What happens when a new mom turns isolation, anxiety, and overwhelm into a movement that supports mothers across the country?

In this episode, I’m joined by Alex Spitz, entrepreneur, founder of New Mom School, and mother of two, for an honest conversation about postpartum challenges, maternal mental health, and building the kind of support system most women never receive.

We talk about her early experience with motherhood, where feelings of loneliness, relationship strain, and uncertainty led her to question everything, and how joining a simple mom group changed her life. Alex shares how that moment inspired her to create New Mom School, now a growing nationwide network that provides structured, research-based support for mothers during the first year postpartum. From soothing a crying baby to navigating feeding choices and emotional overwhelm, she explains how education and community can transform the motherhood experience.

From scaling a business to 29 franchise locations to doing the inner work required to lead with empathy, this episode explores the realities of entrepreneurship while raising a family. Alex also reflects on identity, healing, and what it means to move from surviving motherhood to truly becoming within it.

Grab a drink! This is a conversation that will change how you think about motherhood, support, and what women really need to thrive.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:34) Porch banter and iced tea obsession

(03:51) Entering retreat while feeling broken

(06:33) Feeling seen and supported by women

(08:29) Finding emotional safety in coaching spaces

(10:16) Postpartum isolation and early motherhood struggles

(11:15) Middle school betrayal and lasting impact

(12:16) Discovering power of mom support groups

(12:58) New Mom School growth and expansion

(13:17) Unexpected realities of early motherhood

(19:04) Curriculum focused on supporting the mother

(22:15) Group circles based on baby age

(24:00) Instructor training and supporting new moms

(25:54) Research based approach to mom groups

(26:37) Rebuilding community and emotional support systems

(27:16) Teaching baby soothing and early challenges

(28:20) Feeding choices without guilt or shame

(32:07) Mom guilt and emotional breaking points

(35:28) Parenting trends and leading with empathy

(38:18) Franchising challenges and letting go control

(41:14) Building culture and supporting franchise moms

(44:52) The gap in postpartum care system

(46:21) Expanding access and insurance possibilities

(51:29) Advice for new moms feeling lost

Connect with me:

Official website: https://www.backofyards.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muccidiana

Check out The Snugawinks of Cuddleton Falls: https://www.snugawinks.com

Connect with my guest:

Official website: https://newmomschool.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraspitz/

What happens when a storyteller explores identity, language, and human connection across two worlds? In this episode, I’m joined by Arlene Malinowski, Chicago playwright, performer, writer, and director of education and faculty for the Chicago Dramatists who grew up as a CODA, for an honest conversation about navigating life between deaf and hearing cultures, the power of storytelling, and how personal experience can become a bridge to empathy.

We talk about the creation of her solo show (What Does the Sun Sound Like?) and book (Solo: The Everything Guide to Writing, Performing, and Producing Your One-Person Show), where deeply personal stories come to life through humor, vulnerability, and cultural insight. Arlene shares what it means to grow up translating not just language but emotion, how deaf storytelling traditions shaped her voice, and why stories have the power to transform how we see one another.

From balancing art and making a living to investing in craft and finding purpose in creative work, this episode explores the realities of building a career rooted in passion and meaning. Arlene also reflects on family, belonging, and the moments that define who we are across different communities.

Grab a seat! This is a conversation that will change how you think about communication, identity, and connection.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:34) Growing up with deaf parents and early identity

(03:19) What Does the Sun Sound Like and sensory imagination

(06:37) Navigating code-switching between deaf and hearing worlds

(11:22) Inside the deaf community and experiences in deaf church

(13:54) What it really means to be CODA (child of deaf adults)

(15:33) The origin of the show and the idea of coming home

(19:24) How art, politics, and empathy intersect in storytelling

(23:04) Traditions of storytelling within deaf culture

(24:41) Figuring out a career path and creative direction

(27:09) Balancing two tracks: passion and making a living

(28:17) How a day job supports and fuels artistic work

(28:54) The importance of investing time in craft

(30:41) Why this book needed to be written

(31:10) The creative dynamic behind the coauthor collaboration

(33:17) What readers will take away from the book

(34:38) The brain science behind why stories resonate

(35:37) Transformation, meaning, and personal impact

(38:58) Why solo shows create such strong audience connection

(42:05) The “last sip” story and what it reveals

(43:47) A sign language “meet the parents” moment

(45:54) The “Penis Colada” story and its cultural context

Connect with me:

Official website: https://www.backofyards.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muccidiana

Check out The Snugawinks of Cuddleton Falls: https://www.snugawinks.com

Connect with my guest:

Official website: https://www.arlenemalinowski.com/

Check out What Does the Sun Sound Like?: https://www.arlenemalinowski.com/what-does-the-sun-sound-like

Check out Solo: The Everything Guide to Writing, Performing, and Producing Your One-Person Show: https://www.amazon.com/Solo-Everything-Performing-Producing-One-Person/dp/0810149710

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-malinowski-5921aab2/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlenemalinowski/

What happens when an artist reflects on legacy, passion, and human connection? In this episode, I’m joined by Luis Salgado, a multifaceted performer, director, choreographer, educator, and founder of Salgado Productions and R.Evolución Latina, for an honest conversation about his journey from Puerto Rico to Broadway, the power of cultural roots, and his mission to empower others through art.

We talk about his work on On Your Feet and his latest production of 1776 at Ford’s Theatre, where history, artistry, and personal responsibility intersect. Luis shares the challenges of directing with limited time and resources, his dedication to elevating Latino voices in theater, and how he uses his platform to give back to the next generation of artists.

From building community through art to balancing personal sacrifice and artistic fulfillment, this episode dives deep into the realities of a career built on passion, persistence, and purpose. Luis opens up about his relationship with his son, the lessons he's learning as a father, and the invaluable support of his family.

Grab a seat! This is a conversation that will make you rethink what it means to truly shine.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:39) Friends and collaborators: Diana talks about their collaboration

(01:49) Rehearsing 1776 in DC: Rehearsing 1776 in Washington, DC

(02:57) On your feet Chicago sprint: Fast-paced rehearsals for On Your Feet

(05:33) Why this story hits now: On Your Feet's timely impact.

(07:45) Opening night satisfaction: Luis expresses joy at opening night success

(10:51) Directing your own son: Luis discusses directing his son

(16:38) Roots in Puerto Rico: Embracing Puerto Rican roots in art

(19:52) From dreamer to leader: Transitioning from dreamer to leader

(23:03) Naivete, grit, and money lessons: Learning through struggle and financial challenges

(25:53) Humility and gratitude: The importance of humility and gratitude

(27:09) Burger King sacrifice: Luis’ mother’s sacrifice for small joys

(29:25) Dare to go beyond: Embracing the motto "dare to go beyond."

(30:50) Broadway setbacks: Overcoming Broadway challenges and setbacks

(32:14) Founding R.Evolución Latina to uplift Latino artists

(34:48) Free arts camp impact: Providing arts education to underserved youth

(37:10) Writing as liberation: Writing as personal and collective liberation

(42:39) New shows and gala: Upcoming projects and a gala performance

(47:16) Saved You a Seat: A listener shares a heartfelt message

(48:45) Final plot twist dream: Luis’ dream of gifting his mother a home

Connect with me:

Official website: https://www.backofyards.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muccidiana

Check out The Snugawinks of Cuddleton Falls: https://www.snugawinks.com

Connect with my guest:

Official website: https://salgadoproductions.com/

Official website: https://revolucionlatina.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-salgado-artist/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lsalgadoart/

What happens when a mother and daughter finally tell each other the truth? In this episode, I’m joined by my daughter Antoinette Beauchamp, founder of AB Coached, for a raw conversation about blame, divorce, life transformation, and the hidden cost of sharing your story publicly

We talk about the bedtime ritual that inspired The Snugawinks of Cuddleton Falls, and how “porch energy” (the unscripted and tender kind) is exactly what I want this podcast to feel like. Antoinette opens up about her fertility journey and the challenges of sharing so much publicly, which eventually pushed her to take a break from the weight of everyone else’s hopes.

From graduating high school early and moving abroad, to dating in New York and meeting her husband on Hinge, to navigating fertility struggles and family healing–this is what honest mother-daughter relationships actually sound like.

Grab a seat! This one is tender, funny, and full of heart.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:39) Gratitude for inspiring the podcast

(01:15) Cozy family banter and Florida life

(02:03) Acupuncture, IVF, and the fertility journey

(04:23) Finding fun again after heavy chapters

(07:44) Leaving home early and Antoinette’s many lives

(14:51) Coming of age in Spain, Australia, and New York

(20:59) That year where everything changed

(27:05) Finding love in your chaotic twenties

(31:19) The journey from party girl to yoga girl

(34:21) When going all in becomes too much

(36:52) On building a coaching business

(43:29) Something you may not know about Antoinette

(50:24) From bedtime stories to life’s big lessons

Connect with me:

Official website: https://www.backofyards.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muccidiana

Check out The Snugawinks of Cuddleton Falls: https://www.snugawinks.com

Connect with my guest:

Official website: https://www.abcoached.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinette-beauchamp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcoached

Have you ever had a place where you could finally exhale and be completely yourself? For me, that place was the porch.

In this episode, I share the story behind Your Porch or Mine. Storytelling has always been important to me and the porch became that sacred space where honesty and connection found a cozy spot. Here you’ll hear about my full, messy, beautiful life and my hope is that it helps you open up a little about yours. I’ll start by being honest, so you don’t have to go first.

This podcast is my invitation to you to pull up a chair, laugh, cry, and share your truth without judgment. Because in a world full of noise, we all need a place where we can be real, and where we’re reminded that we’re not alone.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:49) The porch as a special place to connect

(03:44) Why we need to tell and hear more stories

(05:55) A place for truth and laughter

Connect with me:

Official website: https://www.backofyards.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muccidiana

Life doesn’t happen in perfectly scripted scenes. It happens on porches, between belly laughs and hard truths, with a mic nearby and maybe a glass of wine in hand. It’s messy, magical, and changes with every turn of the page.

Your Porch or Mine is for the feelers, thinkers, and everyday doers who crave real conversation, the kind that holds both the joy and the heartbreak, the pivots you never saw coming, and the moments that quietly change everything. It’s a space for anyone who’s ever wished they could sit down, exhale, and say, “Okay, let’s really talk about it.”

Hosted by Diana Suarez Mucci, playwright, mom of four, grandmother, and a lifelong storyteller. This show brings the spirit of her hometown porch to your ears. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and settle in for stories that will make you laugh, cry & everything in between.