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Join host Elsa in this captivating episode of It's a Circus Podcast as she talks with Jessica Cummings, the founder of Augment Your Business and COO of Revel CPA. Jessica delves into her unique approach to parenting, balancing a high-powered career, and living through extraordinary experiences such as living abroad and navigating motherhood during the pandemic. Jessica shares invaluable insights on the importance of community, advocating for oneself, and making personal choices that benefit her family's well-being. Listen as she opens up about the trials of miscarriage, the joy of travel, and her commitment to creating a life filled with purpose and adventure.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Message

01:06 Guest Introduction: Meet Jessica Cummings

02:11 Jessica's Family and Parenting Journey

04:47 Deciding to Start a Family

05:58 Life in Mexico and the COVID-19 Pandemic

10:05 Moving to Boston and Adjusting to Parenthood

17:17 Finding Community and Moving to Baltimore

19:45 Birth Plans and Experiences

24:36 Balancing Career and Motherhood

29:17 Challenges of Finding Childcare

33:52 Deciding on a Second Child

38:25 Miscarriage and Coping with Loss

42:06 Pregnancy and Life in Mexico

56:58 Deciding on the Epidural

58:46 Unexpected Labor and Delivery

59:59 Reflecting on the Birth Experience

01:02:20 Plans for More Children?

01:03:49 Moving Back to Baltimore

01:08:09 Traveling with Kids

01:15:15 Balancing Career and Family

01:19:47 The Importance of Community

01:48:51 Therapy and Self-Care

01:52:02 Parenting Insights and Reflections

Find her on her LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacummingspmp/

And on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mindfuljesstravels/

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

In this heartfelt episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa welcomes Kortnee, a 36-year-old Florida-based architect, entrepreneur, wife, and mother of two, to share her unique parenting journey. Kortnee opens up about raising her son William, who has a rare genetic condition leading to epilepsy, autism, and developmental delays, and her daughter Sophia, who is developmentally typical. Kortnee discusses the realities of balancing work, therapies, and family life, the emotional challenges of an unexpected diagnosis, and the misconceptions surrounding special needs parenting. She also emphasizes the importance of support systems and self-care. This episode offers invaluable insights and encourages parents to embrace their individual journeys with humor, grit, and faith.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing the Chaos of Parenting

00:39 Meet Kortnee: A Unique Family Dynamic

02:24 Kortnee's Parenting Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

03:30 Navigating Special Needs: William's Story

11:10 The Diagnosis Journey: Genetic Testing and Epilepsy

24:08 Balancing Parenthood: The Emotional Rollercoaster

35:40 Therapies and Treatments: Finding What Works

53:09 Common Misconceptions: Parenting a Special Needs Child

58:01 Navigating Public Perceptions

58:27 Special Needs Parenting Insights

01:02:36 Advice for Interacting with Special Needs Families

01:07:00 Personal Reflections and Parenting Advice

01:19:47 Balancing Family and Career

01:25:41 Support Systems and Asking for Help

01:29:30 Challenges and Acceptance

01:33:38 Coping with Emotional Struggles

01:36:55 Traveling with Special Needs

01:46:43 Final Thoughts and Advocacy

Visit Kortnee and Hector's Business sites:

https://echt-architects.com/

https://cayococolandscaping.com/

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

In this episode, host Elsa sits down with Jaclyn Cowart, the inspiring voice behind the blog Family with a Gap. Jaclyn shares her deeply personal journey through secondary infertility, the challenges and triumphs of raising children with a 12-year age gap, and what it’s really like to become a mom again at 40.

✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Jaclyn’s honest story of hope, heartache, and resilience
• The realities of navigating infertility and IVF
• How stress, lifestyle, and support systems impact the journey to parenthood
• The joys and surprises of parenting kids at very different stages
• Advice for moms, partners, and anyone feeling alone in their parenting struggles

Whether you’re a parent, hoping to be one, or just love real stories about family, this episode will make you laugh, cry, and feel seen.

🔗 Check out Jaclyn’s blog: familywithagap.com

📸 Visit her on her IG: https://www.instagram.com/familywithagap

💬 If this episode resonates, please like, comment, and share with a friend who might need it.

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

In this episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa sits down with Dr. Francesca Walters, founder of Aire Med Spa and a leading expert in aesthetic medicine. Dr. Walters discusses her journey from a traumatic personal experience to becoming a prominent figure in medical aesthetics, her approach to parenting, and how she balances raising two young children while running a successful business. The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of self-care, the benefits of medical spa treatments, and tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Tune in for an inspiring and candid discussion about the challenges and rewards of being a double-duty entrepreneur and mom.

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Self-Care

00:09 Welcome to 'It's a Circus'

00:29 Meet Dr. Francesca Walters

01:33 A Journey in Medical Aesthetics

02:52 Balancing Motherhood and Career

03:36 The Decision to Have Children

06:01 Starting a Medical Practice

12:28 Navigating Pregnancy During COVID-19

16:46 The Birth Experience

28:05 Future Family Plans

32:18 Starting a Business During COVID

32:51 Expanding the Practice

33:57 Family Planning and Traditions

35:15 Balancing Motherhood and Business

36:52 Personal Cosmetic Procedures

40:10 The Importance of Recovery

44:44 Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options

57:19 Parenting Realities and Myths

01:00:22 Balancing Life and Work

01:02:40 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

www.airemedspa.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drwaltersdnp/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/airemedspa/

Sarasota Magazine’s 2025 “Best Doctors” issue proudly highlights Dr. Francesca Walters, founder of Aire MedSpa—a premier destination for natural, confidence-boosting results in the heart of Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. With a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and a specialization in medical aesthetics, Dr. Walters is recognized for her expert eye, gentle touch, and commitment to personalized care.

Aire MedSpa has earned its reputation as a top-tier medical spa, named Best Medical Spa in Sarasota 2025 by Sarasota Magazine and Best Local Injector 2024 by SRQ Magazine. Dr. Walters is also a Top 25 PDO Thread Provider in the Nation, as awarded by PDO Max, and the published author of Medical Spa Secre

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

Join host Elsa in this heartfelt episode of 'It's a Circus' as she dives deep into an inspiring conversation with Sasha, a powerhouse businesswoman and devoted mother. Sasha shares her remarkable journey, from her unexpected start in motherhood to building successful ventures across various industries. This episode covers her challenges with mental health, navigating tumultuous relationships, and the triumphs of reinventing herself. Discover the importance of resilience, embracing new beginnings, and fostering authentic connections. This raw and real discussion is filled with invaluable insights for anyone facing life's unpredictable circus. Don't miss Sasha's candid advice for entrepreneurs, parents, and individuals striving to overcome adversity and thrive.

00:00 Introduction: Embrace Change and Start Somewhere

00:13 Welcome to 'It's a Circus' Podcast

00:39 Meet Sasha: A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention

02:35 Motherhood Chronicles: Early Years and Challenges

04:20 Pregnancy Struggles and Family Dynamics

05:52 Rebuilding Life: From England to the USA

08:09 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Setbacks

09:57 Overcoming Adversity: Personal and Professional Growth

16:16 Current Projects and Future Aspirations

28:54 Navigating Single Motherhood and Dating

33:16 Overcoming Loneliness and Building Support Networks

34:15 Navigating Serious Relationships and Cultural Differences

35:46 Writing and Self-Publishing a Book on SEO

39:35 Mental Health Challenges and Personal Struggles

47:15 New Beginnings and Personal Growth

49:24 Parenting and Legacy

51:51 Advice to Younger Self and Parenting Style

57:34 Estranged Relationships and Parental Challenges

01:04:08 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Work with Sasha at: www.digitalphoenixseo.com

Sasha is a devoted mom, award-winning entrepreneur, and true phoenix—rising stronger from every challenge life has thrown her way. Originally from England and now based in Sarasota, Florida, she has built multiple successful businesses across industries, from digital marketing and e-commerce to home services and luxury design.

Known for her fearless reinvention, Sasha has transformed setbacks into stepping stones, using her expertise in SEO, branding, a

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

Join host Elsa in this episode of It's a Circus, as she welcomes Courtney, a mother of two, entrepreneur, and advocate, to discuss the intricate journey of motherhood. They delve into Courtney's personal experiences, from childhood caregiving to navigating the challenges of miscarriages and motherhood later in life. Courtney shares insights on the physiological and emotional changes mothers go through, emphasizing the importance of understanding matrescence and regulating the nervous system. They also touch on the dynamics of raising boys, being an 'older' mom, and the evolving nature of partnership and intimacy in parenting. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with candid moments, practical tips, and heartfelt reflections.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:42 Meet Our Guest: Courtney's Background

02:51 Courtney's Journey to Motherhood

04:56 Navigating Early Motherhood

06:38 The Impact of Miscarriage

16:28 Blending Families and Stepparenting

19:56 Understanding Matrescence

40:23 Community and Support Systems

48:56 Understanding the Nervous System

49:21 Mindfulness and Overstimulation

49:43 Grounding Techniques and Tools

52:13 Mom Rage and Nervous System Connection

55:29 Partner Support and Communication

56:35 Parenting Tips and Techniques

59:11 Reflections on Motherhood

01:11:13 The Journey of Older Motherhood

01:35:21 The Importance of Partnership

01:41:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Courtney's IG: https://www.instagram.com/courtinlove/

Meet Courtney Vaughn Petersen — mom of two, Sales & leadership trainer, and the kind of woman who can run a meeting and a carpool with equal skill. She’s celebrating 10 years at Synchrony Financial, and she’s the founder of SPEAK Cosmetics — a beauty brand on pause but still very much alive in her heart. Courtney’s passionate about matrescence, wellness, and helping moms figure out what truly keeps them grounded in the beautiful chaos of raising kids.

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

Join Elsa on today's episode of 'It's a Circus' as she dives deep into an inspiring conversation with her family member Mila, a midlife mindset coach. They discuss Mila's journey through motherhood, from challenges with in vitro fertilization to the joys and struggles of raising her daughter Maya. They also explore Mila's current transformation as she prepares for a bodybuilding competition at the age of 48, symbolizing a powerful inside-out rebirth. Mila shares valuable insights on parenting, the importance of personal growth, and how to navigate the beautiful chaos of life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to find inspiration and real conversations about the evolving roles and stages in a woman's life.

00:00 Introduction to the Circus of Motherhood

00:52 Meet Mila: A Special Guest

01:35 Diving into Mila's Journey

01:56 Mila's Midlife Transformation

02:31 Mila's Professional Background

03:28 Welcome Mila to the Podcast

03:49 Mila's Motherhood Journey

12:40 The Challenges of Pregnancy

15:04 The Birthing Experience

27:07 Postpartum Realities

42:26 Reflecting on Early Motherhood

44:13 Navigating Work and Motherhood

47:50 Parenting Through Different Stages

55:35 Embracing Personal Growth

01:06:26 Rebirth and New Visions

01:26:46 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Follow Mila on IG: @milakrol34

https://www.instagram.com/milakrol34/

Check out her website: www.goldendepthcoaching.com

Mila is a Mid-Life Mindset Coach dedicated to showing women that the second half of life can be their most vibrant and meaningful chapter yet.

As a former corporate leader and entrepreneur, she understands what it’s like to navigate big transitions and the daily "circus" of life. Now, as a certified coach in both Steven Kotler's Flow methodology and Shirzad Chamine's PQ (Positive Intelligence) model, she helps women move from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to living with excitement, ease, and flow.

Mila empowers her clients to master their minds and emotions, shedding the mental clutter that holds them back so they can curate a life of purpose and passion that is truly their own.

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨

Send us a text

In this heartfelt episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa welcomes her friend Rachel Day to discuss the complexities of motherhood, from an unexpected twin pregnancy to postpartum challenges. Rachel shares her deeply personal journey of leaving a successful corporate career to focus on raising her twin daughters, Amelia and Ava, through sleepless nights and hormonal imbalances. Together, they cover topics such as twin pregnancies, the importance of advocating for oneself in healthcare, and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting. Tune in for honest conversations, relatable struggles, and invaluable advice on navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

00:00 Introduction to the Circus of Parenting
00:31 Exciting Episode Preview with Rachel
01:32 Rachel's Journey to Motherhood
03:47 Unexpected Pregnancy and Twin Revelation
14:46 Navigating Pregnancy and Birth Plans
27:17 Postpartum Challenges and Dark Days
31:33 Adjusting to a New Life
32:23 Navigating the Dark Days
33:31 Balancing Work and Family
35:41 Hormonal Challenges and Advocacy
43:19 Perimenopause and Aging
53:28 Parenting Reflections and Advice
01:02:48 Concluding Thoughts and Support

Keep up with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/itsrachelday/

In 2020, Rachel Day made the courageous decision to leave behind a thriving corporate career when she welcomed her twin daughters, Amelia and Ava, into the world.

Motherhood wasn’t always part of her life plan—but from the moment she held those girls in her arms, something profoundly shifted within her. What followed has been a deeply personal journey of rediscovery: as she transformed from a driven professional who once couldn’t imagine having children, to the fiercely devoted mother she is today.

Rachel has poured every ounce of herself into raising her girls, navigating the sleepless nights and chaotic days of juggling with grit, grace, and a heart wide open. Even when faced with unexpected health and hormonal challenges in the wake of postpartum, she showed up—every single day.

She is a warrior in every sense of the word. Selfless, strong, and full of love, Rachel’s approach to motherhood comes from a place of warmth, resilience, and an unshakable devotion that inspires everyone lucky enough t

🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨