Welcome back to We Got You, Mama!

Today we’re going deep on clean living with Emily Velasco, founder of Living the Cleaner Life—a California mom of two (and four dogs!) who helps families remove harmful products from their homes and make practical, sustainable swaps that actually fit real life.

Emily’s journey started when her oldest was six months old back in 2008. After repeated skin sensitivities, she discovered the culprit: chemical-based sunscreens. That wake-up call sent her down the research rabbit hole—learning that many “popular,” heavily marketed baby and personal-care brands weren’t nearly as clean or safe as they claimed. Later, after losing her dad (who had Crohn’s disease and then rectal cancer), Emily made it her mission to help others lower toxic exposures at home and advocate for safer products—not from fear, but from informed, empowered choices.

In this conversation we cover

Clean Living 101: what “clean” really means, what’s marketing (greenwashing) versus genuinely safer products.

Sunscreen truth: why mineral formulas often outperform chemical filters for many families—and how to read the label.

The “fragrance” loophole: why the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on an ingredient list can hide thousands of chemicals—and what to look for instead.

Smart, high-impact swaps: start with what you ingest (lip products) and what sits on your skin the longest (lotion, foundation, eye products, mascara, shampoo).

Home upgrades that matter:

Cookware: avoid PFAS or Teflon; choose stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic.

Cutting boards: switch plastic to wood, tempered glass, or metal (microplastics are real).

Storage: replace plastic with glass; trade baggies for silicone (such as Stasher bags).

Candles and scent: choose soy, beeswax, or coconut wax with clearly listed essential oils—or use a diffuser.

Laundry: skip dryer sheets and use wool balls (with optional essential oils); pick fragrance-free detergent.

Multi-surface cleaning: simple vinegar plus water works for many jobs; Emily also loves concentrated cleaners that last ages.

Apps and label reading: why EWG can help (and its limits), what rating systems miss (actual concentration), and how to email brands with questions.

Microplastics and indoor air: why focusing on the home is empowering—control what you can and don’t stress about perfection.

Teens and fragrance: finding clean colognes and perfumes (yes, they exist!) and talking about endocrine health.

Real results: fewer headaches, calmer allergies, and the confidence that comes with aligning daily choices to your values.

Emily also shares her experience partnering with Shaklee for supplements, skincare, and home cleaning—including why concentrates (like the beloved “Basic H”) are budget-friendly, low-waste, and versatile, and why a gentle scour cream can be a game-changer on grout, ovens, pans, and even walls.

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight—start small. Swap the products you use the most and that touch the most skin, and build from there. Your future self (and your kids) will thank you.

Learn more and work with Emily

👉 Website: https://www.livingthecleanerlife.com

Consults available worldwide—simple, personalized plans with zero overwhelm.

Welcome to the We Got You, Mama Podcast! Today, we’re diving deep into motherhood, movement, and mental health with the incredible Jessica Maurer — internationally recognized fitness business consultant, strategist, keynote speaker, and one of the most gifted educators in the wellness space.

Jessica has spent years teaching professionals and moms how to move from burnout to sustainable success — through movement, mindset, and authentic leadership. She’s known for blending science-based insights with mental wellness practices, helping women reconnect with their bodies, strengthen their resilience, and rediscover joy in both life and work.

In this heartfelt, funny, and wisdom-packed episode, we talk about:

✨ The Truth About “Balance”

Why work–life balance is a myth, and how to embrace life’s natural ebb and flow instead. Jess shares her powerful ocean analogy for how to navigate motherhood, career, and self-care without guilt or burnout.

🧠 From Surviving to Thriving

Jess breaks down the difference between “getting by” and truly thriving — and how moms can start shifting their mindset today. Learn how to stop trying to be “all the things for all people” and instead focus on what brings you genuine joy and peace.

💡 Mindset + Habits = Change

Step 1: Give yourself permission to not carry it all.

Step 2: Build joyful habits. Pair what you don’t love (laundry, grocery shopping, taxes!) with something that makes you happy — your favorite playlist, a good show, or a phone call with a friend.

👯 The Power of Connection

Loneliness has become an epidemic for moms, but Jess reminds us that connection doesn’t require a crowd — just one genuine friendship can change everything. She shares practical ways to rebuild your village, from grocery-store chats to rediscovering hobbies that bring community back into your life.

💬 Letting Go of Perfectionism

Together we unpack how comparison and perfectionism are keeping women stuck. Jess offers a refreshing perspective on releasing guilt, embracing imperfection, and redefining what success looks like in motherhood, career, and self-worth.

🏃‍♀️ Movement as Medicine

Why movement is so much more than fitness — it’s mental hygiene. We talk about ten-minute mood boosters, finding your “joy style” of movement, and why your workout doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

🍎 Food & Mindfulness That Actually Work

Jess and I laugh through our mutual love of smoothies, “brain-tap” hacks, and mindful housework. She explains how to make nutrition and mindfulness practical — not perfect — and how small changes can bring huge serotonin boosts.

👩‍👦 Motherhood & Redefining Success

Jess opens up about how motherhood reshaped her identity, her career, and her definition of success. From overcoming vanity-driven hustle to prioritizing purpose, joy, and emotional honesty, her story is a must-listen for any mom seeking a healthier, happier path.

💖 The Four Pillars of Thriving Well-being:

1️⃣ Movement (find your joy-style!)

2️⃣ Nutrition (whole foods that you actually enjoy)

3️⃣ Mindfulness (find what works for you — journaling, breathwork, body scans, guided meditations)

4️⃣ Social Connection (build community wherever you are)

No one has it all figured out. The magic lies in giving yourself grace — to ebb and flow, to feel, to cry, to reconnect, and to start again tomorrow.

🪞 What You’ll Walk Away With

Permission to let go of guilt and perfection

Realistic tools to infuse joy into everyday tasks

Inspiration to reconnect with yourself beyond motherhood

Steps to heal from burnout and thrive with intention

A powerful reminder that you are