In this episode of Motherhood Unveiled, host Ashley speaks with Allison Venditti, founder of Moms at Work. Allison shares her journey as a mother of three children with medical complexities, her HR background, and how personal experiences shaped her advocacy for working parents. She discusses navigating parental leave, workplace accommodations, and self-advocacy, while highlighting policy changes Moms at Work helped achieve in Canada. Allison also reflects on societal pressures placed on mothers, the importance of trusting your instincts, and how motherhood continuously evolves. She encourages moms to celebrate their efforts and embrace growth at every stage of life.

Meet Allison

After becoming a mother and surviving a life-altering brain injury, Allison decided to leverage her expertise as a corporate recruiter for industries ranging from healthcare to banking, to start a career coaching business to help women, and especially mothers, build meaningful careers and develop leadership skills to become changemakers in their organizations. She has since grown Moms at Work to Canada’s largest professional network for working mothers providing resources, community and support to over 22,000 women! Allison is passionate about breaking down the barriers to women succeeding in their careers and motherhood and is a sought-after speaker and regular commentator for national news outlets on return-to-work, pay transparency and working parenthood.
When not working, Allison can be found sitting on her front porch in her favourite Star Wars tee-shirt planning her next advocacy initiative or biking around Toronto with her three boys – yes, even in wintertime.

Time Stamps

Introduction to Motherhood Unveiled (00:00:04)

Episode and Guest Introduction (00:00:32)

Allison's Introduction (00:01:30)

The Moms at Work Community (00:02:25)

Allison's Motherhood Story Begins (00:04:10)

Navigating Motherhood and Medical Complexities (00:06:01)

HR, Parental Leave, and Self-Advocacy (00:07:56)

The Problem with "Flexibility" (00:12:47)

The Power of Advocacy (00:14:54)

The Compression of Life's Major Events (00:17:49)

Ignoring Unhelpful "Hustle Culture" Advice (00:20:36)

Expectations vs. Reality of Motherhood (00:22:47)

The Conviction to Live Authentically (00:24:15)

Policy Change and Advocacy Achievements (00:26:38)

The Importance of Acknowledgment (00:29:56)

The Role of a Supportive Partner (00:33:25)

Trusting Your Gut (00:34:16)

The Myth of "It Gets Easier" (00:38:24)

Becoming Your Parents (00:39:34)

Links & Mentions

1. Moms at Work
   1. Moms at Work: Your Return to Work Handbook
2. Connect with Allison on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thisismomsatwork/ Or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonvenditti/

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 Fernanda Villanueva, therapist, mom of two, and founder of Bloom Well Therapy. Fernanda shares her personal motherhood journey, shaped by being raised by a single mom in Chile, and discusses how she grew into her identity as a mother. Together, they explore the invisible mental load mothers carry, the importance of setting boundaries, accepting help, and prioritizing self-care. Fernanda debunks the romanticized myth of motherhood, emphasizing that it's challenging yet rewarding work. She encourages moms to lean on their communities, vocalize their needs, and never forget themselves in the process.

Meet Fernanda

Fernanda is a mother of two boys that are 7 and 2 years of age who remind her again of the importance of slowing down and being present to watch life unfold. In the midst of a busy work/life balance, she tries to stay as present and grounded for them…and for herself. She loves spending time with other amazing women and being inspired by their wisdom. She loves a good laugh, painting and walks in nature. Fernanda is also the founder of Bloom Well Therapy, a virtual therapy clinic for women navigating different stages of life. She has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years and also offers speaking, consulting and workshops on topics related to women's mental health and reproductive mental health, including fertility, postpartum & perimenopause.

Time Stamps

Introduction to Fernanda Villanueva (00:00:32)

Who is Fernanda? (00:01:38)

The "Admin Work" of Motherhood (00:05:11)

Balancing Personal and Professional Lenses (00:08:15)

Influence of Being Raised by a Single Mom (00:10:58)

The Power of Asking for and Accepting Help (00:14:20)

Making the Invisible Load Visible (00:18:02)

How to Take Up More Space (00:25:34)

The Ever-Evolving Journey of Motherhood (00:30:12)

Leaning Into Your Strengths (00:38:22

The Myth of the Romanticized Motherhood Experience (00:40:05)

Links & Mentions

1. Bloom Well Therapy
2. Follow Fernanda on Instagram: @itsfernandavillaneuva and @bloomwelltherapy

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 Gianna Edwards, a mom of two, Reiki practitioner, and entrepreneur. Gianna shares her contrasting pregnancy experiences, her first being smooth, her second marked by severe sciatica and pelvic floor challenges, and how these shaped her purpose as a healer. She discusses her spiritual journey, emphasizing intuition, meditation, and Reiki. Gianna also introduces Haven, a community app designed to build modern support villages for mothers and families, set to launch in late 2026. The conversation highlights the importance of community, vulnerability, and ongoing support throughout motherhood.

Meet Gianna

Gianna Edwards is a mother, lifelong learner, and advocate for creating stronger communities around mothers and families. After more than a decade in Human Resources, becoming a mother sparked a profound shift in her identity and a deeper calling toward healing, self-development, and service. Inspired by her own experiences of pregnancy and motherhood, and a belief that mothers need a modern day village, Gianna created a platform and app designed to foster connection and support for mothers and families. Outside of motherhood and her work, she loves reading, writing, hiking, travelling, meditation, yoga, and spirituality. She is also Reiki Level 1 certified and continuing her journey toward Level 2.

Timestamps

Introducing the Guest, Gianna Edwards (00:00:32)

Gianna's Identity and Purpose (00:02:05)

The Beginning of Motherhood (00:05:43)

A Challenging Second Pregnancy (00:06:41)

Finding Purpose in Healing (00:09:31)

Lessons from Two Different Children (00:10:58)

Children as Teachers (00:13:24)

Reframing the "Letting Yourself Go" Myth (00:14:36)

Domains of Motherhood Transformation (00:15:35)

Introducing "Haven": A Modern Village (00:17:35)

The Importance of Supporting Mothers (00:21:19)

Expectations vs. Reality of Motherhood (00:23:21)

The Most Helpful Postpartum Support (00:26:29)

The Need for Peer Support (00:30:15)

Support Beyond the Postpartum Period (00:33:08)

Guilt, Shame, and Children as Reflections (00:35:35)

Gianna's Spiritual Journey (00:37:45)

The Power of Trusting Intuition (00:40:28)

How to Connect with Intuition (00:43:30)

Final Reflections and Conclusion (00:45:10)

Links & Mentions

1. Haven app: @haven.app_
2. The WOMB: Holistic mother care support for every stage. Find a centre near you
3. Bloom Well Therapy: a trusted mental health resource for women of all stages

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 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 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