It's A Circus - Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of self care
By: Elsa Cherner
Language: en-us
Categories: Kids, Family, Parenting, Society, Culture, Personal, Journals
Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of self-care.Hosted by Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus pulls back the curtain on the beautiful chaos of parenting. Through raw conversations with mothers, entrepreneurs, and women of all walks, the show explores what it really means to raise kids while holding onto yourself.Each episode is part confession, part community — reminding you that you’re not alone in the madness. From the heartbreak and humor of matrescence to the little rituals that keep us sane, this podcast is equal parts relatable, vulnerable, and empowering.✨ Motherhood may be a circus, but here you...
Episodes
Recalibration and Agility in Motherhood with Anna
Jan 07, 2026Send us a text
In this engaging episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa sits down with her friend Anna to discuss the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a thriving career. Anna shares her personal journey from her seemingly seamless transition into motherhood to the pivotal moments in her career, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries, the rewards of being a working mom, and her experiences with her children, particularly her son’s ADHD diagnosis. The episode is filled with insights on building a supportive family environment, the importance of self-care, and how to na...
Duration: 01:26:49I'm Saying YES, Solo Episode with Elsa
Dec 19, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the solo series, the host, Elsa, shares a transformative philosophy that has driven her throughout the year: the power of saying yes. She discusses how this counterintuitive approach, especially amidst the common advice of setting boundaries, has pushed her out of her comfort zone and fostered personal growth, community building, and new opportunities. As a mother and a newcomer to a community, she highlights personal anecdotes of embracing discomfort and the unexpected joys it has brought. She encourages listeners to consider a season of yes in their lives, offering...
Duration: 00:08:34Medicine, Motherhood, and Everything in Between with Dr. Sarah
Dec 17, 2025Send us a text
Join host Elsa on 'It's a Circus' as she delves into an inspiring conversation with Dr. Sarah, a regenerative and integrative medicine physician, former military doctor, and founder of Lesh Lifestyle and the Next Level Women's Collective. Dr. Sarah shares her incredible journey of balancing medical school, residency, motherhood, and the military, all while advocating for better healthcare systems. Learn about her experiences with pregnancy, infertility, and adoption, as well as her passion for creating a patient-centered practice. This episode is packed with personal stories, professional insights, and actionable health tips, making it...
Duration: 01:49:40Finding My Voice Solo Episode with Elsa
Dec 12, 2025Send us a text
Join Elsa, the host of 'It's a Circus,' as she launches her first solo episode, offering insights from her journey through motherhood, entrepreneurship, and self-care. Elsa shares her personal experiences from transitioning from a corporate role in the beauty industry to embracing the chaos of parenthood and building her own business. Listen in as she discusses the importance of self-care, the challenges of adapting to a new life, and the healing power of sharing real, unfiltered stories. This first solo episode sets the stage for an ongoing conversation about parenthood, self-care, and...
Duration: 00:13:34Raw Reflections in Motherhood with Brittany
Dec 10, 2025Send us a text
Welcome to Season 4 of 'It's a Circus' Podcast, hosted by Elsa. In this episode, Elsa is joined by Brittany, a multi-faceted creative entrepreneur and mother, known for her raw honesty about motherhood. Brittany shares her journey of single parenting, co-parenting, personal healing, and rediscovering her voice and power. She dives deep into her experiences with pregnancy, the struggles of postpartum, and the overwhelming yet rewarding aspects of raising her 3-year-old daughter, Aya. Brittany's story highlights the importance of vulnerability, support, and self-care in the chaotic and beautiful journey of motherhood. Join us for...
Duration: 00:55:37Replay: Elsa and Dmitri Mother's Day Special 2025
Nov 12, 2025Send us a text
In this special Mother's Day episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa welcomes her husband Dmitri as a guest to delve into the raw and real experiences of parenting. They discuss the highs and lows, the surprises, and the unspoken challenges of motherhood. From the relentless chaos of daily life to the importance of building a supportive village, Elsa shares her journey and the wisdom gained along the way. This candid conversation is layered with humor, heartfelt moments, and valuable insights for all parents navigating the beautiful mess of parenthood. Tune in...
Duration: 00:47:19Words and Wisdom in Motherhood with Hannah
Oct 22, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa welcomes Hannah, a professional makeup artist and astrologer, to discuss the raw and real journey of parenthood. They dive into the concept of perfection in parenting, the challenges and changes that come with motherhood, and the importance of self-worth. Hear Hannah's personal story, including her pregnancy experiences, dealing with postpartum depression, and how she balances her career with parenting. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about redefining success, seeking help, and embracing the beautiful mess of parenting.
00:00 Embracing Imperfection in Parenthood<...
Duration: 01:37:24Grief and Hope in Motherhood with Sarah
Oct 15, 2025Send us a text
Join Elsa on this heartfelt episode of 'It's a Circus Podcast' where she sits down with Sarah, a mother and teacher who shares her courageous journey through pregnancy loss. Sarah provides an in-depth account of her challenging experience with fertility treatments, losing her son, Nicky, and the subsequent emotional and physical struggles. Despite the heartbreak, she and her wife Natalie founded 'In the Nick of Time,' a nonprofit that supports grieving families by delivering meals. This episode delves into the importance of seeking second opinions, the emotional rollercoaster of loss, and the...
Duration: 01:01:19Travel and Inspiration in Motherhood with Casey
Oct 08, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of 'It's a Circus Podcast,' host Elsa welcomes Casey, a mother of two, wife, and travel advisor. Together, they dive deep into the joys and challenges of motherhood. Casey shares her journey of balancing her career, business, and parenting life, offering invaluable tips on traveling with kids, handling the ups and downs of parenthood, and maintaining a strong family bond. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical advice, and inspiring insights on embracing the beautiful chaos of family life.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:31 Meet Our Guest...
Duration: 01:09:50The Dynamic Balance of Motherhood with Laura
Oct 01, 2025Send us a text
Join Elsa in this captivating episode of It's a Circus, where she sits down with Laura, an inspiring mother and National Park Service analyst. Dive into Laura's journey from adoption to motherhood, her background in dance, gymnastics, and yoga, and how these have shaped her approach to life. Discover the complexities of motherhood during the pandemic, moving across the country, balancing a career, and finding joy in the chaos. Laura shares her insights on being a present parent, maintaining a work-life balance, and the importance of creating family traditions. This episode is a...
Duration: 01:13:40Passion and Purpose in Motherhood with Farah
Sep 24, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of It's a Circus, host Elsa engages in a candid conversation with Farah, a mother of two and entrepreneur behind Lush Injectables Med Spa. Farah shares her journey of juggling career, motherhood, and self-discovery. From dealing with unexpected job terminations during her pregnancies to taking bold legal actions and eventually starting her own successful med spa, Farah’s story is one of resilience and empowerment. They discuss the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum, the importance of setting boundaries, and the transformative nature of parenthood. Join them for an inspiring discussion th...
Duration: 01:40:59Adventure and Ambition in Motherhood with Jessica
Sep 17, 2025Send us a text
Join host Elsa in this captivating episode of It's a Circus Podcast as she talks with Jessica Cummings, the founder of Augment Your Business and COO of Revel CPA. Jessica delves into her unique approach to parenting, balancing a high-powered career, and living through extraordinary experiences such as living abroad and navigating motherhood during the pandemic. Jessica shares invaluable insights on the importance of community, advocating for oneself, and making personal choices that benefit her family's well-being. Listen as she opens up about the trials of miscarriage, the joy of travel, and her...
Duration: 01:54:11Grit and Grace in Motherhood with Kortnee
Sep 10, 2025Send us a text
In this heartfelt episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa welcomes Kortnee, a 36-year-old Florida-based architect, entrepreneur, wife, and mother of two, to share her unique parenting journey. Kortnee opens up about raising her son William, who has a rare genetic condition leading to epilepsy, autism, and developmental delays, and her daughter Sophia, who is developmentally typical. Kortnee discusses the realities of balancing work, therapies, and family life, the emotional challenges of an unexpected diagnosis, and the misconceptions surrounding special needs parenting. She also emphasizes the importance of support systems and self-care...
Duration: 01:51:35Secondary Infertility in Motherhood with Jaclyn
Sep 04, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, host Elsa sits down with Jaclyn Cowart, the inspiring voice behind the blog Family with a Gap. Jaclyn shares her deeply personal journey through secondary infertility, the challenges and triumphs of raising children with a 12-year age gap, and what it’s really like to become a mom again at 40.
✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:
Jaclyn’s honest story of hope, heartache, and resilienceThe realities of navigating infertility and IVFHow stress, lifestyle, and support systems impact the journey to parenthoodThe joys and surprises of parenting kids at... Duration: 01:31:21Confidence and Grace in Motherhood with Dr. Walters
Aug 19, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa sits down with Dr. Francesca Walters, founder of Aire Med Spa and a leading expert in aesthetic medicine. Dr. Walters discusses her journey from a traumatic personal experience to becoming a prominent figure in medical aesthetics, her approach to parenting, and how she balances raising two young children while running a successful business. The conversation covers a range of topics including the importance of self-care, the benefits of medical spa treatments, and tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Tune in for an...
Duration: 01:03:26Beginning Again in Motherhood and Beyond with Sasha
Aug 14, 2025Send us a text
Join host Elsa in this heartfelt episode of 'It's a Circus' as she dives deep into an inspiring conversation with Sasha, a powerhouse businesswoman and devoted mother. Sasha shares her remarkable journey, from her unexpected start in motherhood to building successful ventures across various industries. This episode covers her challenges with mental health, navigating tumultuous relationships, and the triumphs of reinventing herself. Discover the importance of resilience, embracing new beginnings, and fostering authentic connections. This raw and real discussion is filled with invaluable insights for anyone facing life's unpredictable circus. Don't miss Sasha's...
Duration: 01:06:25Matrescence and Motherhood with Courtney
Aug 12, 2025Send us a text
Join host Elsa in this episode of It's a Circus, as she welcomes Courtney, a mother of two, entrepreneur, and advocate, to discuss the intricate journey of motherhood. They delve into Courtney's personal experiences, from childhood caregiving to navigating the challenges of miscarriages and motherhood later in life. Courtney shares insights on the physiological and emotional changes mothers go through, emphasizing the importance of understanding matrescence and regulating the nervous system. They also touch on the dynamics of raising boys, being an 'older' mom, and the evolving nature of partnership and intimacy in...
Duration: 01:41:29Midlife Rebirth in Motherhood with Mila
Aug 07, 2025Send us a text
Join Elsa on today's episode of 'It's a Circus' as she dives deep into an inspiring conversation with her family member Mila, a midlife mindset coach. They discuss Mila's journey through motherhood, from challenges with in vitro fertilization to the joys and struggles of raising her daughter Maya. They also explore Mila's current transformation as she prepares for a bodybuilding competition at the age of 48, symbolizing a powerful inside-out rebirth. Mila shares valuable insights on parenting, the importance of personal growth, and how to navigate the beautiful chaos of life. This episode is...
Duration: 01:29:08The Journey to Joy in Motherhood with Rachel
Aug 05, 2025Send us a text
In this heartfelt episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa welcomes her friend Rachel Day to discuss the complexities of motherhood, from an unexpected twin pregnancy to postpartum challenges. Rachel shares her deeply personal journey of leaving a successful corporate career to focus on raising her twin daughters, Amelia and Ava, through sleepless nights and hormonal imbalances. Together, they cover topics such as twin pregnancies, the importance of advocating for oneself in healthcare, and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting. Tune in for honest conversations, relatable struggles, and invaluable advice on navigating the...
Duration: 01:03:16Finding Feral in Motherhood and Beyond with Lindsey
Jul 31, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of It's a Circus Podcast, host Elsa engages in a heartfelt conversation with Lindsey Leigh, the founder of Feral Farmacy. Lindsey shares her journey of raising four children on her seven-acre farm, homeschooling, and navigating her husband's cancer diagnosis. She discusses her advocacy work, the evolution of her wellness brand, and the importance of living authentically. Lindsey's candid discussion includes the challenges and triumphs of homeschooling, balancing work with family, and her recent breakthrough in emotional health. Join us as we delve into the beautiful chaos of parenting, learning, and...
Duration: 01:41:26Curiosity and Connection with Parent Coach Kimberly
Jul 22, 2025Send us a text
Join host Elsa in 'It's a Circus' as she discusses the challenges and joys of parenting with certified parent coach Kimberly Boss. With a deep commitment to nurturing families, Kimberly shares insights on maintaining calm and connection, addressing common parenting issues such as yelling, timeouts, and setting family values. Discover how to navigate the parenting journey with compassion, curiosity, and grace in this heartfelt and practical episode. Make sure to check out exclusive discounts from The Parenting Village and dive into resources that can help you build a more peaceful family dynamic. Don't...
Duration: 01:45:19Rooted and Real in Motherhood with Alissa
Jul 17, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa sits down with Alissa, founder of Root Collective, a somatic therapy practice. Alissa shares her powerful journey through motherhood, overcoming postpartum anxiety, and the limitations of traditional therapy. She discusses her unique approach to blending yoga and somatic healing, her move to Florida, and building a supportive community for women. Alissa emphasizes the importance of listening to one's own body, trusting intuition, and holding space for dual emotions. This episode is a masterclass in managing emotions, building community, and creating spaces where healing...
Duration: 01:24:30Colorful Chaos in Motherhood with Clara
Jul 15, 2025Send us a text
Join host Elsa on It's a Circus podcast as she chats with her longtime friend Clara, a former marketing professional who transitioned to interior design. Clara shares her candid and heartfelt experiences of motherhood, including her challenges during pregnancy, the realities of postpartum, and how she is happy with the "auntie" role. The episode covers Clara's new venture, Clara Loves Color, focusing on affordable and accessible design to help clients create beautiful, personalized spaces. This episode is filled with laughter, honesty, and the resilience of navigating the unpredictable circus of parenting.
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Duration: 01:30:08Building, Birthing and Becoming with Margi
Jul 10, 2025Send us a text
Welcome to 'It's a Circus' with your host, Elsa! In this episode, Elsa reconnects with Margi, a friend and former colleague, to explore Margi's incredible journey from young motherhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Margi shares intimate details about her experiences with the birth of her children, including an emergency birth and navigating the healthcare system. Discover how these experiences inspired her to create 'Take 12,' a platform aimed at supporting mothers needing more time postpartum. Although 'Take 12' eventually closed, Margi's entrepreneurial spirit continued to flourish with the launch of 'Viiq...
Duration: 01:39:17The Intentional Navigation of Parenthood with Aly
Jul 08, 2025Send us a text
Join Elsa on 'It's a Circus!' podcast as she sits down with her friend Aly to discuss the whirlwind adventure that is parenting. Delve into their honest conversation about motherhood, from Aly's unexpected start, miscarriages, and dealing with the heart-wrenching decision-making process regarding her pregnancy, to balancing career and family life. Discover how Aly navigates the ups and downs of motherhood, including her exclusive pumping journey, coping with societal pressures, and maintaining her identity beyond just being a mom. Get inspired by her courageous approach to tackling travel with a toddler, and...
Duration: 01:21:35All the Roles of Motherhood with Kate
Jul 02, 2025Send us a text
Join host Elsa on 'It's a Circus' podcast as she dives into a heartfelt conversation with her dear friend Kate. In this episode, Kate shares her multifaceted journey through motherhood, from being a solo mom, to a stepmom, and finally to a mom in a blended family. Kate opens up about the challenges and joys of each role, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, resilience, and support. She also discusses balancing a successful PR business with parenting, the unforeseen complexities of being a stepmother, and her unique perspective that 'mom' is a verb. Tune...
Duration: 01:16:39Birth Charts to Birth Doula and More with Alyssa
Jun 30, 2025Send us a text
Welcome to Season Two of 'It's a Circus' podcast! Join host Elsa as she dives into real conversations about the messy, magical, and unpredictable journey of parenting. In this episode, Elsa is thrilled to welcome her dream guest, Alyssa—a San Diego-based full spectrum doula, folk herbalist, and astrologer. Hear Alyssa's fascinating journey from astrology to birth work, her profound insights on birth as a sacred ceremony, and the importance of support during prenatal and postpartum periods. This episode is a heartfelt testament to the power of intuition, the beauty of each unique bi...
Duration: 01:15:00Season One Highlights
Jun 09, 2025Send us a text
Reflecting on Season 1: Heartfelt Conversations with Extraordinary Moms | It's a Circus Podcast
In the season finale of It's a Circus Podcast, host Elsa takes us on a journey through the highlights of their inaugural season. Featuring insightful recaps and impactful moments from various episodes, Elsa reflects on the powerful, vulnerable, and honest stories shared by nine incredible guests, including her husband. From navigating motherhood and career shifts to understanding personal journeys through surrogacy and postnatal challenges, each guest brings a unique perspective. Special moments from conversations with Crystal, Neda, Amy Jo...
Duration: 00:32:19Innovate and Inspire in All Acts of Life with Terra
Jun 02, 2025Send us a text
Join your host Elsa on 'It's a Circus' as she welcomes Terra, founder of Pink Sebastian Boutique and Women Powering Change, for an inspiring conversation. Tara shares her incredible journey from running a private Montessori school to launching a mobile fashion truck dedicated to empowering women through style, community, and meaningful connection. Discover Terra's insights on transitions, motherhood, the importance of having a 'why,' and creating a legacy. Delve into real conversations about embracing big dreams, the significance of living in color, and the art of balancing life and business. This episode...
Duration: 01:13:12Healing and Resilience in Motherhood with Emma
May 26, 2025Send us a text
In this heartfelt episode of It's a Circus, host Elsa delves into deep and meaningful conversations with her friend Emma, a tech lawyer and mother of two. Together, they share the joys and challenges of motherhood, discussing Emma's incredible journey through postpartum experiences and a health diagnosis that required aggressive treatment. Emma's story is one of grit and resilience, offering invaluable insights into endometriosis, the importance of support networks, and the reality of parental mental health. From gender disappointment to the unforeseen complexities of parenthood, Elsa and Emma provide a raw and inspiring...
Duration: 01:17:13Miracles and Identity Shifts in Parenthood with Saena
May 19, 2025Send us a text
In today's candid episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa chats with guest Saena about the unpredictable journey of motherhood. Saena shares her deeply personal story of becoming a mom to her miracle baby, Miles, including challenges like an ectopic pregnancy and navigating the complexities of work-life balance while creating her company's first maternity leave plan. The conversation delves into evolving identities, the 'motherhood penalty,' and the importance of a supportive community. Elsa and Saena discuss preparing for parenthood, debunking myths, and the emotional transitions that come with this life-altering experience...
Duration: 01:01:23Strength and Surrender in Motherhood with Corrine
May 12, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa sits down with Corinne to explore the rollercoaster that is parenthood. From the hilarious to the heart-wrenching, Corinne shares her birth stories, discusses the challenges of breastfeeding, and dives deep into the emotional journey of postpartum life. They also touch on the importance of support systems, the societal expectations placed on mothers, and the unique experience of raising boys. Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parent, this conversation is full of relatable moments, laughter, and invaluable insights.
00:00 Welcome to...
Mother's Day Special 2025 with Dmitri
May 09, 2025Send us a text
In this special Mother's Day episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa welcomes her husband Dmitri as a guest to delve into the raw and real experiences of parenting. They discuss the highs and lows, the surprises, and the unspoken challenges of motherhood. From the relentless chaos of daily life to the importance of building a supportive village, Elsa shares her journey and the wisdom gained along the way. This candid conversation is layered with humor, heartfelt moments, and valuable insights for all parents navigating the beautiful mess of parenthood. Tune in...
Duration: 00:45:21Support and Instincts in Motherhood with Amy Jo
May 05, 2025Send us a text
In this heartfelt episode of 'It's a Circus,' we dive into the experiences of Amy Jo, a dedicated choral educator and mother of three. Amy shares her journey from becoming the first in her family to have children, to the everyday challenges and joys of parenting. She discusses the importance of seeking support, maintaining a child's schedule, and the benefits of therapy for both parents and children. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with practical advice and candid reflections on motherhood.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:29 Guest Bio: Amy Jo<...
Roles and Realities of Parenthood with Spardha
May 05, 2025Send us a text
Join host Elsa on 'It's a Circus' as she welcomes her amazing guest, Spardha, to share their unique and engaging parenting journeys. Together, they discuss the unpredictable and often comedic aspects of parenthood, from the importance of partnership in managing family duties to the trials and triumphs of raising two boys. Spardha shares valuable insights into balancing career and motherhood in Canada, the dynamic changes in relationships post-parenthood, and finding fulfillment amid the chaos. Tune in for a heartwarming and relatable conversation filled with laughter, confessions, and some solid parenting tips.
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Duration: 01:16:00Balance and Beauty in Parenthood with Neda
Apr 28, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of 'It's a Circus,' host Elsa chats with Neda, a board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in medical aesthetics and a mother of two toddlers just 17 months apart. Elsa and Neda delve into the humorous and often chaotic realities of parenting, from juggling motherhood with self-care to navigating healthy eating habits for kids. Neda shares her personal journey through pregnancy, breastfeeding challenges, and her disciplined approach to self-care and wellness. They discuss practical tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle, the importance of self-care, and the intricacies of raising kids with close...
Duration: 00:55:49Surrogacy Journey into Motherhood with Crystal
Apr 17, 2025Send us a text
Hosted by Elsa, 'It's a Circus' dives into Crystal's unique journey into motherhood through surrogacy amidst the challenges posed by a spinal injury and infertility. Crystal shares her experiences with finding a surrogate, building a deep relationship with her, and the emotional dynamics of surrogacy. The conversation covers practical parenting tips, navigating external judgments, and balancing career with new motherhood. Emphasizing community support, Crystal provides heartfelt advice on managing parenthood's stresses and finding harmony in life's adjustments.
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Perelel The first OB/GYN...
Duration: 00:49:10