In this episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon Macey welcomes Gemma Alster, a British content creator who never planned to become an influencer but has built a thriving career through humor and motherhood. What began as lighthearted videos of her toddler during lockdown, which unexpectedly went viral, turned into the hysterical Stay-at-Home-Baby series and opened the door to an exciting and creative new chapter.

Gemma shares how lockdown motherhood shaped her creativity, how narrating everyday toddler moments resonated with parents worldwide, and how viral success led her to make intentional choices around privacy, boundaries, and building a brand rooted in her own voice. Now a mother of two, she reflects on balancing family life with a fast growing creator career.

Tune in for an honest conversation about modern motherhood, reinvention, and navigating growth without losing what matters most.

[00:00] Introduction
[02:00] Lockdown motherhood and the decision to stay home
[04:55] The idea behind the Stay-at-Home-Baby videos
[06:20] Posting for fun and waking up to unexpected virality
[08:19] Leaving a traditional job and taking a creative leap
[10:13] Navigating visibility and protecting her child's privacy
[12:07] Pivoting content to focus on her own identity
[18:06] Balancing motherhood, marriage, and a growing career
[26:04] The importance of support systems and asking for help
[29:41] The hidden resume of motherhood and transferable skills
[32:52] Humor, influence, and seeing motherhood through a child's eyes
[35:46] Building something of her own beyond social media

Meet my guest, Gemma Alster:

Instagram: @gemmaalster

TikTok: @gemmaalster

Looking for More? Sign up for the Mom To MORE® newsletter and grab your freebie: The Mom To MORE® Guide at momtomore.com

Inspired to start on your next chapter? Book a free 15 minute mentorship call here.

Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and now on Substack. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #57 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Liz Lange, Founder of Liz Lange Maternity who revolutionized maternity wear. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon Macey welcomes Caroline Aaron, an award-winning actress whose career spans Broadway, television, and over 100 films. Best known to millions as the unforgettable Shirley Maisel on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Caroline shares what it really looked like to build a creative life while raising a family and making intentional choices along the way.

Caroline reflects on motherhood, partnership, and the power of pausing without losing yourself. From tag-team parenting long before it was common, to turning down roles in order to stay close to home, she opens up about how those decisions shaped her not just as a mother, but as an artist and a woman. She also shares how motherhood deepened her emotional range, strengthened her craft, and gave her a richer understanding of the human experience.

Tune in for a heartfelt and laugh out loud funny conversation about motherhood, creativity, reinvention, and why making yourself happy gives your children permission to do the same.

[00:00] Introduction
[02:36] Early motherhood and family life
[04:07] Partnership and taking turns
[06:57] Adjusting career choices to meet family needs
[08:10] Why happiness matters for both parents and kids
[11:39] Emotional endurance in motherhood
[13:38] How parenting experiences showed up on stage and screen
[17:12] Career pauses and the long arc of motherhood
[22:47] Lessons learned from Caroline's trailblazing mother
[28:22] Becoming Shirley Maisel and redefining how mothers are portrayed
[37:08] Writing Caroline's next chapter

Meet my guest, Caroline Aaron:

Instagram: @therealcarolineaaron

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Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and now on Substack

@Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #56 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Gemma Alster, lifestyle influencer and creator of Stay-at-Home-Baby. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, Sharon Macey welcomes Drew Ann Long, a mom whose love for her daughter sparked a world-changing idea. What began as a stay-at-home mom's frustration inside a grocery store became a patented innovation now found in major retailers across the country, proving that motherhood can be a powerful engine for impact and reinvention.

Drew Ann shares her journey into the special needs community after her daughter Caroline was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, and how navigating daily life challenges led her to imagine a more inclusive way for families to shop together. With no engineering background and countless rejections from corporate America, she relied on grit, intuition, and classic mom skills to bring Caroline's Cart to life.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about motherhood, advocacy, and reinvention rooted in love, necessity, and courage.

[00:00] Introduction
[02:36] Motherhood, career shifts, and becoming a stay-at-home mom
[04:55] Entering the world of special needs and receiving Caroline's diagnosis
[07:23] What most people do not realize about the special needs community
[08:19] The moment Caroline's Cart was born
[10:46] Facing rejection and being dismissed by corporate America
[13:25] The financial risks, sacrifices, and early setbacks of entrepreneurship
[16:03] Mom skills, fearlessness, and building something from nothing
[18:05] Creating demand through social media
[23:14] Mom guilt, sacrifice, and redefining what "having it all" really means
[25:40] Giving back to the special needs community
[29:15] Finding purpose through service and advocacy

Meet my guest, Drew Ann Long:

Website: drewannspeaks.com

Instagram: @carolinescart @drewannlong

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-ann-long-3a22a875/

Drew Ann's nonprofit, Caroline's Cause, reduces the financial burden of a college education for students who have siblings with special-needs: www.carolinescause.com

Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Movement and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com

Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest.

@Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #55 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Caroline Aaron, the hilarious Shirley Maisel, on all things motherhood, career and life off-script. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

Kick off the new year with a dose of inspiration and intention. In this special Mom to MORE® mini episode, Sharon Macey explores why resolutions fade—and how setting meaningful intentions can guide you through 2026 with purpose, courage, and clarity.

She invites you to tune into that quiet nudge calling you toward your next chapter, reminding you that courage isn't about being fearless—it's about beginning anyway. You'll learn why clarity follows action and how even the smallest steps can create unstoppable momentum.

This episode is your gentle reminder that motherhood wasn't the end of your growth—it was your masterclass. The skills you've honed are the foundation for your next reinvention. If you've been feeling pulled toward something new, this is the spark to begin.

Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Community and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com

Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #54 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Drew Ann Long, Founder of Caroline's Cart-a groundbreaking product for special needs individuals. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey talks with Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice Media and host of the Resilient Heart Podcast. A domestic violence survivor turned advocate, Gabi shares how she transformed her story into a mission of healing, empowerment, and resilience.

From single motherhood to entrepreneurship, Gabi's journey shows how resilience can reshape both family and business. Sharon and Gabi explore trauma recovery, the courage to be honest with children, and the importance of building a life rooted in legacy.

Tune in for a powerful motherhood podcast about survival, healing, and resilience. Gabi reminds us that our stories can be lifelines for others, and that motherhood teaches us to advocate for our kids and for ourselves.

[00:00] Introduction
[03:24] Escaping an abusive relationship while pregnant
[05:43] Coping mechanisms and first steps into therapy and healing
[08:04] How practices like hypnosis, Reiki, and EMDR supported evolution
[10:41] Parenting through survival and honesty with a child
[15:25] The power of sharing stories
[18:45] Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship
[21:41] Resilient Heart retreats and their focus on transformation
[23:42] First steps in reclaiming agency and the role of gratitude in daily life

Meet my guest Gabi Garland:

Website: resilientvoicemedia.com

Instagram: @gabi.garland (she's big on DM's!)

Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Community and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com

Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #53 of the Mom to MORE® podcast, a special solo reflection from host Sharon Macey, sharing inspiration to kick off the new year. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE™, host Sharon Macey is joined by guest Joan Hornig, Founder and CEO of Joan Hornig Jewelry - Philanthropy is Beautiful® and Pavé The Way®

Joan began her career as a professional fundraiser for Harvard University and Columbia Business School before spending 19 years on Wall Street. Since 2003, Joan has combined her love of jewelry and design, business skills and experience with non-profit organizations as Founder and CEO of her philanthropically-driven companies, Joan Hornig Jewelry - Philanthropy is Beautiful® and Pavé The Way®.

Philanthropy is Beautiful® is a unique social enterprise model that donates 100% of profits to each purchaser's charity of choice. Her goal is for every client to enjoy being a philanthropist and enable non-profits they care about to benefit. Both Joan's designs and social enterprise business model have been honored by non-profits, educational institutions and the media. Philanthropy is Beautiful® was named Social Enterprise Innovator of the Year by AI Global Media in 2023, marking the second year in a row receiving this award.

All selected by customers, Joan's donations have raised millions of dollars and are spread among more than 1,000 nonprofits worldwide. Her jewelry designs are worn by numerous stars, business leaders and government officials including First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, Former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Oprah, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez. Joan's work continues to be a favorite gift from the US State Department to visiting dignitaries.

Join Sharon and Joan as they discuss the power of women supporting women, conscious consumerism and the ability to make a difference through purchasing choices and the importance of believing in oneself.

[00:00] Introduction.
[00:32] Joan's background and her journey to becoming a stay-at-home mom
[04:43] Joan's jewelry making journey and introduction to Bergdorf Goodman
[10:53] The importance of support from other mothers and women
[13:31] Joan's innate jewelry making skills and belief in herself
[15:31] Testing new jewelry and the importance of jewelry as a form of self-expression
[16:54] The inspiration behind Joan's jewelry
[22:46] Philanthropy is Beautiful and empowering the purchaser
[30:20] Pave the Way and the significance of the pieces
[38:08] Joan's second act and empowering moms to pursue their passions.
[40:37] What is so fun about jewelry and giving your kids wings
[43:38] Lifelong learning and Joan's more
[44:56] Where to find Joan and her jewelry online

Learn more about Joan Horning and her work:

Website: www.ptwjewelry.com

Instagram: @pavethewayjewelry @joanhornig

Tiktok: @pavethewayjewelry

Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Community and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com

Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #52 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Gabi Garland, Domestic violence survivor and founder of Resilient Heart Media. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey talks with Lori Sugarman-Li, author, coach, and advocate for the value of unpaid care work. Lori shares how one shocking rejection led her to champion a global conversation about the invisible work that keeps families and homes running.

From corporate marketing to full-time caregiving, Lori's journey shows how motherhood can be a place of growth, purpose, and reinvention. She and Sharon explore the mental load moms carry, how language shapes family dynamics, and simple ways to make care visible and shared.

Tune in for a powerful conversation about motherhood, equity, and the work that makes life work.

[00:00] Introduction
[01:10] From marketing to full-time caregiving
[02:30] Finding purpose and fulfillment at home
[04:00] The insurance rejection that changed everything
[08:45] What invisible work really means
[11:20] How culture shapes the value of care
[15:00] Teaching kids and partners to see the work
[20:00] Reframing chores as acts of gratitude
[21:40] The inspiration behind Our Home
[23:40] New language for family teamwork
[31:00] What MORE means to Lori today

Meet my guest Lori Sugarman-Li:

Our Home: The Love, Work and Heart of Family — available at Barnes & Noble and wherever books are sold.

Instagram: @ourhomeourpride

LinkedIn: Lori Sugarman-Li

Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Community and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com

Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #51 of the Mom to MORE® podcast—an inspiring archive episode featuring Joan Hornig, the trailblazing jewelry designer and philanthropist behind Philanthropy is Beautiful® and Pave The Way®. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥

In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey welcomes Avril McClement, a mom, grandmother, and two-time HYROX World Champion who's proving that reinvention doesn't have an age limit. From motherhood to marathons and from the UK's National Health Service to the global fitness stage, Avril's journey is a masterclass in resilience and redefining what's possible after motherhood.

Avril shares how she turned heartbreak, depression, and divorce into fuel for a new beginning, finding purpose, strength, and confidence through movement. Now in her 60s, she's breaking world records, inspiring women worldwide, and reminding us that it's never too late to rewrite your story.

Tune in for a powerful conversation about courage, community, and midlife reinvention, and discover how age can be your greatest advantage in becoming your most authentic, unstoppable self.

[00:00] Introduction
[02:36] Motherhood, family, and finding deeper purpose
[05:40] Lessons learned from early motherhood years
[07:06] Starting over after loss and learning to let go
[11:52] Overcoming depression and rediscovering hope again
[14:55] Turning fitness into healing, strength, and empowerment
[18:24] From marathons to HYROX world competitions
[19:58] Breaking records and believing in what's possible
[23:02] Lessons in reinvention, confidence, and self-belief
[25:26] What "more" means to Avril today and beyond

Meet my guest Avril McClement:

Instagram: @savageat65

Looking for More? Join the Mom To MORE® Community and grab your freebie: 6 Ways To Reinvent Yourself Beyond Motherhood at momtomore.com

Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and now on Pinterest. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.

Keep an eye out for episode #50 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Lori Sugarman-Li, redefining invisible labor and author of Our Home Our Pride. Coming soon - you won't want to miss it ♥