Podcast
The Boss Mom Podcast
Hosted by Dana Malstaff · EN
Motherhood and business aren't meant to be done alone. The Boss Mom Podcast isn't just a collection of conversations—it's your decision support, your permission slip, your place to laugh, cry, and connect.
Hosted by Dana Malstaff, founder of Boss Mom LLC, this is your new home base, where you'll find mom-centric business advice, the raw truth about being a mom with big dreams, and a ton of hope and proof that you can reach all of your goals.
No matter what stage of motherhood or business you're in, we're here for all of it. From big decisions to little wins, we've got your back. Think of us as your biggest advocate, helping you build the business and life you love, one episode at a time.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why You Can't Out-Strategy What You're Feeling with Jaclyn Orent of Cultural Catalyst Network
1w ago00:43:22Tap to summarizeThis week isn't an interview, it's a real, ranty discussion. Dana sits down with Jaclyn Orent, co-founder and frequency architect of the Cultural Catalyst Network, to break down one of the most important truths every mom needs to hear right now: you cannot out-strategy what you're feeling. No morning routine, no new funnel, no productivity hack is going to fix what's actually a frequency problem. And there's nearly 60 years of consciousness, change, and scaling science to back it up. If you've ever felt scattered, behind, "off," or like you're working as hard as you can without it adding up — this is the episode that flips it. You'll hear: Why the rise and fall of empires happens every 80 years, and what that means for moms right now The science of resonance and why moms are the natural cultural catalysts of this era The "good enough economy" and why your voice is more valuable than ever Dr. David Hawkins' scale of consciousness and the critical threshold of 200 The three-step "let go" practice that actually works (and why most affirmations don't) The difference between self-sacrifice and true sacrifice Why your kids cannot be your purpose (and what to do instead) This is a must-listen for any mom who's felt the pull toward something bigger and didn't have the language for it. Mentioned in this episode: Jaclyn's free Science-Backed Secrets to Catalyzing Culture Masterclass: culturalcontribution.com/masterclass Jaclyn on Instagram: @culturalcatalystnetwork Jaclyn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jaclynorent BossMom Community (free): bossmom.com/community BossMom+: bossmom.com/join
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The One Skill That Helped Me Stop Resenting My Schedule (and Made Life and Work Feel Easier)
2w ago00:27:04Tap to summarizeIf you've ever resented your own schedule, this episode is for you. In this solo, Dana gets vulnerable and shares the one skill that changed her business, her motherhood, and her experience of life more than any strategy ever has. It's not a productivity hack. It's not a morning routine. It's the simple, life-altering practice of recognizing when you've drifted, and coming back to focus. Recorded as Dana's last episode before turning 45, this is a reflective, honest look at the inner work that actually moved her business, the chiropractor analogy that reframed how she sits in discomfort, and the one line she says to herself that has replaced every affirmation she's ever tried. If you've ever felt scattered, behind, or like your kids are the reason you can't get anything done, this is the episode that flips that. You'll hear: The one skill every mom should build before any other (and why it matters more than any tool) Why your kids probably aren't the actual distraction, and what is The chiropractor analogy for sitting in the discomfort of growth The inner work that finally moved Dana's business forward (it wasn't strategy) Dana's "I would never sabotage someone I love" line that replaces every affirmation Why being cringe, quirky, and fully yourself is the whole point The 5-step focus practice you can start today This is for any mom who feels behind, scattered, or like she's working as hard as she can without it adding up. Mentioned in this episode: BossMom Community (free): bossmom.com/community — where moms get help figuring out their goals and building the focus skills to actually hit them BossMom+ ($197/year): bossmom.com/join — the right marketing plan + implementation support for your business
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Why You Can't Schedule Your Way Out of Mom Burnout (with Irin Rubin of MamaZen)
3w ago00:46:27Tap to summarizeThis week, Dana sits down with Irin Rubin, founder and CEO of MamaZen, a mental wellness app for mothers. Irin's story is one a lot of moms will recognize: a difficult first delivery, severe colic, hospitalization, PTSD in the second pregnancy, and the slow realization that the high-speed train of motherhood didn't have stops. What she discovered next changed everything: nervous system regulation isn't another thing to add to your overwhelm. It's the thing that makes the rest of your life feel possible. If you've ever felt like the world keeps telling you to "just slow down," "just give yourself permission," or "just take a bath," and none of it actually helps, this episode is for you. You'll hear: Why the answer to overwhelm is never "do more" (and what actually works) The science of fight-or-flight and why most moms live there by default Irin's "math story" with her daughter, and how self-talk literally changes outcomes Why your kids hear every word you say (including how you talk to yourself) The line Irin uses to filter unsolicited advice without conflict Why saying no gets easier (not harder) once your nervous system is regulated How regulating your nervous system creates generational change for your kids This is a must-listen for any mom who's tired of being told the answer is more self-care, more scheduling, more permission. The real answer is quieter, deeper, and works. Mentioned in this episode: MamaZen app (free 7-day trial, iOS and Android): mamazen.com Book: MamaZen: The Parenting Method on Amazon Irin on Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Boss Mom Community (free): bossmom.com/community
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Moms... AI just made your voice the most valuable thing you own.
4w ago00:39:39Tap to summarizeThis week is different. It's not an interview, it's a real, ranty discussion. Dana sits down with buyer psychology expert Katie Read to break down something every mom growing a business needs to hear: right now is one of the easiest times in a decade to grow a business as a mom. Big companies are hunting small audiences. AI just made your voice the most valuable thing you own. And the rules for how you build, sell, and show up have completely changed in your favor. If you've ever felt behind, too small, or like you needed a bigger platform before you "really" started, this episode is going to flip that. You'll hear: Why "the fourth grader is king" and why being two steps ahead is enough The "good enough economy" and why it's coming for regurgitation businesses The scars vs. wounds framework for vulnerability that builds authority (not pity) Why newsletters are roaring back, and why your messy human voice is gold right now How to use AI for structure without letting it steal your voice First principles thinking: why the old "video module + Facebook group" model is breaking The two (and only two) things you should actually be using AI for in your business This is a must-listen for any mom running an online business. Mentioned in this episode: Katie's free AI prompts for buyer psychology: buyerpsych.com/freeprompts Katie's Incubator program (rebuild your offer for the 2026 buyer): incubator.katieread.com Katie's main site: BuyerPsych.com Boss Mom Community (free): bossmom.com/community Boss Mom Plus: bossmom.com/join
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The Crockpot Effect: How AI Is Quietly Becoming Every Boss Mom's Secret Weapon
Apr 3000:23:47Tap to summarizeThe world is swirling my beautiful BossMom! AI, shifting buyer behavior, businesses opening and closing overnight. So what should mom entrepreneurs actually focus on right now? In this episode, Dana gets real about the difference between hustling (good!) and hustle culture (not so much), why AI is the crockpot of our generation, and exactly how she's using ChatGPT and Claude to run her life and scale Boss Mom, without burning out. You'll hear: Why "slow down" isn't always the right advice (and what to do instead) How Dana uses ChatGPT as her personal assistant, and her midnight therapist The three things Claude does better than anything else for mom entrepreneurs The "last 10%" problem that's keeping most moms invisible Why nano communities are quietly winning (and why that's incredible news for you) Plus a vulnerable behind-the-scenes story about a midnight spiral, a partner conversation, and how AI helped Dana reset before bed. Whether you're scaling a business, juggling clients, or just trying to figure out what to do with all the AI noise, this episode will give you a clearer, more permission-filled path forward. Mentioned in this episode: Boss Mom Community (free): bossmom.com/community Boss Mom Plus ($197/year): bossmom.com/join Nurture to Convert Messaging Strategist Certification: bossmom.com/ntccert
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4 Buyer Psychology Hacks You Need To Know With Katie Read
Apr 2300:41:33Tap to summarizeDana invited Katie Reed onto the show after reading just one of her emails — and this conversation did not disappoint. Katie is a Forbes-featured buyer psychologist and AI strategist who spent 20 years as a psychotherapist before turning her expertise toward why people buy (and why they don't). In this episode, Dana and Katie dig into the Castle Guard Framework — four core psychological guards that run every purchase decision — and why traditional objection-handling actually makes things worse. They also get into the "husband objection," how to use AI to understand your buyers at a deep level, and why your customers aren't objecting at all — they're protecting themselves. What We Cover IntroWhy Dana invited Katie on after just one email — and what that says about great messaging MindsetScars vs. wounds: the difference between vulnerability that builds connection and vulnerability that invites pity FrameworkBuyers don't object — they guard. The psychology behind why your sales tactics may be making things worse Guard 1Drive — emotional motivation, urgency, and whether someone has the energy to actually do something Guard 2Identity — current vs. aspirational identity, belonging vs. uniqueness, and why moms tend to nail this one Guard 3Risk — financial, functional, social, and self-blame risk (and why a money-back guarantee isn't enough) Guard 4Pattern — the most overlooked guard: daily habits, status quo bias, and how disruption stops people cold TacticsSupporting the defense: the therapy technique that works just as well in sales calls Real TalkThe "talk to my husband" objection — and Dana's conversion-boosting trick for handling it with integrity AIUsing AI to understand your buyers at scale — and Katie's "fetch" prompt trick for auditing your sales page BonusKids, entrepreneurship, and why we should stop making our children wait to create value Key Takeaways Buyers guard — they don't object. Meeting them where they are relaxes the guard; fighting it tightens it. Every purchase runs four internal scans: Drive, Identity, Risk, and Pattern. Your messaging needs to address all four. "Time and money" are almost never the real objection — they're surface-level stand-ins for something deeper in one of the four guards. Supporting the defense (a therapy technique) is one of the most powerful sales tools you're not using. AI is your best tool for understanding buyer psychology at scale — use it on your transcripts, reviews, and sales calls. Share from scars, not wounds. Your audience shouldn't have to be your therapist. Resources + Links Guest Resource Free AI Buyer Psychology Prompts Katie is dropping a free resource with 10 prompts to help you understand the psychology of your specific buyers. Join her email list to get it plus a new AI prompt every week. Katie's main site (Castle Guard Framework)buyerpsych.com Katie's consulting & speakingkatieread.com Join the Boss Mom Community (free)bossmom.com/community Upgrade to Boss Mom Plus — $197/yearbossmom.com/join
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How Amanda Northcutt Built a Business That Runs Without Her (And How You Can Too)
Apr 1600:34:52Tap to summarizeDana met Amanda Northcutt at a Circle event and was immediately struck by how Amanda showed up — traveling, exploring, fully in visionary mode while her business ran without her. In this conversation, Amanda shares how she got there: from a health crash at 26 that forced her to reinvent her career, to building Level Up Creators into a team of 20 that constructs real, scalable businesses for thought leaders. Along the way, Dana and Amanda dig into the identity work that holds so many of us back, why experts are actually becoming more valuable in the age of AI, and the five things every recurring revenue business must have. What We Cover: IntroHow Dana met Amanda and why she was the most valuable person in the room BackgroundAmanda's journey from workaholic to 20-hr weeks to founding Level Up Creators MindsetPlaying small even after big success — and how to peel off everyone else's expectations IdentityWhy we link growth with losing ourselves (and how to flip that script) FrameworkThe 5 things every successful recurring revenue business must have AI + ExpertsWhy the age of AI is actually the best time to be an expert — the HEARR framework Wrap-upMoney, bad people, and why growth is the most loving thing you can do for yourself Connect with Amanda: Connect with Amanda on LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/northcuttamanda Level Up Creatorsmrraccelerator.com Email amanda@welevelupcreators.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/northcuttamanda About BossMom: BossMom is the leading voice and resource for moms building businesses. We know you're not here to choose between being an amazing parent or running a successful business—you're here to build a life that makes room for both. Find more resources, support, and community right here → https://bossmom.com Join the Boss Mom Community (free)bossmom.com/community Upgrade to Boss Mom Plus — $197/yearbossmom.com/join
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Why Success Feels So Scary for Moms
Apr 900:24:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dana unpacks something so many moms in business quietly carry: self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the feeling that maybe success just isn't meant for them. But what if that's not actually the problem? What if the real issue is that success feels unsafe? Dana shares why moms often reject abundance without even realizing it, the hidden "mom math" that keeps women small, and the belief systems that make success feel like a threat to motherhood, relationships, identity, and worth. Inside this episode, she explores: why moms aren't usually afraid of failure the real reason success can feel scary the 3 beliefs that keep moms playing small why abundance doesn't make you a bad person how your business can model self-worth and emotional honesty for your kids what it means to stop rejecting the life you actually want If you've ever felt torn between wanting more and feeling guilty for wanting it, this episode is for you. ✨ Join the free Boss Mom community: bossmom.com/community ✨ Explore Boss Mom Plus: bossmom.com/join
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Breaking the Shame Cycle in Parenting with Wendy Snyder
Apr 200:33:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dana sits down with Wendy Snyder to talk about her new book, Fresh Start Your Family: Powerful Parenting to Restore Peace in Your Home, and the deeper truth behind raising strong-willed kids. This conversation goes far beyond parenting tactics. Dana and Wendy unpack the connection between shame, perfectionism, nervous system regulation, emotional literacy, and the invisible burden so many moms carry when they feel responsible for fixing everything. They talk about why the traits we're taught to tone down in ourselves and our kids are often the very things that make us powerful, resilient, and uniquely suited for the lives we're meant to live. In this episode, they discuss: why strong-willed kids are not a problem to solve how shame gets passed down through parenting systems the connection between perfectionism and control why play, curiosity, and emotional honesty matter so much how to help kids learn peaceful conflict resolution what moms can let go of so they stop carrying the weight of everything Connect with Wendy: Book: Fresh Start Your Family — FreshStartFamilyOnline.com/pre-order Podcast: Fresh Start Family Show Instagram: @freshstartwendy Free Strong-Willed Kids Learning Bundle: FreshStartFamilyOnline.com/secrets
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Two AI Personalities Discussed My Business Belief System—And It Was Wild
Mar 2700:27:21Tap to summarizeI tried something a little different… and honestly, it blew my mind. I uploaded my thoughts about going all in on my business into NotebookLM and had it turn everything into a podcast episode—hosted by two AI personalities who broke down my belief system in real time. What they uncovered? Way deeper than I expected. In this episode, we explore: why moms in business aren't actually stuck because of strategy the emotional blocks behind visibility and growth the concept of the "exposure tax" and why success can feel scary why stepping back isn't failure—it might be exactly what you need how to know what you're truly "all in" on (and what you're not) This conversation is raw, insightful, and honestly… a little wild. If you've ever felt torn between wanting more and being afraid of what that might require, this episode is for you. ✨ Join the Boss Mom community: BossmomJoin the BossMom Community & App for free ✨ Explore Boss Mom Plus (our membership with tools, support, and guidance): BossmomBossMomPlus
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