Sass & Small TALK

S2 EPISODE 012 :: It's VDay - celebrate the beautiful concept of loving ourselves as women and mamas!In this episode, there's NO. HOLDING. BACK. Jannine Mackinnon, a community builder and advocate for all women, specializes in Women's empowerment and female sexuality. She offers a safe space to challenge the social norms that we, as women and mothers, have been conditioned to accept as our reality. But it doesn't have to be.Did you know that women's empowerment goes beyond equal access, breaking gender bias, and feminism? It's all encompassing and it STARTS AT HOME with the decision ultimately being... our own. So let's talk about it!9:24 - Let's Talk MAMA MARTYRDOM - understanding ourselves as women, resisting the temptation to fall into martyrdom. 22:55 - Let's Talk FEMINISM  - challenging the "anything you can do, I can do better" approach celebrating where women differ.  26:13 - Let's Talk HORMONES - did you know we have superpowers that come alive at different points in our cycle?32:19 - Let's talk RELATIONSHIPS - how the "transactional" approach to relationships, promotes disconnection. And the part where your host talks a mile a minute, to offset her flushed cheeks. (you will LOVE this part mamas)37:50 - Let's talk "ABOUT SEX, baby"- You will soon see (Youtube version), just how your favourite "PRUDE" (yours truly) is literally transformed in one sitting, as we "go there" in the world of self love, and tapping into our own needs.Give yourselves the ultimate day of self-love, and a much deserved reset. Sit back, and be enlightened by a candid conversation that will blow your mind, open your eyes, and relieve all that pressure (heh, heh).READ MORE HERE!WATCH THIS EPI HERE!LINKSLet's Talk :: JANNINEhttps://unapologeticmotherhood.com/IG - @jannine.mackinnonTikTok - @unapologeticmotherhoodPodcast - @UnapologeticMomsClub / @UnapologeticMomsClubFB - @unapologeticmotherhoodPIN - @JanninemackinnonLet's Talk SASS & SMALLSIG - @sassandsmalls (Main) @sassandsmalltalkpodcastFB/TW/PIN/TIKTOKWEBSITE SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBEListen on any platform HERE!Send comments, questions, topic requests, or guests requests to: https://bit.ly/ContactSassandSmalls

S2 EPISODE 011 :: Chatting about all things Motherhood - the good, the bad, and the exhausting. Lacey shares her insight on how the Millennial Mom is torn between the allure of the internet as a source of information, inspiration, community, as well as a creative space to share and connect, and its addictive appeal leading to the inevitable pressures of having to "keep up". Fostering a culture of perfectionism, it's no wonder Mamas are left to feel inadequate, resentful, and burnt out.From online Sisterhood (which brought us two mamas together in the first place), to the toxic nature of comparison, to the testing of boundaries in the latest phenomenon, "Sharenthood", Lacey and I speak candidly about what a mom really NEEDSto survive and thrive in motherhood. Including, navigating a love-hate relationship with the very tool that feeds our creative souls with a platform to express ourselves creatively. But at what cost?Does more necessarily mean better? How do we navigate a barrage of parenting information we are faced with as we scroll through the interwebs? And would reading the captions before judging an IG Mama on her pretty aesthetics, worth the extra time we don't have in the first place?And like clockwork, the cutest little guest makes a surprise appearance at the end - You may want to make your way to our Youtube version of this episode! READ MORE HERE!WATCH THIS EPISODE HERE!LINKSLet's Talk :: LACEYIG - @lifeoflaceyjanetteTikTok - @lifeoflaceyjanetteFacebook - @lifeoflaceyjanetteLet's Talk SASS & SMALLSIG - @sassandsmalls (Main) @sassandsmalltalkpodcastFB/TW/PINWEBSITESUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBECONTACT US HERELet's Talk SASS & SMALLSIG - @sassandsmalls (Main) @sassandsmalltalkpodcastFB/TW/PINWEBSITESUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBELet's Talk SASS & SMALLSIG - @sassandsmalls (Main) @sassandsmalltalkpodcastFB/TW/PINWEBSITE SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE

S2 EPISODE 010 :: (Trigger Warning) Part of getting our "sass" back as a mom, is finding that inner part of ourselves that drives, inspires, and reignites that creative part of our brain. As to be expected, once kids and responsibilities enter the picture, we often push our dreams aside with the intention of revisiting said dreams at a later time when life gives us the opportunity to do so.Enter... Andrew Velázquez.Cosmetics Brand CEO Author (Love is Art, Art is Love, Amor es Arte, Arte es Amor)EducatorCosmetologistReality TV star and finalist (American Beauty Star) Celebrity Hair & Makeup ArtistWith his star studded career touching the faces of some of Hollywood's brightest stars including Lady Gaga, Demi Levato, Carmen Electra, as well as being part of the Makeup Artistry team on Keeping Up with the Kardashians - Andrew had his share of life and work and experience in the world of beauty.  Why is Andrew on Sass & Small Talk, you ask? Listen to the episode to see why he is a self-proclaimed Mama in his own right. Between caregiving for his younger siblings in his preteen years, to teaching his students and mentoring aspiring Artists (my daughter is eagerly waiting in line for her turn), to loving on his fur kids - it comes as no surprise that Andrew has quite a soft spot for all mamas, especially his own. His journey of self discovery, following a history of trauma navigating life as a young, gay, Mexican American, in the heart of East LA, eventually led him down a path of self destruction. He shares how, along with the encouragement of his Mom (his first love, and the original beauty inspiration in his life), he used these trial moments to help fuel his drive to realize his dreams. Andrew attributes these first critical steps in his young life - to being the very decisions that saved his life and led him to where he was destined to be. From fighting the inner saboteur, to setting healthy boundaries, integrating mindfulness practice in his day to day life, while being of service to others - Andrew allows us to dig deep into his history that brought him to this exciting phase in his life of becoming an Author and CEO of his own Cosmetics Brand.Disclaimer (Trigger Warning) : There will be a brief mention of self harm and suicidal ideation as Andrew opens up about his Mental Health journey, battling the inner struggles of finding his place within his faith and LGBTQ community. READ MORE HERE!WATCH THIS EPISODE HERE!LINKSLet's Talk :: ANDREWIG - @andrewvelazquez_TikTok - @andrewvelazquez_Facebook - @AndrewvelazquezcomMERCHANDISE (Book/Memoir, Mi Corazon Palette, Fan) WEBSITE :: http://www.loveisartartislove.com/https://amoresartearteesamor.com/PORTFOLIO AND SERVICES WEBSITE :: https://andrewvelazquez.com/Let's Talk SASS & SMALLSIG - @sassandsmalls (Main) @sassandsmalltalkpodcastFB/TW/PINWEBSITE SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE

S2 EPISODE 004 :: (Trigger Warning) What happens when you get two diagnosed-as-adults ADHD Mamas on a Podcast Episode??2 Hours (don't worry, it's been cut to at least half) of boisterous bursts of laughterCollective tears (thanks for making me cry, Claire)Oversharing (or what social media refers to as just plain ol' sharing & storytelling)a whole lotta banter, with a sprinkle of cooperative overlap (interruptive podcast host shamefully raises hand...)Not a dull moment in this conversation, let me tell you!It has been MONTHS that we have been awaiting the airing of this much anticipated episode - but fittingly, this ADHD Mama (yours truly) went through all the motions of delaying the process. From technical delays (see below) to a healthy dose of imposter syndrome - getting this episode to air, was like pulling teeth (of a person with ADHD, no less... yikes). ... all the things this amazing guest, speaks on candidly - as she takes us through her mental health journey and self advocacy, which finally led her to her diagnosis of ADHD. You may know Claire Bowman, the very relatable "mom friend with ADHD" with a loyal following on TIKTOK and Instagram, where she shares anecdotes on Motherhood, ADHD, Self Advocacy, & Mental Health - many of them in real time.  Disclaimer (Trigger Warning) : There will be a brief mention of self-harm as Claire opens up about her Mental Health struggles, due to years of misdiagnosis and undetected ADHD. SIDE NOTE: Due to some technical difficulties (and let's be honest, zoom couldn't handle the likes of these two ADHD Mamas) we experienced some audio challenges. Please bear with us in the last few minutes of the episode - I promise it will be worth it!READ MORE HERE!WATCH THIS EPISODE HERE!LINKSLet's Talk :: CLAIREIG - @clairebowman._TikTok - @clairebowman._PODCAST TO BE LAUNCHED SOON! Host :: Claire Bowman (previously known as "Claire-i-tea" Podcast)Let's Talk SASS & SMALLSIG - @sassandsmalls (Main) @sassandsmalltalkpodcastFB/TW/PINWEBSITESUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBECONTACT US HERE

S2 EPISODE 003 :: If you are on a health journey that could benefit from healing your relationship with food - you've come to the right place! In fact, if you're anything like me, and you have experienced:struggling with diet restriction and deprivationfood guilt, fear of food, or body shameyo-yo dietingignoring your hunger cuesbinging on foods restricted before and after following the latest diet fadsor you simply aim to live a healthier lifestyle where your relationship with food is as sound as your relationship with yourself, loved ones, and everything/everyone else in your life - this episode is for you. I have been anxiously waiting to have Randa Derkson of Randa Nutrition, on the show well before Sass & Small Talk was even on air! This fabulous force-to-be-reckoned-with, mama of 2, wears many hats. She is the Host on her own Podcast, Realistic Nutrition Podcast, and the founder of her website, Randa Nutrition, where she shares an abundance of nutritional tips, food strategies, and delicious recipes. Aside from her long list of nutritional credentials (and it is definitely a mouthful - pun intended...) Randa also prides herself in being that relatable reformed fad dieter that so many of us know oh-so-well. But unlike many of us, she chose to change the trajectory of her health journey, by ditching the fad diet lifestyle and learn more about our body's nutritional needs. She takes a strong stand against deprivation and restriction and encourages her clients to dispel food myths and to stop fearing food.  She offers strategies that allow busy moms to enjoy the food they love, while adding MORE of what's good for them. Randa Nutrition recently launched the life-changing program "Food Freedom, Your Way" - the complete system to help you lose weight without sacrificing your favourite foods. READ MORE HERE!WATCH THIS EPISODE HERE!LINKSLet's Talk :: FOOD FREEDOM, YOUR WAYJoin this this amazing program HERE20% off all Digital Products (not including coaching)Promo Code :: "SASSANDSMALLS"Let's Talk :: RANDAIG - @randanutritionTikTok - @randaderksonYouTube - @RandaNutritionRanda Nutrition WebsiteRealistic Nutrition Podcast, Host :: Randa DerksonLet's Talk SASS & SMALLSIG - @sassandsmalls (Main) @sassandsmalltalkpodcastFB/TW/PINWEBSITESUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBECONTACT US HERE

S2 EPISODE 002 :: I am so thrilled to introduce our very first guest on Sass & Small Talk. Knowledgeable, creative, and driven by passion, Renée Jordan of Early Bird, is my absolute go-to when it comes to all things early childhood.Early Bird is a platform subscription, that takes the burden off parents when it comes to activity planning for our tiny humans, and putting an end to the endless scouring of Pinterest. The goal of Early Bird is to use a blended approach to develop the whole child through purposeful play, in preparation for the years ahead. Renée will show you how, in as little as 10 minutes, this platform can set your smallies up for success, while YOU find your way back to that coffee while it's still hot! Just CLICK... and GO.  READ MORE HERE!WATCH THIS EPISODE HERE!LINKSLet's Talk EARLYBIRDSubscribe HERELet's Talk RENÉEIG - @learnwithearlybirdTikTok - @learnwithearlybirdEarlybird WebsiteLet's Talk TASK BINSLive Stream with @lifeoflaceyjanette HERE Let's Talk SASS & SMALLSIG - @sassandsmalls (Main) @sassandsmalltalkpodcast FB/TW/PINWEBSITESUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE CONTACT US HERE

S2 EPISODE 001 :: Have you ever sat in front of your computer surfing the net, with over fifty open tabs staring at you, and you don't even know where to begin because they're all of equal importance?  You're overwhelmed... so instead of doing something about it, you contemplate opening up a new tab, ultimately shutting the computer down altogether, and move on to the next thing? Welcome - to my brain. What I like to call my "colourful brain" - I. Have. ADHD.I will be sharing with you, life with ADHD as a mom, looking back at my school years where I performed the Oscar-winning rendition of "having it all together", masking struggles of the everyday. From merely getting by in school (though shockingly excelling at it on paper), to challenges with time management, to sleep deprivation, excessive ruminating, right into my young adult years of constant overwhelm - yet shockingly thriving in it. Until I became a Mom of 2. Parenting in the pandemic of 2020/21/Current Day - my own personal struggles revealed itself in all its glory where home represented my brain in the very literal sense, and my challenges were no longer mine to experience. It was affecting everyone around me, especially my children.In this episode, I will also share some of the interesting, more 'colourful' aspects of having ADHD, balanced out with the more paralyzing features that have made life very difficult, notably as a mom. I will share some strategies that have worked for me, as well as those that crashed and burned. If any of this resonates with you or a loved one, please subscribe anywhere you listen to Podcasts, smash that notification bell on Youtube, follow Sass & Small Talk on Instagram and on Youtube, leave Apple or Spotify podcast ratings and reviews, and generally do all the things that you would do to support a podcast. My humble gratitude always!CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE TRAILER HERE!READ MORE HERE! “Follow” and “Watch” our stories on Instagram @SassAndSmalls @SassAndSmalltalkPodcast “Listen” to our Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more [Search “Sass & Small Talk”]“Subscribe” to our Podcast on YouTube“Like” us on Facebook“Pin” us on Pinterest“Tweet” us on TwitterAdvertising and Collaboration Inquiries: https://bit.ly/CollabSassandSmalls

S1 EPISODE 005 :: Do you ever spend hours mindlessly scrolling through your social media account and feel overcome by a surge of envy - to the point where you spiral and end up hosting your own pity party? Yeah... me too. The voices in your head start telling you that you aren't good enough, smart enough, wealthy enough, worthy enough, fit enough. And it's plain madness. It's unfair to you, and unfair to the person (or account) you're measuring yourself against - the very person you are inadvertently building a resentment towards. Let's face it, comparison can cause a lot of damage... for all parties involved.But is there a way to see comparison and envy in a different light? Like turning those sour lemons that leave a bad taste in your mouth into a tall glass of freshly squeezed lemonade?Take a listen and check out my secret formula that has helped me take moments of comparison and envy and  "make something" out of it.   Darling, get your squeeze on. Goodness knows, we all need a drink.READ MORE HERE: https://sassandsmalls.com/lemonade-out-of-sour-lemons-of-comparison-envy/“Follow” and “Watch” our stories on Instagram @SassAndSmalls @SassAndSmalltalkPodcast “Listen” to our Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more [Search “Sass & Small Talk”]“Subscribe” to our Podcast on YouTube“Like” us on Facebook“Pin” us on Pinterest“Tweet” us on TwitterAdvertising and Collaboration Inquiries: https://bit.ly/CollabSassandSmalls

S1 EPISODE 004 :: I think all of us mamas and caregivers can agree - there just aren't enough hours in the day. However, some {brilliant} people make the choice to follow the golden rule... sleep when the kids sleep.And then... there's me.On this episode, I'm sharing with you how habitually engaging in Revenge Sleep Procrastination finally took its toll on my health. Something pretty unexpected happened - and I'm 100% sure it had everything to do with this little habit of mine.Revenge sleep is essentially resisting and putting off sleep while stretching out the last little bits of the day into the night. Living a life of back to back busy-ness, while running on empty, and doing everything for everyone, led to inevitable burnout. Sound familiar, Mama?So my dear friend slapped some sense into me. Check out what she does for herself, to maintain a normal sleep routine, and a better quality of life all around. How she was able to find balance between her wake hours and her sleep hours, by simply doing ONE. AMAZING. THING.Join me, as I talk about the "why" behind my need to revenge sleep, and what happened to "scare" me into ending the madness, while working on "making things right" again.Darling, go the eff to sleep.READ MORE HERE: https://sassandsmalls.com/revenge-sleep/#selfimprovement #momlife #quarantinelife #pandemiclife #adhd #adhdmom #domoresleepless #dolesssleepmore“Follow” and “Watch” our stories on Instagram @SassAndSmalls @SassAndSmalltalkPodcast “Listen” to our Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more [Search “Sass & Small Talk”]“Subscribe” to our Podcast on YouTube“Like” us on Facebook“Pin” us on Pinterest“Tweet” us on TwitterAdvertising and Collaboration Inquiries: https://bit.ly/CollabSassandSmalls

S1 EPISODE 003 :: Have you ever been at the receiving end of discrimination, racism, hate, or overall disrespect? And for no good reason? Did it make you feel isolated? "Less than"? Small?I experienced these moments far too many times to count throughout my life, but when it happened to my daughter during the pandemic, I was so stunned, I froze. For the first (and most inopportune) time in my life, I was at a loss for words.  But luckily.... I had someone in my corner. Her name... is TRISHA. In this week's podcast, I will be telling you a story about how a very dear friend of mine, gave me a glimpse of what it feels  like to be seen and to be heard, when my daughter and I were treated with utter disrespect from a stranger. Having a friend in your corner during moments like this makes all the difference. As we near the end of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we continue to bring awareness to racism in our community and the rise of hate against Asians. By starting in our own backyards, we are making change. Enjoy this episode - and if you have a "Trisha" in your corner... be sure to share with her this episode.... and let her know she is making this world a better place!In a world filled with "Karens"... BE A TRISHA.Read more here:https://sassandsmalls.com/be-a-trisha/“Follow” and “Watch” our stories on Instagram @SassAndSmalls @SassAndSmalltalkPodcast “Listen” to our Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more [Search “Sass & Small Talk”]“Subscribe” to our Podcast on YouTube“Like” us on Facebook“Pin” us on Pinterest“Tweet” us on TwitterAdvertising and Collaboration Inquiries: https://bit.ly/CollabSassandSmalls

S1 EPISODE 002 :: Do you find you change the way you parent your child(ren) in front of others? Do you adjust your tone to satisfy what you believe is the expectation of how a parent "should" be with their kids - especially when they "misbehave"? In other words, do you find you become an Oscar winning actor when it comes to being around other Mamas? Do playdates, specifically those with seemingly perfect kids, stress you the hell out? Do you OVERPARENT in front of others?I sure did. And this is why it always left me feeling deflated, ridden with guilt, and made me question the choices I made as a mom.  In this week's podcast, I will be exploring how the overwhelm of caring too much about what other people (particularly other Mamas) think, completely affected my self confidence as a mom, and how I felt it left detrimental effects on my child.https://sassandsmalls.com/overparenting-in-front-of-others/“Follow” and “Watch” our stories on Instagram @SassAndSmalls @SassAndSmalltalkPodcast  “Listen” to our Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more [Search “Sass & Small Talk”]“Subscribe” to our Podcast on YouTube“Like” us on Facebook“Pin” us on Pinterest“Tweet” us on TwitterAdvertising and Collaboration Inquiries: https://bit.ly/CollabSassandSmalls

TRAILER :: The who, what, and why behind Sass & Small Talk. Nice to meet you! I'm Deb. I'm a WAHM of 2, Homeschool Mama, Mrs. Fix it (Mostly Booboos), extra as all get out, and exhausted.... like no other. I'm ready for our virtual hang out with a cuppa coffee in hand (double double pls) and ready share "allllll the things" about fighting through the funk of Mamahood and getting that "sass" back.If you're ready to join me on this journey, or simply want to get a glimpse into the everyday life of a mama trying to find herself through the chaos of parenthood - Lean in! I gotchu!https://sassandsmalls.com/podcast/

S1 EPISODE 001 :: We're getting a little deeper with what's behind Sass & Small Talk. In this episode, I briefly touch upon the seemingly popular idea that we, as moms, are expected to give our own needs/interests/creativity/bucket fillers the proverbial shaft, in order to be a "good" or present mom. But the truth is, it's essential  for us to place value in our own needs as well - allowing room for ourselves on that top bunk of the priority list. It's essential for our kids to see Mama... happy. So here I am, chasing the happy - and wouldn't you know? A happier me, makes a more present me.  More here - https://sassandsmalls.com/mama-needs-sass-back/https://sassandsmalls.com/podcast/