From Stay-at-Home-Mom To Discovering Her Inner Author: The Wit, Wisdom and Margarita Recipes of Makensi Gage
Release Date: 04/01/2024
From Babies to Barbie and Punk Rock Producing: Cristan Crocker’s SAHM Story
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In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Cristan Crocker—a former actress turned stay-at-home mom turned celebrated documentary filmmaker and producer. Known for powerful projects like The Other F Word and Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie, Cristan is co-founder of Rare Bird Films, where she tells stories that unpack identity, challenge societal norms, and celebrate change. Cristan shares how raising twin boys and a third son in the Pacific Palisades shaped her creative lens, giving her new perspective, purpose, and persistence. Deeply committed to both family and...
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Reinventing Your Life Through the Lens of Motherhood With Visual Artist Ellen Friedlander
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From SAHM To Plant-Based Pro: Alisia Essig’s Path to PlantWhys
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From SAHM to Sweat for Smiles: How Ashley Flanagan Slaughter Blends Fitness and Philanthropy
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In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Ashley Flanagan Slaughter, founder of Sweat for Smiles—a new and unique organization that brings together fitness, wellness, and philanthropy through energizing community events. A former NCAA Division I swimmer and certified nutrition coach, Ashley has raised over $31,000 for charitable causes while inspiring others to move with purpose. Ashley’s story is one of intentional reinvention. Motivated by her own health journey and passion for giving back, she created Sweat for Smiles as a way to connect people through movement and...
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From SAHM to Legal Trailblazer: Lisa Johnson on Survival, Reinvention, and Fighting Back
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Calm Above, Chaos Below: A Mother's Day Mini
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Taking Her Power Pause: A Conversation with Neha Ruch
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Comedy in the Crossfire: The Grit and Wit of Jennifer Rawlings
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Morphing Into Your Next Chapter with Morphmom’s Kathleen Smith
Mom To MORE
In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Kathleen Smith, founder of MorphMom, a multimedia platform dedicated to educating, inspiring, empowering, and connecting women as they navigate their next chapters. After earning degrees from Holy Cross and Georgetown Law, Kathleen served as an assistant prosecutor before stepping away from her career to raise her children. She soon realized re-entering the workforce wasn’t as simple as she had hoped. This inspired her to create MorphMom, a space where women could share their journeys, support one another, and find inspiration to...
info_outlineIn this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by guest Makensi Gage, mom of 3 and author of “It’s a NO From Me: A People Pleaser’s Guide To Freedom(ish)”
As a recovering people pleaser and after years of being the "yes" girl, Makensi is learning that doing it all is overrated. Focusing on her personal growth doesn't come easy and yes, she complains. In her life, the laundry piles up, the toilets aren't always clean, her kids fight, and dinner is rarely homemade.
In her book, “It’s a NO From Me..A People Pleaser’s Guide To Freedom(ish)”, Makensi identifies the obstacles that many of us are faced with just because we are women…which she believes also comes with so many unrealistic standards. She shares her peaks and valleys, life experiences that will have you nodding in agreement, many lessons learned, and embarrassing moments that will make you laugh out loud. She’s navigating the exhausting job of being a wife and mom of three, all while trying to find herself. What seemed impossible suddenly feels within reach after utilizing the freedom of saying NO.
Join Sharon and Makensi as they discuss the importance of being open and honest in relationships, the power in saying “no”, and embracing grace and patience.
Makensi's story serves as a reminder that it is okay to ask for help, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care as a stay-at-home parent. The mental load of parenting is real, and it is essential to recognize and address it in order to maintain mental health and well-being. By sharing her experiences and insights, Makensi inspires other mothers to embrace their journey, find their voice, and prioritize themselves in the midst of the chaos of parenting.
[00:00] Introduction
[00:50] Makensi’s background
[02:00] Transitioning to stay-at-home mom
[04:12] The reality of being a stay-at-home mom
[06:03] The inspiration and meaning behind "It's a No from Me"
[12:01] How margarita recipes made their way into Makensi’s book
[15:30] The ease and the challenges of writing a book
[20:32] The importance of girls trips
[25:10] The crazy logistics of moms getting away
[28:00] The role of respect in relationships
[30:00] How Makensi’s mom superpowers help her in parenting and writing
[36:00] Makensi’s MORE, her communication superpower and a second book
[37:43] Where to find Mackensi online
Learn more about Mackensi Gage:
Instagram: @makensigage
Instagram: @highwayjets (Makensi and hubby Dustin’s side hustle business)
Makensi’s book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cLqlf1
Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
@Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.
Keep an eye out for episode #12 of the Mom to MORE™ podcast where Sharon is joined by Dr. Jennifer Guttman, Clinical Psychologist and author of Beyond Happiness: The 6 Secrets of Lifetime Satisfaction. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
Mom To MORE™ Pod is written and produced by Sharon Macey. It is edited by Aspen Streiff.