In this solo episode, Emily gets honest about that one dream role—the one she hasn’t booked yet, but still believes is out there. She dives into what the role is, why it matters so much, and how becoming a mom has shifted the vision.

From industry detours to internal doubts, she shares the quiet truths many actor-moms carry—and how claiming a dream out loud is sometimes the boldest move of all.

This episode is your permission slip to name what you want, unapologetically. Because it’s never too late, and you’re never too far behind.

✨ In This Episode:

• What Emily’s dream role actually is—and what it says about her

• Why she stayed quiet about it for so long

• How motherhood deepened her creative vision

• Limiting beliefs she’s still working through

• What it means to claim a dream while also juggling motherhood

• An invitation to listeners to share their dream roles, too

  
  

What’s the dream role you’re still holding onto? DM us or share it in your IG Stories and tag @mommywoodpodcast—we want to manifest with you. ✨

✨ In This Episode:📲 Join the Conversation:

In this solo episode, Emily gets personal about something so many moms in entertainment rarely say out loud: “I didn’t know who I was anymore.” From sleepless nights to missing auditions, feeling disconnected from your creativity to not recognizing yourself in the mirror, she dives into the blurry, beautiful, and bumpy path of rediscovering your identity after having a baby.

Emily shares the real story of how becoming a mom shook—and ultimately reshaped—her sense of self as a woman and actor. She talks about what helped her feel like herself again, how motherhood has changed her work, and why reclaiming your identity is not a return to the past but an evolution.

Whether you’re deep in the baby years, pregnant and panicked, or years out and still figuring it out—this one’s for you.

⸻

🔥 In This Episode:

• When the identity shift really hit

• The grief and beauty of letting go of your “before” self

• What surprised her about the timeline of “coming back”

• How creativity shifted post-baby

• The small things that made her feel like Emily again

• Words of encouragement to any mom feeling invisible right now

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📲 Connect with us:

Follow @mommywoodpodcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, reels, and updates.

Leave us a review if this episode made you feel seen—we read every single one!

This week on Mommywood, it's just the two of us—Emily and Cecilia—pulling back the curtain and catching up on all the beautiful chaos of working mom life. No guests, no filters, just real talk. We’re diving into everything from preschool drop-offs and career curveballs to late-night edits and early-morning tantrums (from us or the kids? You decide).

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing it all and somehow still missing something, this one’s for you. It’s raw, funny, and just a little messy—like motherhood itself.

Takeaways

Life can get busy, and scheduling can be challenging.

Finding time for self-care is essential for parents.

Schooling choices can be overwhelming for parents.

Community support plays a crucial role in parenting.

Balancing work and family life requires constant adjustment.

Children's school experiences can greatly impact family dynamics.

Sharing parenting experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation.

The importance of having a support system in parenting.

Future aspirations can evolve as children grow older.

Engaging with guests can provide new insights into motherhood. Motherhood is often described as the hardest job.

Celebrity parents face unique challenges in balancing work and family.

Family planning discussions can be complex and emotional.

The pressure to have multiple children varies among parents.

Every parent's threshold for managing children is different.

Creating a loving environment is a key parenting win.

Apologizing to children after losing patience is important.

Parents often feel guilty about their parenting choices.

The importance of communication with children about feelings.

Celebrating the unique qualities of our children is essential.

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting After Time Apart

03:00 Navigating Parenting and Work Life

05:59 Schooling Decisions and Experiences

11:56 The Impact of Community and Support

15:10 Future Aspirations and Guest Ideas

20:14 The Reality of Motherhood

23:45 Family Planning Conversations

26:02 The Pressure of Parenting

30:32 Wins and Fails in Parenting

41:05 Celebrating Our Kids

Audrey's Acting Career and Business Insights

Audrey discusses her journey in the acting industry, emphasizing that she's always learning and that the business is constantly changing. Audrey shares that while she's had many challenges, she's never considered quitting acting.

Supporting Actor Parents and Child Choices

Audrey discusses her passion for supporting actor parents, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in storytelling. She shares her personal decision not to have children, explaining that she always knew motherhood wasn't for her. Audrey describes her supportive role as a friend to parents, making herself available to help and be part of their chosen family in Los Angeles.

Actors' Parenthood Challenges and Media Representation

Audrey discusses the challenges actors face when considering parenthood, highlighting the lack of transparency about time, energy, and financial commitments. She emphasizes the fear and uncertainty actors experience, especially in the first decade of their careers, as they balance their acting pursuits with the desire to start a family. She expresses frustration with the lack of detailed discussions about the logistics of balancing parenthood and an acting career, particularly in media interviews and podcasts.

Parenting and Friendship DynamicsEmily discusses her experiences with friendships after becoming a parent. Emily emphasizes the importance of putting oneself out there to form new connections, particularly with other parents.

Supporting New Mothers and Caregivers

Emily and Audrey discuss ways to support new mothers and caregivers. They emphasize the importance of taking initiative rather than asking open-ended questions about needs. Suggestions include bringing food, doing household chores, and offering specific help like grocery shopping or hiring a cleaner. They also stress the importance of setting boundaries and communicating them clearly.

Balancing Acting Careers With Parenthood

Emily and Audrey discuss the challenges of balancing acting careers with parenthood, particularly regarding self-tape auditions. They highlight the difficulties of finding time and space to record auditions while caring for children, as well as the financial burden of childcare or schooling. Emily shares her experience of having an actor husband as a reader and paying for her daughter's schooling to create time for auditions. They also touch on the isolation some parent actors face when unable to reciprocate as readers for their non-parent actor friends.

Parenting Challenges and Socioeconomic Disparities

Audrey and Emily discuss the challenges of parenting as children grow older. Audrey shares that her friends with older children find themselves busier with activities and social commitments, contrary to expectations of having more free time. Emily expresses concern about managing multiple children's schedules and the financial burden of extracurricular activities, especially in Los Angeles. They also touch on the socioeconomic disparities in LA and the difficulties of maintaining a middle-class lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in these situations.

Audrey's Selftape May Initiative

Audrey discusses her self-tape practice initiative called "Selftape May," which she started to help actors improve their audition skills without spending money. She encourages actors to practice self-tapes regularly, aiming for about four per week, to build capacity and solve logistical issues. Audrey and Emily also discuss the challenges of balancing acting careers with parenting responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to practice and improve despite time constraints. Audrey mentions therapy and her supportive husband as her current lifesavers.

Contact Emily Feldt Shabel

Exploring Career Transitions and Growth

Emily Bolt and Emily Feldt discussed their career transitions. Emily Feldt shared her journey from acting to therapy, highlighting how it helped her untangle thoughts and feelings.

Balancing Acting and Family Life

Emily and Emily discussed the challenges of balancing acting and other careers, particularly as people start families. Emily shared her plans to start a family, noting that her work as a therapist has provided her with tools to navigate this process.

Therapy's Impact on Parenting Skills

Emily and Emily discussed the benefits of therapy and its impact on their personal lives. Emily shared that therapy has provided her with valuable communication skills, which she believes will be beneficial in her future as a parent.

Navigating Fears of Starting a Family

In the meeting, Emily Bolt and Emily Feldt discussed the challenges and fears associated with starting a family, particularly for women in the workforce. Emily Feldt emphasized the importance of staying present and communicating with partners, friends, and therapists.

Balancing Creativity and Family Life

Emily and Emily discussed the challenges creatives face when considering starting a family. They emphasized the importance of open communication with partners about finances, parenting styles, and maintaining creativity. Emily suggested that creatives should not feel pressured to have everything figured out from the start and should prioritize flexibility and self-care.

Setting Boundaries for Creatives

Emily and Emily discussed the challenges of setting boundaries between work and personal life, particularly for creatives. They agreed that it's difficult to establish specific boundaries that work for everyone, but suggested being more intentional about where to put energy and getting in tune with one's needs.

Art, Storytelling, and Mental Health

Emily and Emily discussed the importance of art and storytelling in people's lives. They talked about how the perception of art as a valid career can be challenged, and how mental health plays a significant role in sustaining careers and relationships. Emily emphasized that healing doesn't erase life experiences, but rather allows for better functioning.

Balancing Family and Career Flexibility

Emily Feldt discusses her plans for balancing family and career, emphasizing the importance of flexibility. She intends to take a short maternity leave and return to therapy, appreciating the ability to set her own schedule as a therapist.

Artists' Paradox: Control and Confidence

Emily Bolt and Emily Feldt discuss the paradox of control-seeking individuals choosing careers in the arts, where control is limited. They explore the idea that uncertainty and the potential for unexpected success can be enticing. The conversation touches on the need for artists to believe in themselves, with Feldt reassuring that this self-belief is not delusional but a necessary skill. They conclude by drawing parallels between the confidence needed in acting and parenting, emphasizing the importance of believing in one's ability to learn and adapt.

Today, I’m so excited to welcome the incredibly talented Lauren Marcus to the show! Lauren is a powerhouse in the theater world, currently performing in The Jonathan Larson Project at the Orpheum Theater, celebrating the lesser-known works of the legendary Rent composer. You might also recognize her from the film adaptation of Tick, Tick… Boom!, which she filmed during the early days of the pandemic. But beyond her impressive resume, Lauren is also a mom—navigating the ups and downs of parenting while balancing a busy career in entertainment.

In this episode, we get real about what it means to be both an artist and a mother—the joys, the struggles, and those moments when you’re just trying to survive on broken sleep and sheer determination. Lauren opens up about her journey through pregnancy, her challenging birth experience, and how she’s adjusting as her daughter approaches her first birthday. We talk about everything from the pressure to “bounce back” after having a baby to the constant juggle of work, childcare, and personal identity. And, of course, we share some laughs (and maybe a few rants) about things like baby sleep schedules, toddler tantrums, and the challenge of keeping our language in check around little ears!

Lauren also shares what it’s like to take her daughter on the road while performing, the realities of finding childcare when you work unpredictable hours, and the emotional weight of being away from home for long stretches. It’s a conversation full of honesty, humor, and that deep understanding

that only comes from talking to another mom who gets it.

We also dive into the emotional tug-of-war so many of us feel—missing the freedom of our pre-motherhood selves while absolutely loving this new, all-consuming role as parents. Lauren and I talk about how our careers have shifted since having kids, the guilt that creeps in whether we’re working or at home, and the constant challenge of making it all work. Spoiler alert: no one has it figured out, and that’s okay!

Whether you’re a working mom trying to balance it all, a fellow theater parent navigating unpredictable schedules, or just someone who loves a good, honest conversation about the beautiful mess of motherhood, this episode is for you. So grab a cup of coffee (or reheat the one you forgot about three hours ago), get comfy, and join us for a heart-to-heart with the amazing Lauren Marcus.

Let’s get into it! 🎤✨

In this episode of Mommywood, I get personal about a big milestone—my daughter just started full-time preschool! I dive into what this transition has been like for both of us, the mix of emotions that come with it, and how it’s already changing our daily routines. From the search for the right school in LA (spoiler: it’s a lot) to the financial realities of preschool and the impact on my work-life balance, I’m sharing it all.

I also talk about the unexpected challenges—like mom guilt, the weird quiet at home, and figuring out what to do with this newfound time. Plus, I touch on the bigger questions many parents face: Is preschool really worth the cost? How do you navigate LA’s competitive school scene? And what happens when your identity has been so wrapped up in full-time parenting, and suddenly, you have a little more space to breathe?

Whether you’re a fellow parent in the thick of preschool decisions or just curious about how this shift affects life as a working mom in the entertainment industry, this episode is an honest, raw, and (hopefully) relatable look at this next chapter. So grab your coffee, and let’s talk about this big transition together!

Cherie Jimenez - born and raised in NYC. Mother, wife, actor. Gabi on Days of Our Lives

In this engaging conversation, Cherie Jimenez shares her unique experiences, from her unconventional wedding at Burning Man to her journey in the entertainment industry. She discusses the importance of family celebrations, her early life in New York, and the challenges she faced while pursuing her acting career in LA. Cherie's story is one of resilience, love, and personal growth, highlighting the beauty of embracing life's unexpected moments. In this conversation, Cherie Jimenez shares her journey in the acting industry, detailing her struggles and triumphs, particularly as a mother. She discusses the importance of relationships in the industry, her experiences with auditions, and how motherhood has reshaped her priorities and career. Cherie also reflects on her home birth experience and the support she received, emphasizing the balance between her roles as an actress and a mother. In this conversation, Cherie Jimenez shares her journey back to acting after a hiatus for motherhood, detailing her experiences with auditions, the challenges of balancing her career with being a mother, and her role as Gabby Hernandez on 'Days of Our Lives.' She reflects on personal growth, the importance of self-care, and the support she receives from her family and colleagues in the industry.

Takeaways

Cherie had her son the day before her husband's 40th birthday.

She never believed in marriage until she met her husband.

Their wedding at Burning Man was a unique experience.

Cherie found a spiritual awakening at Burning Man.

She grew up in a tough environment in New York City.

Cherie's journey into acting began at a young age.

She faced challenges in her acting career in LA.

Cherie was the youngest participant at the Sundance Filmmakers Lab.

She left everything behind to pursue her dreams in LA.

Cherie believes in the importance of staying true to oneself. Cherie's journey in acting began with supportive agents.

She learned to appreciate small wins in her career.

Motherhood changed her perspective on competition in acting.

Cherie believes in the importance of relationships in the industry.

She experienced a significant shift in her career after becoming a mother.

Cherie's home birth was a transformative experience for her.

She found support from other mothers in the industry.

Cherie realized that being a mother is her greatest role.

She learned to prioritize her child over auditions.

Cherie's experiences highlight the balance between career and motherhood. Cherie moved off the grid to focus on motherhood and acting.

She received an unexpected audition for 'Days of Our Lives.'

Cherie was initially unsure about returning to acting after a long break.

She emphasized the importance of being proud of her efforts, regardless of the outcome.

Cherie experienced postpartum challenges but sought to regain her confidence.

Her role as Gabby Hernandez has been a dream come true for her.

Cherie appreciates the consistent schedule that comes with working on a soap opera.

She has learned to balance her career and motherhood effectively.

Cherie has focused on self-care and personal growth during her journey.

She feels grateful for the support from her family and colleagues.

00:00 Introduction and Family Celebrations

05:38 The Unique Wedding Experience

10:46 Burning Man: A Spiritual Awakening

18:51 Cherie's Journey in Music and Acting

21:09 Cherie's Early Life and Acting Career

30:19 Challenges in LA and Breakthrough Role

31:18 Cherie's Journey in Acting

39:34 The Impact of Motherhood on Career

50:51 Home Birth Experience and Its Significance

01:01:43 Balancing Motherhood and Acting

01:04:55 Cherie's Journey Back to Acting

01:11:16 Balancing Motherhood and Career

01:18:01 Embracing the Role of Gabby Hernandez

01:25:21 Reflections on Growth and Gratitude