In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Courtney Boylan, the founder of LeiLolo, a brand dedicated to revolutionizing the postpartum market by turning sterile, clinical accessories into beautiful, empowering essentials. Courtney shares her personal journey from corporate life at Target and Amazon to becoming an entrepreneur, driven by her own postpartum struggles and the desire to feel like herself again after childbirth.

We discuss the genesis of LeiLolo, which started with a simple frustration over losing clear nipple shields and evolved into a mission to honor new mothers. Courtney opens up about the vulnerability of launching a business while raising young children, the invaluable support of her husband, and the parallels between birthing a baby and birthing a brand.

Our conversation delves into the importance of self-mothering, establishing rituals like journaling and early morning connection, and the cultural shift needed to prioritize the mother's well-being alongside the baby's. Courtney passionately advocates for normalizing all aspects of the female body and postpartum experience, reminding us that "there's no one who deserves pretty accessories more than a new mom."

You'll also hear about:

• (03:37) The "nipple shield epiphany": how losing clear shields led Courtney to design beautiful, colored alternatives .
• (04:25) Why postpartum products are often "stale and sterile" and make moms feel like patients rather than creators of life .
• (09:08) The pivotal role Courtney's husband played in pushing her to follow her dream and the emotional journey of taking that leap .
• (14:05) Breaking the stigma around female bodily functions and products, like hiding tampons or nursing pads .
• (19:34) Courtney's philosophy that LeiLolo is a "company for moms," regardless of how they choose to feed their babies .
• (29:48) The power of journaling as a release and self-connection tool during early motherhood .
• (31:44) Establishing a morning routine with her husband at 5 AM to connect before the chaos of the day begins .
• (40:08) Letting go of rigid visions for the future and learning to be present in the messy, beautiful "now" of motherhood and business .
• (45:03) The funny story behind the name "LeiLolo" and its accidental perfect meaning .
• (46:15) Courtney's definition of "Rewrite the Mother Code": living authentically, following your dreams, and believing in your power as a woman .

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Learn more about Courtney Boylan & LeiLolo

• Visit LeiLolo Website
• Follow LeiLolo on Instagram

Follow Dr. Gertrude:

• Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s Website
• Follow Dr. Gertrude on Instagram
• Stay in the loop and sign up to Dr. Gertrude’s Substack
• Order Dr. Gertrude’s new book “

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with my friend Susie Transou, founder of Hearth and Soul, a unique retail concept that feels more like a home than a store. Susie shares her fascinating journey from growing up in the beer industry and running a large beverage distributorship with her husband to launching a completely new venture at age 50.

We discuss the pivotal moment at a birthday party where a life coach's vision sparked the idea for Hearth and Soul, and how Susie turned that spark into a reality within 48 hours. Susie opens up about the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of community, hospitality, and the courage to ask for help, both professionally and personally.

Our conversation delves into the challenges of self-care for high achievers. Susie shares the concept of "the goose and the golden egg," emphasizing that to continue producing, one must take care of oneself. We also touch on the power of vulnerability, sharing our struggles, and the profound impact of her mother's openness about addiction on Susie's own comfort with sharing her story.

You'll also hear about:

1. (03:40) The birthday party retreat and life coaching session that planted the seed for Hearth and Soul .
2. (05:27) How Hearth and Soul was born in 48 hours with a vision of a "kitchen" gathering place for community .
3. (10:00) Susie's realization that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, and crucial for success in work and motherhood .
4. (17:00) The three core pillars of Hearth and Soul: Home, Friend, and Family, and how they shape the customer experience .
5. (29:51) The "goose and the golden egg" analogy for self-care: why taking care of yourself is essential for sustaining achievement .
6. (36:59) A therapist's assignment for Susie to sit still with her daughter for 15 minutes a day, and the challenge of simply "being" .
7. (43:08) Susie's definition of "Rewrite the Mother Code": being open to new and different ways to mother beyond traditional roles .

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Learn more about Susie Transou & Hearth and Soul

1. Shop online at hearthandsoul.com
2. Follow Hearth and Soul on Instagram

Follow Dr. Gertrude:

1. Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s Website

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Harper A. Bailey (the pen name of Teosha Bailey), a public health leader, speaker, and author of the powerful new memoir It Was Her. Harper shares the deeply personal and spiritual journey of bringing her book to life, a process she describes as a "co-creation with God and my ancestors."

We discuss how the idea for her memoir came to her four years ago as a "God idea," and how a vivid dream on her birthday finally pushed her to commit to writing it. Harper opens up about the vulnerability of sharing her story, particularly the heavy first chapter about her mother's transition, and the writer's block she had to overcome. She reveals her unique writing process, which included creating a sacred shrine with photos of her ancestors, using music and scents to set the mood, and dedicating time for writing retreats around the world, from Hawaii to Rome.

Our conversation also touches on the healing power of storytelling within families. Harper shares how her book has sparked profound conversations with her son, aunt, and cousins, allowing them to see her in a new light and uncover hidden family histories. We explore the concept of "self-mothering" through the creative process, the importance of celebrating small milestones (like hitting word counts with ice cream!), and the profound realization that wholeness is our birthright.

You'll also hear about:

1. (03:52) The vivid dream that finally pushed Harper to write her book after being stuck for a year and a half .
2. (04:14) How Harper gifted herself a writing retreat at a hotel and left with a complete outline for her memoir .
3. (07:59) Her "YOLO Mother's Days" tradition: traveling to Rome with her aunts instead of doing the traditional "pancakes and construction paper" routine .
4. (15:37) The detailed "shrine" Harper created for her writing sessions, featuring photos of her ancestors to remind her she wasn't alone .
5. (18:10) Using the four elements (earth, air, fire, water) and sensory details like music and incense to create a sacred writing space .
6. (26:37) How her book has opened up new dialogues with her family, including her son realizing what she was going through as a mother .
7. (29:59) Harper's core message for readers: "Wholeness is your birthright," and you have the power to reclaim your narrative .
8. (41:20) Her definition of "Rewrite the Mother Code": being authentically who you are, mothering in any season, and learning how you want to be mothered yourself .

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Learn more about Harper A. Bailey

1. Buy her memoir, It Was Her
2. Follow Harper on Instagram
3. Learn more about Harper on her