

The Boss Mom Podcast
Dana Malstaff
Motherhood and business aren't meant to be done alone. The Boss Mom Podcast isn't just a collection of conversations—it's your decision support, your permission slip, your place to laugh, cry, and connect.
Hosted by Dana Malstaff, founder of Boss Mom LLC, this is your new home base, where you'll find mom-centric business advice, the raw truth about being a mom with big dreams, and a ton of hope and proof that you can reach all of your goals.
No matter what stage of motherhood or business you're in, we're here for all of it. From big decisions to little wins, we've got your back. Think of us as your biggest advocate, helping you build the business and life you love, one episode at a time.
Hosted by Dana Malstaff, founder of Boss Mom LLC, this is your new home base, where you'll find mom-centric business advice, the raw truth about being a mom with big dreams, and a ton of hope and proof that you can reach all of your goals.
No matter what stage of motherhood or business you're in, we're here for all of it. From big decisions to little wins, we've got your back. Think of us as your biggest advocate, helping you build the business and life you love, one episode at a time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 1, 2024 • 16min
Revolutionizing #MomLife Content: Our Mission to Provide Real Solutions
The internet is packed with funny and relatable videos about how hard being a mom is. What's harder for moms to find are real solutions to their problems. That's why a lot of moms feel like they're stuck with no way to make things better. Boss Mom is going to change that. We want to gather real information about what moms need and use it to create helpful tools and resources. Why do moms need a lot more than relatable and funny content? How can we help moms find support and actual solutions? In this episode, I talk about how we're planning to help moms get noticed, and introduce a new social networking app just for moms. "Sales and marketing is the hardest part about what you do. Like you love being an expert, you love helping people, but getting seen and building authority is the harder part, so we want to make that easier." -Dana Malstaff 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode -How data can help you succeed Boss Mom is gathering important info to change what success means for moms, from handling time to family life. How will this data help you? -Get noticed and build your reputation It's easier than ever to share your content on Boss Mom and build your reputation. How could this boost your business? -New strategies to connect and grow Boss Mom+ is a new social networking app made just for moms. How will it make marketing and networking easier for moms?

Jul 25, 2024 • 38min
Marketing Trends Are Overwhelming...This Will Make It Easier w/ Dr. Colleen Kendrick
Marketing used to be all about newspaper ads and radio spots, now it's all about digital platforms, social media and AI. If you're trying to grow your business, navigating these changes can be tricky, especially if you've been in the marketing game for a long time. Because of how rapidly marketing is evolving, staying on top of all the changes can be overwhelming. How do you find the right strategy for your business with so many platforms and tools to grapple with? How do you decide which tools and platforms are worth your time and effort? What unique skills do mom entrepreneurs have that might give them an advantage? In this episode, marketing expert Dr. Colleen Kendrick and I talk about these questions and more. We discuss the unique challenges faced by mom entrepreneurs and highlight the importance of respecting and wisely using marketing tools. Being an entrepreneur, you become a marketer in some capacity, no matter how involved you want to be. Whether you're the voice and face of your brand or working behind the scenes, there's always so much to do. – Dr. Colleen Kendrick 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode -Keeping up with marketing tech Marketing has changed from old-fashioned ways like newspapers to modern ways like the internet, and this change has affected small business owners today. How do we keep up with new technology? -Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood Mom entrepreneurs face challenges in running a business while raising a family. What special skills do mom entrepreneurs bring to the table? -Using marketing tools wisely It's important to use marketing tools wisely and spend your time and money on tools that help your business. How can you avoid getting too tired and stay focused on what really matters? Guest Bio Dr. Colleen Kendrick, CEO of Nonprofit Partners, has 25 years of experience in marketing communications. Colleen has a doctorate in business and has been an entrepreneur since 2010. She serves as an adjunct professor at Rowan University, is on the organizing committee for TEDxCapeMay, and is a married mom of two. Colleen is the host of The Mom Shuffle podcast. Follow her on: LinkedIn Instagram (@colleenkendrickdba) Instagram (@themomshuffle) Facebook

Jul 18, 2024 • 9min
Being a Mom Doesn't Mean You Have to Give Up On Your Dreams
Motherhood is a journey full of love, joy, and challenges. As moms, we often struggle to balance our dreams with taking care of our children. People often think that having kids means giving up on our own goals. But is this really true? Can we balance our dreams and the needs of our kids? In this episode, I talk about the challenges of being a mom with big dreams. I discuss the pressure from society, the sacrifices we make, and why it's important to go at your own speed. Let's enjoy the slow and steady journey, finding happiness in both our dreams and being a mom. "I have a problem with somebody saying that once you have kids you don't get to do anything you want and you don't get to really have your dreams." – Dana Malstaff 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode -Balancing Dreams and Parenthood Most people seem to think once you become a mom, you can't follow your dreams. How can we still chase them? -Going Slow is Okay It's fine to take your time when reaching your dreams as a mom. How can we raise children mindfully and gradually accomplish our goals? -Finding Joy in Both Roles The time we spend with our kids can be just as rewarding as chasing our dreams. How can we shift our perspective to find joy in both?

Jul 11, 2024 • 19min
Feeling Guilty As A Working Mom: Real Talk With Dana
Being a mom and running a business can be really hard. We often feel guilty because we're not sure if we're doing the right things for our kids or our jobs. Guilt is a common emotion, particularly among mom entrepreneurs juggling dreams and responsibilities. It can be a motivator and a hindrance, and learning how to manage it effectively is essential. Why do we feel guilty about caring so much for our families and our dreams? I know how hard it is to balance both, and it can really make us question our decisions. In this episode, I will introduce a special tool which I use that will help you think about what you want to achieve with your money, how you want to feel, and what kind of environment you need to be happy and productive. "It's legitimate to feel guilty if you've made choices that you aren't sure were right. That's a completely natural human way to feel." -Dana Malstaff 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode -Understanding the Root of Guilt Guilt is tied to the uncertainty of making the right decisions in parenting and business. Have you ever questioned whether you're making the right choices for your family or your career? -Implementing the F.E.E. Test Use this test to evaluate your decisions. How can breaking down your goals into 3 categories help reduce your feelings of guilt? -Creating a Supportive Environment Adjust your environment for better productivity and less frustration. What small changes can you make to balance work and family life effectively?

Jul 3, 2024 • 13min
Revealing The Remarkable Reality Of A Boss Mom's Life
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the constant decision-making, juggling business tasks, and the never-ending responsibilities of motherhood, you're not alone. Balancing business and motherhood means constant decisions I have to make and the feeling of always being behind. That's why it's important to find real advice and true connections in a world full of repeated ideas. So, how do we decide which option to take when we're overwhelmed with choices? In this episode, join me as I open up about what it really means to be a Boss Mom. I invite you to reflect on your own experiences and consider what truly resonates with your lives and values. "I want a business that is scalable no matter where I am, that ebbs and flows with how my life is going to ebb and flow." -Dana Malstaff 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode -Balancing Business and Motherhood The flexibility of running a business can actually lead to more disruptions. How do you manage the unique challenges of being a mom and an entrepreneur? -The Importance of Genuine Connection In a world full of repeated content, how do you find real advice and true connections? -Building a Supportive Community BossMom+ can provide the support and advice you need to navigate the complexities of life and business. Why is it important to have a home base for moms building businesses?

Jun 27, 2024 • 21min
3 Decades and the Next Big Thing: These Marketing Trends Were Made for Moms
Many people think that online courses and social media are the best ways to grow your business, but smaller, close-knit groups can be even better. Building strong, personal connections is really important in today's business world. For moms, this is very helpful. Moms can make strong connections and grow their businesses by joining smaller, personal groups, without the stress of trying to be everywhere online, all the time. With your busy schedule, how can you find the right people and groups to help you? Can small, close-knit groups really help your business grow? In today's episode, I talk about the big changes in business trends over the past 30 years. From the blogging craze of the 2000s to the boom of online courses in the 2010s, I see a move towards intimate networking and smaller communities. I'm sharing how these changes affect where you should focus your business efforts today, especially in an uncertain economy. "I think we're moving into a space of finding your loyal space, growing with that, and becoming micro famous there, because there's not enough energy, especially for moms, to be everywhere." -Dana Malstaff 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode -The Evolution of Business Trends Business trends have changed a lot over the past 30 years. How can you adapt to these changes for better business growth? -Adapting to a Hesitant Economy In uncertain times, people are more careful about spending money. How can you show clear value in your offerings to attract customers? -The Future of Networking Smaller, paid communities are becoming more effective than broad social media strategies. How can you build strong, loyal connections in these intimate groups?

Jun 20, 2024 • 19min
Behind Boss Mom's Success: My Winning Moves and My Biggest Slip Up
As entrepreneurs, we've been tricked into believing that a successful brand is all about having the perfect strategy or the best marketing techniques. So we work tirelessly, pouring their heart and soul into our businesses, only to feel disconnected, overwhelmed and burned out on marketing. Have you ever wondered why, despite your hard work, your business isn't growing as you hoped? The reality is that nurturing genuine connections and creating a loyal community takes more than just effort—it requires a deep understanding of your audience and a commitment to authenticity. In this episode, I share my journey of building a strong and connected community over the past decade. I reveal the proven ways that have helped me foster a sense of belonging among my followers and also talk about the mistakes I made along the way. "You can't help everybody, sometimes the people that need you the most don't have the bandwidth to do and implement what you want to teach them. You can't build a profitable business on the people that need you the most." -Dana Malstaff 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode -Separate Yourself from Your Content If you don't take your content too personally, you won't be afraid to share your ideas and connect with others. How do you create a separation between your content and your identity? -Help Those Who Are Ready We want to help the people who need us the most but you can't build a business on people in survival mode. Who should we focus on instead? -Share a Common Goal When people believe in the same goal, they work better together. How do you tap into what you and your community want to change in the world?

Jun 13, 2024 • 42min
True Profit: The Wealth of Non-Monetary Gains w/Heather Chauvin
Most people think profit is all about money. They work tirelessly, sacrificing their time, energy, and well-being, only to find themselves burnt out and unfulfilled. Society has conditioned us to believe that just having enough is acceptable, but this mindset keeps us trapped in survival mode. Have you ever asked yourself why you never seem to have enough time, energy, or emotional freedom? The truth is, you're probably stuck in a cycle of just getting by. You might think, "If I just work a little harder, I'll achieve financial freedom." But even with more money, the exhaustion and emotional drain continue. It feels like there's no way out. In this episode, Heather Chauvin returns. As a business owner who defines profit in a way that goes beyond just financial gains, she shares how to align your actions with your desires and truly thrive. "Profit is not just about money but it's about time freedom and emotional freedom." -Heather Chauvin 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode -Profit Is More Than Just Money Profit isn't just about making money but it also means having more time and feeling good. Have you ever thought about how having more time and energy can make you feel richer? -Stop Just Getting By Many people think they only deserve just enough to get by, but this keeps them stuck and tired. What if you could feel happy and have more than just enough? -Match Your Actions With What You Want To really change, you need to do things that match what you want in life. Can small daily actions really make a big difference in your happiness and success? Guest Bio Heather Chauvin is a leadership coach who helps 'successful' women courageously and authentically live, work, and parent on their own terms. Heather started her career as a social worker helping adults understand children's behavior. But it wasn't until 2013 when a stage 4 cancer diagnosis pushed her to take a deeper stand for change, uncovering how cultural expectations sabotage our dreams. She has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Real Simple Magazine, Mind Body Green, Google, and more. When Heather isn't working, you will find her living out what she teaches which may include kayaking Alaska, snowboarding, hiking, or anything else that challenges what she believes is possible for herself (and inviting her children along the journey). Life is full of opportunities. It's time to feel alive. Listen to her podcast at https://www.heatherchauvin.com/podcast. For free tools & resources from Heather, visit https://heatherchauvin.com/freegifts. Follow Heather Chauvin on Instagram: @heatherchauvin_

Jun 6, 2024 • 43min
Real Moms Aren't Perfect: How to Redefine Motherhood Through Literature w/ Carrie Mullins
Being a mom is hard, and sometimes it feels like nobody understands. We see perfect moms in books and movies, but real life isn't like that. This makes moms feel even more stressed and lonely. We try to do everything and be perfect, but it's exhausting. It's easy to feel like we're not good enough. Real-life moms are not perfect, and that's okay. We need to support each other and find help when we need it. We need to remember that every mom is doing her best. Books and real-life experiences help us understand what being a mom is all about. In real life, we learn from our own moms and the people around us. What role do books play in helping moms feel seen and understood in their struggles? In this episode, I talk with Carrie Mullins, a mom and writer who wrote a book called The Book of Mothers: How Literature Can Help Us Reinvent Modern Motherhood. We discuss timeless tales, what they mean for real moms today, and how we can be kinder to ourselves and find support from others. It's not just that moms get mad, but good moms get mad too. The recent adaptation of Little Women surprised people with a good mom getting angry, showing we haven't really made that connection yet. -Carrie Mullins 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode -Books Shape Ideas Stories in books help shape how we see moms. These ideas can stick with us for a long time. What lessons about motherhood can we learn from our favorite books? -Finding the Balance Moms often feel torn between what they think they should be and what they really are. How can moms find a balance between their own expectations and reality? -Support is Key Understanding how tough being a mom can be helps us support each other better. What are some ways we can offer more support to the moms in our lives? Guest Bio Carrie Mullins is a writer and mother of two whose work has appeared in publications such as Parents, Food and Wine, Scary Mommy, and Lit Hub. She is the author of The Book of Mothers: How Literature Can Help Us Reinvent Modern Motherhood, an exploration of fifteen classic novels and how they have shaped our cultural understanding of motherhood. She is always on the lookout for nuanced, inclusive, and realistic conversations around parenting--and a good book. Go to https://www.carriemullins.com/the-book-of-mothers.html for more information.

May 30, 2024 • 32min
Exclusive Insider Look: The Nurture to Convert Coaching Certification
A lot of marketing strategies today feel cold and don't work well. This makes it hard for busy moms to connect with their audience while taking care of their families. What if there's a way to market that not only helps you build real relationships but also helps your business grow? Many traditional marketing methods leave moms feeling tired and disconnected, making it tough to manage both work and family. How can you create a business that really connects with people and lasts a long time? In this episode, I'm interviewed by Krista Lockwood and we talk all about how important it is to build relationships and create a community-focused business. "Nurture marketing is the idea of cultivating a relationship over time with people you don't know." - Dana Malstaff 3 Things You'll Learn in This Episode -Nurture MessagingBuild relationships by making your audience feel noticed and important. What can your business gain from taking care of your audience? -Results MessagingTo build trust, show your results and prove you're good at what you do. What can you do to increase the trust of your audience? -Conversion MessagingGet people to take action by solving their problems. How can learning to do this well help you sell more and get more people interested?


