26 - Why do some people find it so awkward to make mom friends? 13:09 - Founding the Miami Mom Collective. 16:52 - What brings moms to Miami Mom Collective events? 18:25 - How motherhood has blessed Cierra with close friendships. 22:15 - Miami Mom Collective is expanding! 23:42 - Cierra’s words of encouragement. Join your host Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey. You'll also hear a sprinkling of expert tips and inspiring stories from the Momcozy community. So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood. Because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram Miami Mom Collective Website If you would record a message for us to play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Navigating Advice Overload: What Really Matters 33:40

24 weeks ago33:40

33:40

In today's world, we are inundated with advice, which can come from anywhere, from our loved ones to influencers online. But how can we ensure that the advice we find is reliable and doesn’t leave us feeling guilty or misguided? In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, Lalaina is joined by Laura Otton, a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in mental health and 12 years in direct counseling. They delve into Laura’s journey of navigating the overwhelming world of sunscreen advice, discuss how to filter online and offline guidance effectively, and how to gently turn down advice from our loved ones. 03:00 - How Laura got into therapy. 05:37 - The sunscreen advice rabbit hole. 10:35 - How the digital world has changed how we access advice. 13:25 - Filtering out bad advice on and offline. 16:27 - Navigating well-meaning advice from family and friends 20:23 - The importance of self-care when seeking advice. 23:29 - Laura’s advice for moms struggling with accessing good quality advice. 26:24 - Laura’s advice for well-meaning advice-givers. 30:30 - New babies and the holidays. 31:57 - Laura’s affirmation of compassion when advice-seeking. Join your host Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey. You'll also hear a sprinkling of expert tips and inspiring stories from the Momcozy community. So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood. Because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram Laura Otton’s Website If you would record a message for us to play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Tackling Self Doubt: Am I A Good Parent? 29:30

26 weeks ago29:30

29:30

It’s the question every parent asks themselves at some point: Am I a good parent? In this episode of the Momcozy Village - Together We Grow Podcast, Lalaina is joined by Gayane Aramyan, a licensed marriage & family therapist practicing in California, with a professional focus on topics like postpartum and motherhood. Together, they delve into the topic of self-doubt, the challenge of intergenerational parenting, and the effect social media has on our opinion of parenting. 02:24 - Gayane’s pandemic birthing story 07:36 - How Gayane experiences self-doubt in motherhood 10:25 - The effect of technology on parenting doubt 13:52 - What would Gayane say to the mom doubting herself? 16:17 - How anxiety, guilt, and other factors influence self-doubt 21:52 - Managing the emotional impact of self-doubt 24:15 - How different generations approach parenting 26:32 - Gayane’s meditation to help release mom-guilt Join your Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey. You'll also hear a sprinkling of expert tips and inspiring stories from the Momcozy community. So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood. Because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram Therapy with Gayane Website If you would record a message for us to play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Surviving the Chaos: Finding Self-Comfort for Moms 30:48

28 weeks ago30:48

30:48

Mothers spend a lot of time comforting their kids - but what about themselves? In this episode of the Momcozy Village - Together We Grow Podcast, Lalaina sits down with Laura Siddons, co-founder of the Long Island-based Nesting Place. The Nesting Place is a space where moms can meet and take part in activities together. She’s the former co-president of the Long Island Doula Association. Laura lives in Suffolk County with her husband and three children. Together, they discuss how Laura turned a corner in her motherhood journey, why her strong intuition has played a huge role in her life, and how other people can help moms practically when they need some comfort. 03:15 - How Laura learned to comfort herself with her first child. 04:33 - The moms who are unsure about returning to work. 07:41 - How Laura approached her comfort when her twins were born. 09: 57 - Laura’s high level of intuition. 14:04 - The experience of burnout as a working mom. 18:42 - What did other people think when Laura decided to stay home? 20:16 - Momcozy Village Story 21:09 - How was The Nesting Place born? 25:44 - What advice would you give to moms, and those who support them? 30:06 - Laura’s kitchen dance party! 31:21 - How Laura transitions from work to home life. Join your Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey. You'll also hear a sprinkling of expert tips and inspiring stories from the Momcozy community. So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood. Because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Facebook Momcozy Youtube Momcozy Instagram The Nesting Place Website If you would record a message for us to potentially play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Finding a Village - Together We Grow 32:28

30 weeks ago32:28

32:28

Motherhood is a profound journey of growth. Every role change and a new stage is a milestone—whether it’s the joy of welcoming a new life or the challenges of adapting to new responsibilities. Each step may come with anxiety and pain, but these experiences also build strength, resilience, and courage in moms. Motherhood is never a solo adventure. In the inaugural episode of Momcozy Village - Together We Grow, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Amy VanHaren, a seasoned entrepreneur, brand builder, and founder of Pumpspotting. Together, they discuss the importance of building a supportive village, navigating the highs and lows of motherhood, and Amy’s mission to create a community for breastfeeding moms. 02:53 - The importance of cultivating and curating a village 08:01 - Why it's important to find the right kind of supportive person 11:52 - Why Amy founded Pumpspotting 17:35 - Pumpspotting’s lasting village of impact 19:11 - Momcozy Village Story - Jane’s Village 20:11 - Barb the Breast Express 23:23 - Advice to moms who want to keep working 25:47 - The personal advisory board 30:51 - Relaxation Exercise Join your Lalaina Rabary every two weeks for light-hearted and fun chats with special guests about their motherhood journey. You'll also hear a sprinkling of expert tips and inspiring stories from the Momcozy community. So, whether you're rocking your baby to sleep, taking a walk, or just need a moment for yourself, tune in and connect with your new village. Subscribe now and join us on this incredible journey of motherhood. Because every mom deserves a village. LINKS Momcozy Website Momcozy Instagram Momcozy Facebook Momcozy YouTube Pumpspotting Website Pumpspotting Instagram If you would record a message for us to potentially play on the show then head over to the link below to find out more: https://www.speakpipe.com/Momcozy_Village_Podcast…

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

1
Introducing the Momcozy Village - Together We Grow Podcast 1:06

33 weeks ago1:06