Welcome Mama
Join Sam and Emmy, two moms and long-lost best friends, as they reconnect after a decade apart and dive into honest conversations about all things motherhood.From pregnancy and birth stories to the wild ride of raising kids, this podcast is your virtual mom’s circle—no need to leave the house. Sam brings her passion for matrescence and the sociology of motherhood, while Emmy shares her expertise in birth stories, work-from-home mompreneur life, and viral mom content creation.Together, they interview experts, share their experiences, and explore what it means to grow and evolve as moms.Welcome Mama, we’re gla...
Maternal Mental Health AFTER Postpartum
We need to talk. Because maternal mental health is not just postpartum depression—it’s identity loss, invisible labor, and the emotional toll of surviving systems that were never built for mothers in the first place. In this solo episode, Sam breaks down the real state of maternal mental health across the entire motherhood journey, unpacks the daily emotional weight that moms carry, and explains how understanding matrescence could change everything.
This episode marks the launch of the Maternal Mental Health Collection—a bold, unapologetic drop designed to name what’s really happening to moms, and why...
Spirit Baby Medium - Kelly Ann Meehan, MA
Welcome to this Witch and the Woo Episode (sans our witch) where Sam sits down with @spiritbabymedium Kelly Meehan to discuss our babie's spirits. Are they waiting for us? How do we know if a baby is calling out to us? How can this be healing after a pregnancy loss or child loss?
This is a pretty profound episode that left me reeling. And if some of it goes over your head, same! But think of this as a journey of enlightenment to a new idea of potential reality.
It is WILD, you guys. Enjoy!
Just an IVF Mom: Ali's Story
Episode Overview
In this episode, Sam sits down with her friend Ali, a Nutritional Therapist, women’s health practitioner, and creator of Period Pantry, to talk about her raw and honest journey to motherhood through IVF. Ali opens up about her struggles with autoimmune issues, stage 4 endometriosis, and male factor infertility that led her and her husband to pursue IVF. Together, Sam and Ali explore the emotional, mental, and physical challenges that come with infertility—and how resilience, community, and advocacy helped Ali navigate her path to becoming a mom.
Foll...
Husband Q&A with Tom & Sam
Today’s episode is a special one—Sam is joined by her husband, Tom, for a candid conversation about fatherhood, marriage, and the changes that come with parenting. They dive into what surprised Tom most about becoming a dad, how their relationship has evolved since having kids, and his perspective on matrescence (yes, dads notice it too!). From tackling the mental load of parenting to sharing hilarious, real-life parenting moments, this episode gives a raw and honest look at parenthood from both sides. Plus, Sam puts Tom in the hot seat with some rapid-fire questions about marriage, dad life, and...
BIG update and the Care/Career Conundrum
Surprise! Emmy had her baby at 34 weeks! Not to plan but we're so glad Emmy and baby boy are doing well. If you would like to support Emmy as she recovers, please email Sam at sam@welcome-mama.com
And let's talk about how to be a working mom (or part time working mom) and make it work for your life and how to find balance for you when your choices are limited.
Care/Career Conundrum Resources:
https://storage.googleapis.com/peanut-assets/reports/US%20-%20The%20State%20of%20Invisibility.pdf
https://mot...
Emmy's Surprise Pregnancy, Burnout, and THE Disney Trip
In this Emmy episode, she fills us in on the Disney Trip she worked SO hard to make happen for her family and the subsequent burnout from that work. She also talks about her fourth pregnancy and how she feels 6 months pregnant. And the girls end on a vulnerable note, talking about the loss of hope and joy they've both been experiencing.
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the s...
Sam's Birth and Postpartum Story
In case you missed it, Sam had her baby girl Georgia back in July 2024. This podcast goes over her birth experience (in detail, girl) and the low lows of postpartum.
Want to support the show? Please check out the new Just a Mom collection over at welcome-mama.com!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a topic you want us to discuss?
Please email us...
Welcome Mama, to Season 2!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a topic you want us to discuss?
Please email us your suggestions at becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
FOLLOW THE SHOW ON INSTAGRAM HERE @welcomemamaco
Emmy - @emmy_kissinger
TikTok @emmy_kissinger
www.arrivalsotires.co for birth story listening services
Sam - @samthomsonhall
YouTube: www...
Season One Finale - Reflections, Favorites, and What is to Come
Wow! What an amazing season it has been! From incredible guests to sharing our own stories of birth, motherhood, and friendship, to silly episodes where we got to laugh and connect! It has been a gift to share these episodes with you and reconnect as friends at the same time.
We are taking the summer off to refresh, plan, and have a baby BUT have some exciting updates and season two in store for you!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and tell us what YOU want to hear in season two!
Th...
Motherhood Q&A - Mama Hot Seat!
In this podcast, we were in the hot seat! Sam and Emmy answer randomly generated questions from ChatGPT on the spot. We had a blast recording this, laughed a ton, and were pushed to answer some pretty deep questions off the cuff.
We want to do this again - so please submit your motherhood questions at becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show o...
What We REALLY Want for Mother's Day
In this lighthearted, yet candid podcast, Emmy and Sam share their experiences with Mother's Day, Mother's Day marketing, and being honest about what we truly want!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a topic you want us to discuss?
Please email us your suggestions at becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
FOLLOW THE SHOW ON INSTAGRAM HERE @welcomemamaco
Emmy - @emmy_kissinger
Special Edition: Introducing & Exploring the Welcome Mama Journal & Day Planner – Your Behind-the-Scenes Look
In this special edition episode, Emmy and Sam explore Sam's new book - the Welcome Mama Journal and Day Planner!
You have heard us talk about it here and there, especially in wins and losses, but the Journal and Day Planner is now a reality and is coming out May 1st!!
In this episode, we explore the journey that was creating this book, the motivations behind it, the setbacks and successes, and even take a tour through every aspect of the book!
For more info and to join the waitlist go to www.w...
The WORST Advice We've Been Given
We're back with a fun episode! We shared our best advice, now it's time for the worst. With no shortage of advice to pull from, we have some goodies, some motherhood-related, some not!
Be sure to tell us your worst motherhood advice on Instagram! You can DM us or comment on the episode post!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a topic you want us...
The Psychological Changes of Matrescence
When we become mothers, we begin the transformation that is matrescence. One of the most challenging areas of change we may experience is psychological change. From the change in the way we see ourselves, our lives, and how others see us, to changing values, priorities, and perspectives - these changes can be disorienting or empowering!
Join us as we explore what this can look like and explore the spectrum of change that we can fall on.
For more information on matrescence, check out episode 3 here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1TpDt4HNjMS5...
Before the Pod Talks - Wins, Losses, and Life Updates
Sit in on the type of chit-chat we have before we hit record! We talk all about our current states of motherhood and life and share our personal, and professional wins and losses.
We also give some updates on things we have spoken about in the past, like Emmy's trip to Disney, Evie's progress, and Sam's journal and day planner!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you wan...
Our Best Bad Habits
This podcast is a blast! We had the best time talking about our best BAD habits! You know the ones- the things you do that you know you shouldn't but do anyway because you like to?! Yeah, we have a few of those!
We want to hear yours - comment over on instagram or on youtube!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show o...
Social Media and Motherhood
This week we take a deep dive into social media, exploring our relationships with social media and how it impacts our motherhood. We also share our biggest struggles, some of which we know you will understand and, although we're both a work in progress, we discuss what has helped us overcome those struggles.
Be sure to hop over to Instagram to join the conversation and share your experience!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us...
The Flawless Performance of Motherhood
Strap in Mamas- The Flawless Performance of Motherhood is a loaded, uncomfortable but important topic. Please, please listen if you've ever felt shame for not being a "good mom".
In this podcast, Emmy and Sam explore this theory, what it is, what it means for moms, and how we take off the mask that is perfect motherhood.
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a to...
Becoming a Free Mama with Lauren Golden
In the special podcast, Emmy meets one of her biggest inspirations and the woman whose work helped Emmy start her work-from-home business - Lauren Golden!
Lauren is the creator of the Free Mama Movement and author of the International #1 Selling Book of the same name, The Free Mama Movement. Lauren's mission is to help women create income and time freedom (just like Emmy!)
And more than that, Lauren's story and mission can help you overcome your fear of the unknown, take chances, and trust yourself!
In this podcast, we discuss Lauren's story and h...
Mom Guilt with Dr. Caroline Dickens
In the podcast, psychologist Dr. Caroline Dickens joins us to talk about mom guilt.
We've all felt it, we all know it well, but why? Why is it so common, intrusive, and disruptive? And what can we do about it?
Be sure to follow Caroline @drcarolinedickens
Check out her free workbook on mom guilt, as well as her entire Becoming Mom program at www.drcarolinedickens.com
Be sure to leave us a 5 star rating and write us a review! It means so much to have your support!
We w...
Shauna's Birth Story - Becoming a First Time Single Mom Via Emergency C-Section
This week, Shauna joins us to share her very unique and inspiring, yet relatable birth story! From her pregnancy fears to her emergency c-section to caring for her 10 lb. newborn as a single mom recovering from said c-section, there is so much to take from her story.
You can find Shauna at www.igniteddecisions.com
Follow her on Instagram here.
You can also listen to Emmy on Shauna's podcast here!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast o...
Somatic Healing - Getting Out of Your Head and Into Your Intution with Lauren Fortuna-Floch
We talk a lot about getting quiet and listening to your intuition BUT not what that even means. Enter this week's guest Lauren!
Lauren is a mother, and a former nurse turned holistic birthworker and somatic coach.
Her mission is to revolutionize the way women prepare for birth and embrace motherhood. Lauren's unique approach blends "the head and the heart," unifying the analytical and the creative, the mind and the body. Through her somatic healing techniques, she guides women back into their bodies to heal patterns and conditioning, tap into intuition and...
Intrusive Thoughts in Motherhood
In this vulnerable podcast, Emmy and Sam share their experiences with intrusive thoughts in postpartum and everyday "chronic" thoughts. Emmy also puts on her mental health professional hat to share tips and resources to help overcome the cycles of thoughts.
0:00-7:00- Wins and Losses
7:00 - 35:00 - Intrusive Thoughts
Please use the links below to connect with us for additional support and resources.
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
...
Worthwhile Motherhood Advice We've Received
Motherhood is full of advice and we've narrowed it down to the ones that stuck with us over the years! It was a great episode from newborn advice to how we look at life!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a topic you want us to discuss?
Please email us your suggestions at becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
FOLLOW THE SHOW O...
The Second Baby Conversation - Choosing to Have a Second Child After a Challenging First Postpartum
Sam opens up in the podcast about the unexpected difficult decision of whether or not to have a second baby. She goes into the conversations she and her husband had, how they navigated their differences and eventually decided to have one more baby.
If you are struggling with this decision, you are not alone. If you need to talk, DM Sam at @welcomemamabysam any time.
And for more make sure to subscribe, rate, and review. They all help us out a ton so thank you in advance!
We want to hear you...
Preparing for a Postive Postpartum Experience with Jess Hull
Whether you're preparing for postpartum, in the trenches of postpartum, or long past your postpartum days - this conversation with Jess is worth a listen.
Jess Hull is the founder of Mother Me, a digital postpartum community focused on giving pregnant women the info they need and the support they deserve so they create a peaceful and happy postpartum experience.
In this podcast, we talk about how to prepare for your postpartum period, prep for your second baby, let go of the stress of a partner who parents differently than you, and much more! <...
Exploring the Placenta and its Potential Postpartum Power with Anna Peterson
In this jam-packed episode, doula and placenta encapsulator Anna Peterson shares with us her expertise in the placenta. We talk about it all from what the placenta is, what it does, and what the research says about the potential benefits of ingesting your placenta.
Anna Peterson lives in Decorah, IA with her two kids, two cats, and one husband. She is a professor of history at Luther College and has published numerous academic books and articles on maternity policy, focusing on the country of Norway in the 19th and 20th centuries. She is a passionate advocate...
Goal and Intention Setting - Why and How We Still Set Goals as Moms
In this podcast, Sam and Emmy share their processes for setting goals and intentions each year.
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a topic you want us to discuss?
Please email us your suggestions at becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
FOLLOW THE SHOW ON INSTAGRAM HERE @welcomemamaco
Emmy - @emmy_kissinger
TikTok @emmy_kissinger
www.arrivalsotires.co f...
Motherhood Wins and Losses: From Cockroach Breeding to Tongue Tie Triumph
In this not so mini minisode - Sam and Emmy discuss some of their motherhood wins and losses over the years! From cockroach breeding to following our intuitions, it is a wild ride!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a topic you want us to discuss?
Please email us your suggestions at becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
FOLLOW THE SHOW ON INSTAGRAM HERE @w...
A Mom's Guide to Tongue, Lip, and Cheek Ties
Sam's experience as a first-time mom with a tongue-tied baby sparked a passion for informing others about oral restrictions. Here is everything she has learned and feels you should know!
Resources:
Tongue Tied by Dr. Richard Baxter - https://a.co/d/8O2MfLf
Freed Up Mamas - www.freedupmama.com
Lingua - https://www.linguallc.com/
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you wa...
Free Birth at Home - Evie's Birth Story
In this podcast, Emmy discusses Evie's at-home free birth to celebrate Evie's second birthday! This birth was so special and simple and is an empowering story. Enjoy!
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a topic you want us to discuss?
Please email us your suggestions at becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
FOLLOW THE SHOW ON INSTAGRAM HERE @welcomemamaco
Emmy...
Natural Home Birth After C-Section - Twighla's Birth Story
A natural home birth after a c-section was Emmy's dream and in this episode, she shares her empowering, inspiring, and truly magical journey to welcome Twighla into this world.
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a topic you want us to discuss?
Please email us your suggestions at becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
FOLLOW THE SHOW ON INSTAGRAM HERE @welcomemamaco<...
Spirited Children - Adapting to Children Who Trigger You
Do you know a child who is charismatic and charming but whose big reactions and strong personality trigger you constantly? You might know a spirited child.
In this podcast, Emmy, a former school psychologist and mental health professional, shares her experience of working with and raising spirited children. She discusses her struggle and how she has worked on herself and the children's environments and skillset to improve life for everyone!
For more information on Mom-mas - head to www.welcome-mama.com
We want to hear your birth and mot...
The Witch and The Woo: Meeting with Spiritual Channel and Mom, Nea Clare
It's Emmy's birthday! To celebrate, we met with a very special guest - Nea Clare!
Nea is a mom of a fourteen-year-old and five-year-old, a mindset coach.. oh and a spiritual channel.
In this podcast, Nea tells us about what it was like to tune into her gift of talking with spirits and what it has been like since then. She also gave us each a short reading that was SPOT on.
To connect with Nea head to www.yeswardcoaching.com
We want to hear your birth and...
Are Modern Moms Missing Out? Let's Explore Rites of Passage
In this eye-opening podcast, Sam brings the topic of Rites of Passage to the table. What are they, is motherhood a rite of passage, and are we doing it all wrong?
We discuss what a healthy rite of passage looks like and how you can embrace your motherhood as the rite of passage it is and was meant to be with ceremony or just intention.
For more on rites of passage go to www.nikkmccahon.com or check out Jane Hardwick Collins's book Herstory.
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! C...
Teddy's Birth Story: Sam's Experience Being Induced as a First Time Mom
In this podcast, Sam shares her experience of deciding to induce labor, her lessons learned, and what she plans to do differently next time. She explores how she and her view of birth have changed since experiencing her version of motherhood and whether or not she would change her first birth.
If you have a birth story you would like to share, you can fill out this form or email becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to h...
The Witch and The Woo: Spooky Motherhood Stories
In this spooky Halloween edition, Emmy and Sam share their spooky stories and their touches with the other side, as well as open up about some of their beliefs and practices.
The Witch and The Woo is a little side series you'll see dropping in every once in a while, just because the girls like talking to each other about these things!
If you want to see more episodes like this, you can let us know at becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
You can also submit your birth story, matrescence story, or spooky story here: htt...
Fox's Birth Story
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by us!
Have a guest you want on the show or a topic you want us to discuss?
Please email us your suggestions at becomingmamapodcast@gmail.com
FOLLOW THE SHOW ON INSTAGRAM HERE @welcomemamaco
Emmy - @emmy_kissinger
TikTok @emmy_kissinger
www.arrivalsotires.co for birth story listening services
Sam - @samthomsonhall
YouTube: www...
The First 40 Days Postpartum
HEY MAMA - WE ARE MOVING OUR UPLOAD DAY!
From now on we'll be uploading on Tuesdays at 12 AM so make a note, set your alarms, and enjoy Becoming Mama to start your day on TUESDAYS starting 10/24!
In this extremely vulnerable podcast, Emmy and Sam discuss the first forty days. Whatever you call it, the first forty days, the postpartum period, the fourth trimester, while wonderful in many ways, it is challenging. In this podcast, we discuss our experiences and what we have done or will do to make the first 40 days more m...
Birth Story Listening - How to Accept and Transform Your Birth Experience
In this powerful podcast, Emmy explains what birth story listening is, where the process originated, how it helped her heal from her traumatic birth, and now helps her help others to heal.
If this podcast resonated with you, Emmy is hosting a Birth Stories Writing Session on Oct. 29th! Click here to learn more and to register!
For more on Birth Story Listening head to www.arrivalstories.com
We want to hear your birth and motherhood stories! Click here to be on the podcast or to have your story read by u...
