In this episode of "Motherhood Unveiled," host Ashley welcomes Quinn Simpson, mom to two boys, coach, and co-founder of Graydon and the Gedi Village Foundation. Quinn shares her candid journey through motherhood, discussing her evolving identity, the influence of her maternal lineage, and challenges with invisible conditions like PMDD and postpartum depression. She reflects on the unique needs of her two sons, the importance of adapting parenting styles, and the value of self-reflection. Together, Ashley and Quinn explore how authentic connection, curiosity, and embracing our own unique journeys shape the motherhood experience.

Meet Quinn

Quinn is the type of mother her sons, Theo (6) and Bowie (3), know they can rely on. She is steady as a rock and deeply connected. Quinn listens deeply and leads with warmth, creating a home where her boys feel loved for exactly who they are. As a professional, Quinn brings the same steadiness and deep presence she offers her sons. With 18 years of experience in coaching, she has dedicated her career to helping teachers, parents and young people thrive. Her work, from leading Graydin to founding Gedi Village Foundation, is fueled by the same belief she holds at home: that every child deserves to feel empowered. Living in Toronto with her boys, she models daily that coaching skills aren’t just tools for school; they’re tools for life.

Timestamps

Guest Introduction & Episode Overview (00:00:32)

Quinn’s Self-Introduction & Identity as Mom (00:01:34)

Motherhood & Personal Identity (00:03:24)

Maternal Lineage & Influence (00:04:35)

Pregnancy Discovery & Early Motherhood (00:08:13)

PMDD and Pregnancy Experience (00:10:51)

Birth Trauma & Colic (00:11:54)

Reflections on Change & Resilience (00:13:07)

Coping with Postpartum & Seeking Help (00:18:14)

Choosing to Have a Second Child (00:21:24)

Parenting Two Opposite Children (00:24:29)

Parenting Styles & Respecting Individuality (00:30:54)

Coaching Skills in Parenting (00:32:25)

Big Topics Recap & PMDD Focus (00:33:28)

Living with PMDD (00:35:11)

Motherhood’s Gold & Joys (00:42:02)

The Unfolding Process of Motherhood (00:46:45)

Debunking Motherhood Myths (00:50:19)

Closing Reflections & Empowerment (00:53:08)

Episode Outro (00:54:15)

Links & Mentions

1. Graydin Coaching
2. Gedi Village Foundation
3. PMDD: What is it?
4. Bloomwell Therapy: Online Therapy for Women’s Mental Health & Reproductive Mental Health Across Ontario

Work with Ashley

Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn

www.ashleybeatty.ca

Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this episode of Motherhood Unveiled, host Ashley speaks with Alanna Crawford, an osteopathic practitioner and mother of a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Alanna shares her journey of unlearning societal expectations around child development, navigating her daughter's challenging sleep patterns, and managing endometriosis while facing fertility struggles. She discusses balancing her professional identity with motherhood, the importance of integrating science and spirituality in healing, and finding support through acupuncture, Reiki, and couples counselling. Alanna emphasizes that motherhood is a day-by-day process, encouraging women to trust themselves and release unrealistic expectations.

Meet Alanna

Alanna Crawford is an osteopathic practitioner and the founder of The Summit Collective, where she combines osteopathy, energy work, and nervous system education to support whole-person healing. Her work bridges science and spirituality, helping people understand how physical symptoms, emotional experiences, and energetic patterns interact within the body. Through her clinic, workshops, and content, she empowers people to reconnect with their intuition and take an active role in their healing journey.

Timestamps

Introduction to Alanna Crawford (00:00:33)

Alanna's Identity as a Mother and Practitioner (00:02:32)

Entering Motherhood Through the Physical (00:03:42)

Unlearning Motherhood Expectations (00:05:36)

The Grief of Unmet Expectations (00:08:43)

Navigating Fertility and Endometriosis (00:10:53)

Finding Hope in Spirituality and Reiki (00:16:04)

The Complexity of Secondary Infertility (00:21:10)

Channeling Creative Energy (00:26:09)

The Myth of the "Right Time" (00:28:59)

Motherhood and Finding Your Voice (00:30:21)

Parenting in the Digital Age (00:35:54

Defining the Modern Village (00:38:07)

It's Okay to Not Like Your Kid (00:43:32)

The Myth of Instant Maternal Instinct (00:46:08)

Sharing the Load in Partnership (00:49:22)

Show Notes & Links:

- Connect with Alanna @alannacrawford_

i) Summit Collective

ii) Listen to Alanna’s Podcast: The Summit Effect

- Endometriosis/PCOS resources:

1. Dr. Aviva Romm: podcast and book “Hormone Intelligence”
2. SHEMD Podcast with Dr. Thais Aliabadi & women’s advocate Mary Alice Haney
3. The Period Lab on IG: @theperiodlab

Work with Ashley

Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn

www.ashleybeatty.ca

Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this episode of "Motherhood Unveiled," host Ashley interviews Tiffany Wong-Mak, founder of Maylay Co., a BIPOC and woman-owned stationery company. Tiffany shares how motherhood and entrepreneurship intertwine in her life, inspiring her to create products focused on gratitude and intentional living. She discusses the challenges and joys of raising her four-year-old daughter, the importance of self-care and community, and how her business and personal values align. The conversation highlights resilience, reflection, and the evolving nature of motherhood, offering inspiration and practical insights for moms balancing family and career.

Meet Tiffany

Tiffany is a mom, wife + business owner living in Toronto. She has 4 year old daughter with big personality and curiosity. Building her business has been a big focus for her, especially in the last year. She was raised in a family of entrepreneurs and it is really interesting to see how her daughter plays a role in her business life now too. She loves anything creative, exploring new things, and more recently just connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and mothers who understand a lot of what she is going through.

Timestamps

Introducing Tiffany Wong Mak (00:00:34)

Tiffany’s Background and Creativity (00:02:00)

Motherhood and Family Context (00:04:20)

Starting the Journey to Motherhood (00:05:51)

Timing and Life Decisions (00:07:18)

The Impact of COVID and Kobe Bryant’s Story (00:09:34)

Motherhood Journey and Self-Discovery (00:12:13)

Self-Care Practices (00:14:04)

Building and Using Community (00:15:49)

Identity and Motherhood (00:18:18)

Sharing Highs and Lows (00:19:30)

Celebrating Motherhood Wins (00:20:33)

Family Traditions and Reflection (00:22:32)

Tiffany’s Business and Its Mission (00:23:40)

Motherhood Inspiring Business (00:26:12)

Parallels Between Entrepreneurship and Motherhood (00:28:39)

Learning and Community in Business (00:30:26)

Balancing Business and Family (00:31:49)

Intentionality and Purpose (00:33:17)

Myth-Busting: Life After Motherhood (00:38:41)

Episode Wrap-Up and Gratitude (00:40:01)

Links & Mentions

1. Maylay Co.
2. Connect with Tiffany on IG @maylay.co

Work with Ashley

Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn

www.ashleybeatty.ca

Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this episode of Motherhood Unveiled, host Ashley speaks with Lin Yuan-Su, a mindset trainer and mother of two, about the spiritual aspects of motherhood. Lin shares her journey of self-discovery, the challenges of fertility, and the importance of embracing one's authentic self. The conversation emphasizes the courage required to make significant life changes and the necessity of trusting the process of motherhood. Lin's insights highlight the complexities and dualities of being a mother, encouraging listeners to honour their unique journeys.

Meet Lin

Lin Yuan-Su is a Mindset Trainer and Strategist who helps high-achieving, heart-centered and passion-driven entrepreneurs create meaningful success with more ease, alignment, and joy. A former registered dietitian who walked away from a successful but unfulfilling career, Lin rebuilt her life through mindset mastery, inner awareness, and spiritual alignment. She is the mom of two, a wife, a daughter, an entrepreneur and a dog mom. Although she initially thought she didn't want to be a mom, the love she now feels with her kids is something she can never describe with words.

Timestamps

Welcome and Introduction (00:00:04)

Introducing Lin Yuan-Su (00:00:35)

Lin’s Background and Identity (00:02:11)

Career Dissatisfaction and Transition (00:03:25)

Motherhood and Career Pivot (00:05:37)

Fertility Journey and Mindset (00:07:52)

The Role of Courage and Fear (00:09:30)

Beginning of Lin’s Motherhood Story (00:10:49)

Manifestation and Planning (00:12:11)

Pregnancy and Early Motherhood (00:14:35)

Profound Love and Spiritual Connection (00:19:03)

Authenticity in Motherhood (00:23:42)

Influence vs. Control in Parenting (00:26:20)

Mindset, Guilt, and Self-Improvement (00:27:04)

Turning Inward and Self-Focus (00:31:41)

Self-Love and the “And” Symbol (00:34:04)

Motherhood’s Role in Career Change (00:36:01)

Fertility Struggles and Visioning (00:39:47)

Honouring the Inner Child (00:45:07)

Healing, Intuition, and Family Transformation (00:49:39)

Trust, Logic, and Heart (00:58:38)

Spirituality and Modern Motherhood (01:03:12)

Quality Connection and Myths of Motherhood (01:05:41)

Authenticity as a Mother (01:06:24)

Closing Reflections and Gratitude (01:08:15)

Links & Mentions

1. Connect with Lin on IG or email info@linyuan-su.com
2. Maternal mental health support
   1. Bloomwell Therapy
   2. The WOMB

Work with Ashley

Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn

www.ashleybeatty.ca

Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this episode of Motherhood Unveiled, host Ashley interviews Gio Aiello, mom of two and founder of Mindful Mommy Doula Services. This conversation explores the often-overlooked connection between motherhood and entrepreneurship. Gio shares how each season of motherhood brought with it a reimagining of her business, as she “birthed” new versions of her work alongside each child. Through these transitions, she learned to build a business that reflected her values, honoured her capacity, and supported a life rooted in alignment. We discuss how tending to her own wellbeing became essential to this evolution, highlighting self-care as a key pillar for sustaining capacity, alignment, and long-term growth in both her business and her life as a mother.

Meet Gio

Giovanna Aiello is the Founder and CEO of Mindful Mommy Doula Services, Toronto’s leading doula matchmaking agency. Known as The Doula Matchmaker, Giovanna empowers parents with confidence, doulas with opportunity, and the community with events that celebrate and elevate the work of caregivers. Gio's motherhood and entrepreneurship stories are closely intertwined. Becoming a mom led her back to a lifelong dream of becoming a doula, and that journey eventually grew into creating her agency so she could support as many women as possible.

Timestamps

Introducing Gio Aiello (00:01:13)

Gio’s Self-Introduction & Motherhood Identity (00:02:33)

Transformation and Growth in Motherhood (00:03:31)

Defining the Moment of Becoming a Mom (00:04:48)

Gio’s Early Fascination with Motherhood (00:06:44)

Birth Story and Becoming a Doula (00:07:49)

Career Shift: From Mortgage Company to Doula (00:11:19)

The Power of Tuning Inward (00:13:39)

Meditation and Self-Discovery (00:16:12)

Daily Meditation and Personal Growth (00:21:36)

Early Motherhood: Faking It and Asking for Help (00:25:28)

Letting Go of Control and Sharing Parenting (00:30:05)

Turning Point: The Importance of Shared Responsibility (00:32:05)

Balancing Doula Work and Motherhood (00:35:57)

Pandemic Pivot: Birth of the Doula Agency (00:38:08)

Building the Agency: Transferable Skills (00:46:42)

Second Child: A Different Birth and Bonding Experience (00:49:09)

Evolving Motherhood Identity (00:56:20)

The Importance of Self-Care (01:03:14)

Closing Reflections and Doula Services (01:06:04)

Links & Mentions

1. Connect with Gio @mindful_mummy_doula
2. Mindful Mummy Doula Matchmakin
3. Curious about hypnobirthing - check out this incredible resource!

Work with Ashley

Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn

www.ashleybeatty.ca

Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this episode of "Motherhood Unveiled," host Ashley welcomes mental health researcher and author Jocelyn Pepe to discuss the evolving journey of motherhood. Jocelyn shares her personal experiences raising three children and explores the mental health challenges mothers face, from pregnancy through parenting young adults. Together, they highlight the need for holistic, compassionate support for mothers, blending Eastern and Western approaches, and emphasize the importance of self-compassion, intuition, and community. The conversation offers heartfelt insights into balancing identity, emotional labor, and the ongoing transformation that defines motherhood.

Meet Jocelyn

Jocelyn a mom of three—now 20, 18, and 14—her role has shifted through the years, but the heart of it has stayed the same. She's always tried to be someone my kids can talk to, rely on, and be completely themselves around. From the start, she believed they were equals, learning from one another, and that they were teaching her just as much as she was guiding them. Parenting consciously has meant embracing her imperfections, making mistakes, and learning to have conversations with her kids though those moments.

Her work in mental health has shaped how she shows up as a parent. As the author of Claim Your Brain, a mental health coach, and founder of TrU, she spends her days helping others cultivate clarity, compassion, and resilience, and those same principles guide her at home.

Timestamps

Introducing Jocelyn Pepe (00:00:34)

Jocelyn’s Identity and Connection to Motherhood (00:02:28)

Parenting Philosophy and Children’s Agency (00:06:23)

Stages of Parenting and Children’s Ages (00:09:00)

Every Family is Unique (00:12:12)

Jocelyn’s Upbringing and Early Motherhood Aspirations (00:13:04)

Motherhood Expectations vs. Reality (00:14:30)

Lack of Emotional Support in Motherhood (00:15:35)

Mental Health and Physical Changes in Motherhood (00:18:16)

Societal Gaps in Maternal Support (00:21:49)

The Three P’s: Puberty, Pregnancy, Perimenopause (00:23:43)

Emotional Weight of Parenting Through Child’s Growth (00:25:52)

Mama Bear Instinct and Biological Changes (00:27:10)

Holding Space for Motherhood’s Emotional Load (00:29:05)

Creating Supportive Spaces for Mothers (00:30:12)

Lack of Deeper Parenting Conversations (00:32:23)

Systemic Change in Maternal and Family Support (00:35:09)

Blending Eastern and Western Approaches (00:37:30)

Whole-Person Approach to Maternal Wellbeing (00:38:55)

Spiritual and Existential Questions in Motherhood (00:40:40)

Balancing Intuition and Professional Advice (00:42:23)

Learning to Trust Maternal Intuition (00:43:43)

Acknowledging Resilience and Growth (00:45:35)

Motherhood in Later Stages (00:47:08)

Honesty and Reciprocity in Parent-Child Relationships (00:53:37)

Debunking the Myth of Easy Motherhood (00:54:22)

Tapping Into Generational Wisdom (00:56:20)

Closing Reflections and Gratitude (00:57:21)

Mentions & Notes

1. Jocelyn’s book: Claim Your Brain
2. TrU Living

Work with Ashley

Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn

www.ashleybeatty.ca

Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this heartfelt episode of "Motherhood Unveiled," host Ashley welcomes Bernadette Catalano—lawyer, writer, and mother—to discuss the generational journey of motherhood. Bernadette shares how her mother’s struggles shaped her own approach to parenting and healing, emphasizing the importance of self-mothering, forgiveness, and breaking cycles. She reflects on the joys of grandmotherhood, the myth of maternal perfection, and the power of rewriting family narratives through writing. The episode closes with a loving tribute to Bernadette’s mother, celebrating resilience, transformation, and the enduring legacy of maternal love.

Meet Bernadette

Bernadette Catalana is one of seven children—six of them daughters. She is also a lawyer, mentor, cooking enthusiast, and avid yoga practitioner. But the role she identifies with most is mother to Carly and Courtney. She grew up in Endicott, New York, raised her girls in Rochester, New York and currently lives on Central Park with her significant other and her Havanese, Jackson. Her daughters, who are now grown and starting families of their own, are both within walking distance. Bernadette is the author of Daughter Lessons, a collection of essays on leading, learning from, and loving our daughters.

Timestamps

Introducing Bernadette Catalano (00:01:13)

Bernadette’s Self-Introduction (00:03:12)

Mothering Beyond Biology (00:04:33)

Parenting Ourselves & Compassion for Parents (00:05:59)

Reactive vs. Intentional Parenting (00:08:38)

Bernadette’s Early Motherhood Story (00:10:44)

Empowerment Through Motherhood (00:13:27)

Impact of Her Mother’s Sadness (00:15:30)

Rewriting the Family Narrative (00:19:58)

Loss of Her Mother & Caregiving (00:22:33)

Writing as Healing & Rewriting Her Mother’s Story (00:26:31)

Forgiveness and Personal Growth (00:30:13)

Motherhood and Adult Relationships (00:35:41)

Raising Daughters & Family Dynamics (00:40:17)

Transition to Grandmotherhood (00:45:05)

Grandmother Stereotypes & Generational Love (00:48:40)

Generational Healing & Positive Legacies (00:54:19)

Myth of Motherhood: Perfection (00:55:57)

Tribute to Her Mother (00:58:00)

Closing Reflections & Farewell (01:00:21)

Links & Mentions

1. Bernadette’s Book: Daughter Lessons
2. Learn about the mother wound:
   1. Bethany Webster’s work
   2. The Holistic Psychologist
3. Connect with Bernadette on IG (@daughterlessons)

Work with Ashley

Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn

www.ashleybeatty.ca

Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this episode of "Motherhood Unveiled," host Ashley welcomes Kalee Isbell, a mother of two (soon three), who shares her journey through postpartum depression after her second child. Kalee discusses the challenges of balancing a newborn and toddler, the importance of vulnerability, and how creative expression—editing home videos—helped her heal. Now the founder of Isbell Family Films, Klee helps families preserve everyday moments. The conversation highlights the messy realities of motherhood, the need for support, and the value of embracing change and flexibility as both a parent and a person.

Meet Kalee

Kalee Isbell is the founder of Isbell Family Films, a company dedicated to helping families preserve the magic of their everyday moments through beautifully edited films. Her journey began in the midst of postpartum depression, when she found solace in editing home videos of her young children. As a mother navigating the challenges of caring for a newborn while feeling like she was falling short for her toddler, Kalee discovered an unexpected source of healing—seeing her family’s story unfold on screen. Kalee is passionate about helping parents see themselves the way their children do—loving, present, and enough. Through her work, she continues to bring joy and perspective to families, ensuring their most precious moments are cherished for generations to come.

Timestamps

Kalee’s Background & Identity (00:02:13)

Early Motherhood & First Two Children (00:03:44)

Struggles with Second Child & Postpartum Depression (00:06:36)

Finding Healing Through Creative Expression (00:08:55)

Recognizing and Navigating Postpartum Depression (00:10:43)

The “Messy Middle” of Postpartum Depression (00:12:52)

Support Systems & Asking for Help (00:16:00)

Differences in Support: First vs. Second Child (00:20:13)

Postpartum Depression Beyond Infancy (00:21:41)

Flexibility & Letting Go of Control in Motherhood (00:24:10)

Third Pregnancy: New Perspective (00:25:06)

Therapy & Personal Growth (00:30:26)

Problem Solving & Family Dynamics (00:34:39)

Turning Darkness into a Business (00:38:41)

Motherhood is Universal (00:40:50)

Joy in Watching Children Grow (00:42:50)

Permission to Pivot & Evolve (00:44:07)

The Reality Behind the Story (00:50:15)

Dispelling Motherhood Myths (00:54:01)

Letting Go & Embracing Change (00:55:00)

Conclusion & Gratitude (00:57:09)

Links & Mentions

1. Isbell Family Films
2. Postpartum Support Resources:
   1. The WOMB - Holistic array of supports for mothers
   2. Momwell- Registered therapists

Work with Ashley

Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn

www.ashleybeatty.ca

Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography