Mommywood

In this episode of Mommywood, Emily chats with Mary Elizabeth Kelly, a writer, actor, comedian, and new mom. They discuss the challenges and joys of motherhood, the evolution of Mary’s creative career, and how becoming a parent has shifted her perspective on comedy and content creation. The conversation touches on the importance of community among mothers, the balance between personal life and social media presence, and the unique experiences that come with being a parent in the entertainment industry.TakeawaysMary Elizabeth Kelly is a multifaceted creative navigating motherhood.The transition to motherhood can shift priorities and creative focus.Building a supportive network is crucial for new moms.Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with audiences.Impersonation skills can be honed from a young age and become a career.The joy of making children laugh is unparalleled for parents.It's important to share the realities of motherhood, both good and bad.Creativity can thrive even amidst the challenges of parenting.The perception of motherhood often includes fear and negativity, but it can also bring joy.Every parent's journey is unique, and it's important to follow your instincts. Chapters00:00 Welcome 01:26 Meet Mary Elizabeth Kelly05:12 Journey from Connecticut to LA09:37 The Art of Impersonation15:17 Navigating Social Media and Career22:48 The Challenges of New Motherhood30:31 Shifting Content Focus as a Mom35:04 Building a Support Network39:40 Balancing Creativity and Parenting50:57 The Joy of Making People Laugh01:00:09 Advice for Aspiring Parent-ActorsThis episode is brought to you by DondersteenCo Use code Emily10 for 10% off your entire purchase

In the world of Hollywood, where glitz and glamour often take center stage, the realities of parenthood can sometimes feel overshadowed. In this episode of Mommywood, I sit down with casting director Josh Einsohn, who shares his unique perspective on balancing a flourishing career in entertainment with the challenges of being a single dad.Understanding the Dual RolesJosh Einsohn is not only a renowned casting director but also a single father to a vibrant two-year-old daughter. He delves into how these two worlds collide, revealing how becoming a parent has redefined his approach to casting and storytelling. He explains, "How becoming a parent changes the way you see actors, how casting changes the way you parent." This duality is a recurring theme throughout their conversation, highlighting the complexities and joys of managing both roles.Navigating ParenthoodJosh reflects on the early days of parenting, admitting that he felt like a "freshman in college" when it came to raising a child. He shares the bittersweet experience of watching his daughter grow and the emotions tied to each stage of her development. "You're always mourning the child that isn't anymore while you're falling in love with this new creature who is in front of you," he notes, showcasing the emotional depth of parenthood.The Impact of the Entertainment IndustryThe conversation takes a deeper dive into the logistics of balancing Hollywood deadlines with parenting responsibilities. Josh candidly discusses the challenges of managing school pickups and bedtime routines while navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry. He reflects on how working with colleagues who are also parents has been a significant support, stating, "It's been a lot easier than I thought."The Adoption JourneyJosh shares his journey to becoming a dad through adoption, revealing the personal struggles he faced along the way. He recounts how the pandemic served as a period of reflection, leading him to make the decision to adopt. "I feel like this is doable," he said, emphasizing the confidence he gained during that time.Breaking StereotypesA particularly poignant part of the discussion revolves around the misconceptions surrounding single fathers. Josh highlights the surprising reactions he receives from others, noting the gender biases that still exist. "I think that there is... everybody's sort of shocked and surprised and amazed that like, you can do that by yourself," he shares, raising important questions about societal expectations.Conclusion: Josh Einsohn's journey as a single dad in the entertainment industry is both inspiring and relatable. His candid insights shed light on the often-overlooked challenges and triumphs of parenthood in a demanding field. As he navigates his dual roles, he demonstrates that with the right support and mindset, it is possible to build a fulfilling career while being an engaged parent.Key Takeaways: - Balancing a career in the entertainment industry with single parenthood is challenging yet rewarding.- The emotional journey of parenting involves celebrating growth while mourning the past.- Support from colleagues who understand parenting can make a significant difference.- Breaking down stereotypes surrounding single fathers can help reshape societal perceptions of family.

This Episode is brought to you by Dondersteen. We’re wrapping up Season 6 and taking a beat to reflect — on the highs, the chaos, and everything we’ve learned along the way. This episode dives into the messy, beautiful world of emotions — ours and our kids’. We talk about how little ones express their feelings (sometimes loudly), how our own reactions shape those moments, and why staying calm — even when it’s hard — can change everything. It’s about learning to communicate, not just correct, and finding connection in the chaos.Dondersteen is a premium toddler travel-toy brand helping families enjoy calmer, stress-free trips. Each Montessori-inspired bundle comes packed in a toddler-sized backpack — thoughtfully curated with screen-free, travel-sized toys that keep little ones happy and engaged wherever they go. Created by a mom who loves to travel, Dondersteen helps parents feel confident and prepared for every adventure — from long flights to family dinners out.Use code EMILY10 for 10% off your entire order

SummaryThe conversation delves into the importance of embracing change in both personal and professional life. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of making timely decisions when things aren't working out and acknowledges the emotional challenges that accompany such changes. Trusting one's timing and feelings is highlighted as crucial for navigating career paths effectively.TakeawaysIf something's not working out, I won't wait as long to make a change.Big changes can be scary.Change is hard no matter what.Allowing yourself to have whatever feelings you have around them is important.You have to trust your timing.Trust where you want your career to go.Finding new representation is a big thing for actors.It's okay to feel emotional about change.Making changes can lead to a better life.You have to make those changes.

This week on Mommywood, I got to sit down with the incredible Kaitlin Becker — you probably know her as Meekah from the Blippi world. Kaitlin’s story is such a ride — she started out in musical theater in New York, somehow found herself in children’s programming, and ended up as part of this huge franchise that parents and kids everywhere know.We talked about everything — from how that all started to what it’s been like stepping away from Mika to focus on her son Everett, who’s now eight and hitting that big kid stage. She was so honest about co-parenting, traveling for work, the financial side of being a single mom, and the pressure to stay “on” when people recognize you from your kids’ favorite show.It’s real, it’s funny, and it’s such a reminder that even when it looks like someone has it all figured out — they’re probably just doing their best, like the rest of us. 💜SummaryParenting and Life TransitionsThey discussed Kaitlin's 8-year-old son Everett, who is transitioning from a young child to a pre-teen, and the challenges of parenting at this stage. Kaitlin expressed nostalgia for Everett's younger years and anxiety about upcoming changes, including puberty.Kaitlin shared her journey of joining the Blippi franchise in 2020, starting with a role in Blippi's Treehouse, which led to a longer-term commitment after initial testing in Los Angeles. She described the unique experience of joining the YouTube and streaming world, initially unaware of the character Blippi, and how the role evolved from a short-term gig to a more permanent franchise position.Kaitlin shared her experience of leaving New York for three months and the challenges of co-parenting while traveling frequently for work. She discussed her transition from musical theater to children's programming, including her role in the NBC kids' show "Sunnyside Up," which required extensive experience working with children. Kaitlin explained her decision to leave the character of Mika behind, despite the challenges of doing so, as she needed to prioritize her personal life and well-being.Emily and Kaitlin discussed the challenges of balancing Kaitlin's public persona as Meekah with her personal life. Kaitlin shared how she sometimes censors herself on social media. Kaitlin described the difficulties of transitioning away from Mika, including financial struggles and the challenges of being a single parent in a high-cost city.Kaitlin discussed her experience adjusting to the challenges of managing a double income household and her current creative projects, expressing impatience with the development process. She emphasized the importance of balancing her desire to work with her responsibilities as a mother, choosing to be selective about her opportunities to ensure she can be present for her family. Kaitlin shared how becoming a mother has influenced her approach to work, prioritizing mental health and family over financial gain.Emily and Kaitlin discussed the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, emphasizing the guilt associated with prioritizing oneself while trying to meet financial and parental responsibilities. Kaitlin highlighted the pressure of social media comparisons and the misconceptions about her financial status, expressing a desire for authenticity and relatability. Emily and Kaitlin engaged in a light-hearted conversation about acting, parenting, and personal preferences. Kaitlin shared her experiences as a mother and an actor, including her thoughts on balancing career and family life. She advised other actors becoming parents to stay true to themselves and not feel guilty about taking breaks when needed.