Podcast
Her Village
Hosted by Jacqueline Baird · EN
Her Village Podcast
This is the space where real women have real conversations — the ones we don’t always say out loud, but all feel in some way.
Hosted by Jacqueline Baird, this podcast goes beyond surface-level talk and into the stories, struggles, and moments that shape us — in motherhood, relationships, identity, and everything in between.
Through a mix of personal reflections and honest conversations with other women, each episode is designed to leave you feeling seen, understood, and a little less alone… while also giving you new perspective, insight, and the kind of validation you didn’t know you needed.
Because you’re not the only one thinking it.
And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Welcome to Her Village.
Connect with Her Village:
Instagram: @motherhood_intended
Join the email list: hervillage.kit.com/naperville
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
She Left Her Career to Raise Her Kids. Then She Started Again. | Dr. Vandana Arcot
1w ago00:45:42Tap to summarizeShe Left Her Career to Raise Her Kids. Then She Started Again.What happens when the life you've built no longer fits the woman you're becoming?This week on the Her Village Podcast, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Vandana Arcot to talk about identity, ambition, motherhood, and the courage it takes to reinvent yourself.After a successful global health career spanning more than a decade and work across 13+ countries, Dr. Arcot made the decision to step away from her professional life to focus on raising her children. Years later, she found herself navigating the vulnerable process of returning—not to who she used to be, but to a new version of herself.Together, Jacqueline and Dr. Arcot explore:• The emotional realities of stepping away from a career to focus on family• Losing—and rediscovering—your sense of identity• The guilt and fear that can come with wanting something more• How motherhood reshaped Dr. Arcot's definition of success and leadership• The pressure women feel to choose between caregiving and ambition• Why reinvention isn't about becoming someone new—it's about reclaiming the parts of yourself that were waiting to be rediscovered• The permission to evolve through different seasons of lifeDr. Arcot is the founder of Komselj, a strategy firm advancing women's and children's health and empowerment worldwide, and VUND, a home décor and fragrance company that supports women-led beekeeping initiatives. Her work has helped raise millions for global health causes while empowering women and communities around the world.If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to dream again, pivot careers, pursue a passion, or redefine what success means to you, this conversation is for you.Because every season changes us—and sometimes beginning again is exactly what we're meant to do.Connect with Dr. Vandana Arcot:Website: https://www.komselj.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvandanaarcot/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvandanarcot Support the show__________________________________________________________________________________If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________
Transcribe →EP 130: The Reinvention Nobody Talks About
2w ago00:18:44Tap to summarizeReinvention is often portrayed as a dramatic before-and-after moment—a bold leap, a fresh start, a perfectly curated transformation.But what if it doesn't look like that at all?In this solo episode, Jacqueline shares what she's learning about reinvention while living it in real time. From infertility and loss to motherhood, podcasting, and building Her Village, she reflects on the many versions of herself she's loved, outgrown, and carried with her along the way.Together, we'll explore:• Why reinvention can feel a lot like grief—even when it's chosen• The pressure women feel to justify change• What happens when people don't understand your evolution• The courage it takes to keep going in the messy middle• How to recognize when restlessness may actually be an invitationIf you've been questioning what's next, missing parts of who you used to be, or wondering if you're allowed to want something different, this conversation is for you.You don't have to have all the answers before you take the next step.Maybe you're not lost.Maybe you're becoming.P.S. This conversation is the first in a series of episodes exploring what it means to evolve through motherhood, identity shifts, and the changing seasons of womanhood. I can't wait for you to hear what's coming next.Support the show__________________________________________________________________________________If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________
Transcribe →EP 129: What Happened When We Finally Got Women in the Same Room
May 1600:18:01Tap to summarizeSomething unexpected happened at the first Her Village gatherings.Women walked in nervous… and walked out feeling lighter, more connected, and reminded that they’re not alone.In this solo episode, I’m sharing reflections from our very first gatherings and why I believe women are craving real, in-person community more than ever before.We talk about:the loneliness of modern motherhoodwhy making friends as an adult feels so hardthe power of getting women in the same roomwhat I observed during our first Her Village meetupsmotherhood, identity, and connectionwhy I believe we all need a village againThis episode is less about events — and more about what happens when women finally feel safe enough to exhale.If you’ve been craving deeper connection, this conversation is for you.Connect with Her Village:Instagram: @hervillagehqJoin the email list: joinhervillage.coSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________________If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________
Transcribe →EP 128: Welcome to Her Village (Trailer)
May 800:03:16Tap to summarizeIf you’ve been here for a while, you know this podcast has always been rooted in real conversations.From the very beginning, Motherhood Intended was a space for the stories behind the highlight reel—centered around infertility, family building, and the journey to motherhood.But life evolves… and so do we.In this trailer episode, I’m sharing why this podcast is shifting, what this new season looks like, and what you can expect moving forward.Welcome to Her Village—a space for real women, real stories, and honest conversations about the things we don’t always say out loud.Whether you’re navigating motherhood, identity, relationships, growth, or everything in between… you’re not alone.And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.I’m so glad you’re here.Follow along for weekly conversations and new episodes as they’re released.Connect with me: Instagram: @hervillagehq Join the email list: joinhervillage.coSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________________If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________
Transcribe →Life After Infertility: An Honest Update and the Beginning of Her Village
Mar 1900:16:06Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the season of life that shaped your story begins to change?In this episode, I’m sharing an honest update about the evolution of Your Fertility Village, how my own infertility journey has shifted now that our family is complete, and the new vision that has been growing on my heart: Her Village.When I first started the Motherhood Intended podcast, I was still in the thick of processing my infertility journey. I had experienced infertility, loss, IVF, the NICU, and eventually grew our family through surrogacy. During that season, supporting women navigating infertility felt like the most natural extension of my story.But life has changed over the past few years.Our family is now complete, and while infertility will always be part of my story and something I care deeply about, it’s no longer at the center of my everyday life in the same way. I realized that leading a community centered entirely around infertility wasn’t where my heart felt most aligned anymore.Instead, I began thinking about a different kind of community — one that supports women in the many seasons of life that come after infertility and early motherhood.That idea became Her Village.Her Village is about creating spaces where women can build real friendships and meaningful connection in the communities where they live. A village for women who may feel like they’re in-between seasons of life — raising young kids, rediscovering themselves after motherhood, navigating life after infertility, or simply craving deeper conversations and real connection again.I’m starting small here in Naperville with the first gathering called Her Village: Founders Night, and I’m excited to see where this vision grows from here.If you’re local to Naperville and the idea of building real friendships, and community resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you.Thank you for being here and for continuing to grow alongside me.However your journey to motherhood unfolds, I’m really glad you’re not walking it alone.xo, JacquelineSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________________If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________
Transcribe →This Is What My Days Look Like Right Now
Feb 1000:26:44Tap to summarizeA real day in the life of a stay-at-home mom in this season of motherhood.What does a real day actually look like in this season of motherhood?In this solo episode, Jacqueline walks you through a true day in the life — from the moment she wakes up to when the house finally goes quiet at night. Not the highlight reel. Not the optimized routine. Just the honest rhythm of life right now as a stay-at-home mom of three, balancing motherhood, mental load, and creative work.Jacqueline shares what mornings look like getting two kids out the door for school, how her days shift depending on whether her toddler is home with her or at her school program, and how her work as a podcaster happens in small pockets of quiet time. She talks about the invisible labor of motherhood, the constant emotional regulation, and the tension between being present with your kids while still wanting space for your own purpose.This episode is for any mom who feels like her days are full but invisible, meaningful but hard to quantify — and who needs the reminder that showing up counts, even when there’s no checklist to prove it.In this episode, we talk about:A real day in the life of a stay-at-home momManaging the mental load of motherhoodParenting multiple kids in different stagesWorking and creating during naps and school hoursAfter-school chaos, activities, and evening routinesWhy some seasons of motherhood are about maintenance, not growthLetting go of productivity pressure in motherhood✨ Reflection prompt: What does your day actually require of you — emotionally, mentally, and physically?🔗 Connect + Resources MentionedGet on the email listFollow on InstagramJoin the Motherhood Intended Podcast Community on FacebookBecome a member of Your Fertility VillageCheck out Beddy’s and see how much they’ve simplified morning routines and bedtime in this season of life!Support the show__________________________________________________________________________________If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________
Transcribe →The Part of Infertility No One Warns You About: Your Marriage
Jan 3000:26:14Tap to summarizeInfertility doesn’t just affect your body—it can quietly strain your marriage in ways no one prepares you for.In this solo episode, Jacqueline talks openly about how infertility, IVF, pregnancy loss, and long fertility journeys can impact a relationship—not just during treatment, but long after you’ve successfully grown your family.She talks about the emotional survival mode couples often slip into, why communication can break down, how grief and coping styles differ between partners, and why those patterns don’t automatically disappear once a baby arrives. If anything, they can be harder to address when you’re busy raising a family and expected to “just be grateful.”Jacqueline also shares why she believes therapy should be part of the fertility process—not because something is wrong, but because infertility is traumatic and relationships deserve support.If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your partner during or after infertility, this episode is for you.In This Episode, We Cover:Why there should be a “warning label” on fertility treatmentsHow infertility quietly rewires a marriageWhen love starts to feel like logistics and survivalDifferent coping styles and emotional labor between partnersWhy therapy can be a powerful support during fertility treatmentHow infertility impacts relationships after pregnancy or completing your familyLingering trauma, grief, and coping mechanisms that don’t just disappearA gentle journaling prompt to help you reflect and reconnect✨ Join my email list Be the first to hear about upcoming events, resources, and community offerings: https://motherhoodintended.kit.com/✨ Connect with me on Instagram Daily reminders, honest posts, and behind-the-scenes moments: https://www.instagram.com/motherhood_intended/✨ Apply to be a guest on the podcast Have a story or perspective you feel called to share? I’d love to hear from you: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddd2-w53Jag6RVUghaJ85YTLoHjYXj_P7gxKz3sLz2QhYQBw/viewformIf this episode resonated, you might journal and reflect on:What coping habits did we develop during infertility that helped us survive—but may not be serving us anymore?Where do I notice protection or distance showing up in our relationship?What kind of support do I wish we had—during infertility or now?You don’t need answers today. Awareness is enough.Support the show__________________________________________________________________________________If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________
Transcribe →From Egg Freezing to Motherhood: A Full-Circle IVF Story (Single Mom by Choice)
Jan 1501:15:16Tap to summarizeThis episode marks a powerful full-circle moment on Motherhood Intended.Three years ago, Alison joined the podcast to share her decision to freeze her eggs in an episode titled “Egg Preservation: A Story of 10 Maybe Babies.” At the time, she was preserving her fertility and creating options for her future — without knowing exactly where the journey would lead.Today, Alison is back to share what happened next.In this Season 7 premiere, Jacqueline and Alison reflect on the path from egg freezing to single motherhood by choice, including:deciding to pursue motherhood on her ownchoosing a sperm donorpursuing IVFnavigating pregnancy after infertility decisionsand welcoming her now almost six-month-old sonThis honest conversation explores both the emotional and practical sides of fertility preservation — from the uncertainty of freezing eggs to the realities of IVF, pregnancy, and early motherhood. Alison shares what surprised her most, what she wishes she had known earlier, and how she defines success now, looking back on the journey.This episode is for anyone who:is considering freezing their eggsis navigating fertility timelines or delayed parentingis exploring single motherhood by choiceor is wondering how today’s fertility decisions can shape tomorrow’s possibilitiesIt’s a story about options, agency, patience — and what can unfold when you give yourself time.Stay ConnectedJacqueline will be hosting both in-person and virtual meet-ups in the coming months and sharing updates about Your Fertility Village! To stay in the loop, join her email list here: https://motherhoodintended.kit.com/Support the show__________________________________________________________________________________If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________
Transcribe →Egg Preservation: A Story of 10 “Maybe Babies” (Re-Air + Season Finale)
Dec 1800:59:36Tap to summarizeThis week on Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline closes out Season 6 with a meaningful re-air of one of the earliest and most impactful episodes from Season 1: “Egg Preservation: A Story of 10 Maybe Babies.”This episode intentionally follows last week’s solo conversation about freezing your eggs and fertility timelines — and serves as a bridge into what’s coming next.In this episode, Jacqueline chats with Alison, who shares her personal experience choosing to freeze her eggs. Alison walks through what the egg freezing process actually looked like, what she felt emotionally along the way, and what it meant to preserve her fertility and create options for her future — not guarantees, but possibilities.This re-air also marks the end of a season that looked different. Jacqueline reflects on balancing motherhood, work, and growth; learning new systems; building Your Fertility Village; and embracing the idea that there is power in the pause.And this story doesn’t end here.When Season 7 begins, Alison will return to share where her egg-freezing journey from three years ago ultimately led her — offering listeners a rare, full-circle update.Whether you’re considering egg freezing, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand your fertility options, this episode offers an honest, real-life perspective that continues to resonate.What’s Coming Up• Season 7 premieres on January 8, 2026• Your Fertility Village officially launches in the new year • Founding members can join now for $7/month, locked in for life • An in-person gathering is coming in January — follow along to stay updated!Support the show__________________________________________________________________________________If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________
Transcribe →Should You Freeze Your Eggs in 2026? What the Latest Data Really Says
Dec 1100:22:53Tap to summarizeAs we head into 2026, more women than ever are asking themselves a deeply personal and surprisingly common question: “Should I freeze my eggs?” In today’s solo episode, Jacqueline breaks down everything you need to know about egg freezing right now — including age-related success rates, how many eggs you actually need, what the process looks like, and what the emotional side of delayed motherhood really feels like.Whether you’re considering freezing your eggs for peace of mind, navigating an uncertain timeline, or simply curious about what egg freezing in 2026 can offer, this episode is your warm, big-sister style guide to understanding your options.Jacqueline also shares why this topic matters now more than ever and sets up an upcoming two-part story you won’t want to miss. Next week, she’s re-airing a powerful conversation with a woman who froze her eggs a few years ago — and in early January, you’ll hear her updated journey through donor sperm, IVF, and the arrival of her miracle baby boy.If fertility, family planning, or delaying motherhood is on your mind, this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and truly helpful information as you head into the new year.IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:Why egg freezing is trending as we enter 2026The biggest question: “Should I freeze my eggs?”How age impacts egg quality, quantity, and success ratesWhat egg freezing success looks like in 2026 (by age group)How many eggs you actually need for a future pregnancyWhat the egg freezing process involves — step-by-stepThe real costs women should expect in 2026Common myths about egg freezing (and what’s actually true)The emotional side of delayed motherhoodHow this episode connects to next week’s re-air and the Season 7 premiereJoin Your Fertility Village — A supportive membership community for women navigating infertility, fertility preservation, and motherhood → https://your-fertility-village.mn.co/landing Follow along on Instagram → @motherhood_intendedConnect with other listeners → Motherhood Intended Podcast CommunitySupport the show__________________________________________________________________________________If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________
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