The Bodacious Optimist

Noah Miller on Corporate ESG + Improving Breastfeeding Infrastructure

Mamava — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, host Sascha Mayer talks with Noah Miller, a leader in Environmental and Social Governance (ESG). The discussion delves deep into the definition and importance of ESG pillars: environmental stewardship, social impact, and governance. Noah recounts his unique career path, including his time as a professional athlete and Israeli army commander, and how these experiences shape his ESG work. Highlighting the significance of gender equity and UN Sustainable Development Goals, the conversation also explores the complexities and rewards of implementing ESG initiatives within organizations. Noah expresses his belief in the importance of empathy, collective action, and the realization that we are capable of solving the biggest challenges through collaborative efforts. The episode concludes with Noah discussing his proudest personal achievements and sharing his audacious optimism about the future.

00:00 Introduction to Noah Miller and ESG

02:27 Understanding ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance

04:02 Mamava's ESG Journey and Practices

05:02 Noah's Role as a Fractional ESG Director

06:33 UN Sustainable Development Goals and Gender Equity

11:49 Noah's Unique Career Path: From Athlete to ESG Leader

20:16 Challenges and Opportunities in ESG

21:33 The Impact of Fatherhood on Noah's Work

27:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Mentioned in this episode:
University of Vermont’s Sustainable Innovation MBA

Rho Impact

Vermont Businesses For Social Responsibility (VBSR)

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

EcoVadis

JUST Capital

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Dr. Lisa Stellwagen on Breastfeeding + Human Milk Banking

Mamava — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, Sascha interviews Dr. Lisa Stellwagen, a pediatrician and leading advocate for breastfeeding and milk banking. Dr. Stellwagen, who played a key role in establishing UC San Diego's baby-friendly hospital designation and cofounded the UC Health Milk Bank, discusses the importance of milk banks in providing donor breast milk for fragile and premature babies. She explains the historical context, safety protocols, and the life-saving benefits of donor milk compared to formula, particularly in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The conversation also covers the donor screening process, legislative efforts, and the cultural significance of milk donation. Dr. Stellwagen shares her personal journey and the broader impact of breastfeeding advocacy.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lisa Stellwagen

02:04 The Basics of Milk Banking

03:22 The Importance of Donor Milk for Premature Babies

08:05 The Process of Donating Milk

19:31 Challenges and Awareness in Milk Banking

24:21 Dr. Stellwagen's Journey and Advocacy

31:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in this episode:
Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA)
UC Health Milk Bank
UC San Diego Health, Baby-Friendly designation

Health Economist Tricia Johnson on the ROI of Breast Milk

Mamava — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, the host interviews Tricia Johnson, a professor at Rush University's Department of Health Systems Management. As a human milk economist, Tricia discusses her work in understanding the economic drivers of healthcare spending, particularly focusing on the cost-effectiveness of feeding mother's own milk (MOM) to premature infants. Tricia shares her journey into this niche field, her collaborations with other researchers, and the significant health and economic benefits of MOM for preterm infants in the NICU. The conversation touches upon the disparities in breastfeeding among different racial and socio-economic groups and the impact of policies and interventions like the "ReDiMOM" trial, which aims to reduce these discrepancies. Tricia also emphasizes the importance of long-term economic evaluations, discussing the broader implications of her work, including policy development and healthcare strategies. Finally, she reflects on the challenges and opportunities of balancing her professional research with her personal life as a parent.

00:00 Introduction to Human Milk Economics
03:28 Tricia Johnson's Journey into Human Milk Economics
05:35 Economic Impact of Preterm Births and Human Milk
07:34 Research on Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes
10:27 Addressing Racial Disparities in Breastfeeding
14:28 The "ReDiMOM" Trial: Reducing Disparities
16:15 Economic Theories and Cash Transfers in Breastfeeding
20:53 Challenges and Solutions in Breastfeeding Support
25:32 Personal Insights and Optimism
29:03 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Mentioned in this episode:
RUSH University Department of Health Systems Management Research
Human Milk Institute
National Institutes of Health
Rush Mothers' Milk Club
"ReDiMOM" Cohort Study
"LOVEMOM" Cohort

Artist Corinne Botz Makes Space for the Invisible Labor of Lactation

Mamava — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, host Sascha Mayer interviews Corinne Botz, a visual artist and educator whose multidisciplinary work spans photography, writing, and filmmaking. The conversation centers around Botz’s project, “Milk Factory,” which includes a short film and a book about lactation rooms. Botz shares how the origins of the project were inspired by her personal experience as a new mother in a stark lactation room, and her subsequent effort to document public lactation spaces. The film gained attention when it was featured by Time Magazine, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the January 6th Capitol Riot. For Botz, this project has fostered a sense of community among mothers and increased her dedication to normalizing discussions around pumping and improving maternal support systems.

00:00 Introduction to Corinne Botz

02:48 The Milk Factory Project

04:25 Symbolism and Impact of the Congressional Lactation Room

06:08 Publishing with Time Magazine

08:30 The Upcoming Book on Lactation Spaces

10:39 Exploring Unique Lactation Spaces

12:45 The Nutshell Studies and Artistic Themes

14:25 Personal Background and Artistic Journey

17:21 Motherhood and Artistic Influence

21:38 Final Thoughts and Optimism

Mentioned in this episode:
Milk Factory by Corinne May Botz, a forthcoming hard cover book
Milk Factory Photography Series
Time Magazine - The Invisible Labor Inside America’s Lactation Rooms
Chauntel Norris, Alabama Prison Birth Project
The Milk Bank
The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death

Dr. Lars Bode on Human Milk Research, Maternal Health + Breastfeeding Support

Mamava — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Bodacious Optimist podcast, Sascha Mayer interviews Dr. Lars Bode, a renowned expert in breast milk research and the founding director of the Human Milk Institute at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Bode discusses the multifaceted benefits of breast milk for both infants and mothers, including its nutritional and protective qualities. He delves into the specific role of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in shaping infant gut microbiomes and their potential applications in treating various diseases. Dr. Bode also highlights the mission of the Human Milk Institute and its focus on translating molecular discoveries into public health impacts. He shares his personal journey from Germany to becoming a leading scientist in the US and offers insights into the social and cultural dimensions of breastfeeding. The episode concludes with a preview of the Human Milk Institute's annual symposium and the collaborative efforts to advance the field of human milk research.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lars Bode and Human Milk Research

01:47 Foundational Benefits of Breast Milk

05:43 Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) Explained

10:29 The Human Milk Institute: Mission and Impact

16:27 Innovative Applications Beyond Infant Health

18:29 Dr. Bode's Personal Journey and Career Path

22:17 Challenges and Support in Breastfeeding

27:32 Human Milk Institute Symposium and Future Outlook

29:27 Parenthood and Professional Insights

35:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in this episode:
Human Milk Institute

Human Milk Institute Symposium

University of California, San Diego

The Lancet Breastfeeding Series (2016)

The Family Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Medela's Angela Lang on Lactation Innovation + Breastfeeding Advocacy

Mamava — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Join Dr. Angela Lang as she shares her expertise and personal journey in the field of lactation and breastfeeding support. Dr. Lang, who began her career as a systems engineer before transitioning to nursing, discusses the importance of evidence-based care and the challenges she faced as a new mother. She emphasizes the role of Medela in advancing breastfeeding technology, including the significance of the early pump-in-style models and the latest innovations like colostrum collectors. The episode delves into detailed lactation practices, the physiological benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mother, and the cultural shifts (and infrastructure) needed to better support breastfeeding journeys. Dr. Lang also highlights the importance of accessible education for healthcare providers to ensure mothers receive the support they need from the hospital to their homes.

00:00 Introduction and Excitement

02:47 Medela's Mission and Lactation Journey

03:26 Personal Story: From Engineer to Lactation Consultant

04:16 Challenges and Changes in Breastfeeding

05:50 Evolution of Breast Pumps

07:15 Medela's Role in Supporting Working Moms

08:25 Clinical Research and Breast Pump Technology

11:31 Pumping vs. Breastfeeding

12:21 Importance of Colostrum

22:53 Supporting Breastfeeding in Hospitals

42:07 Community and Cultural Support for Breastfeeding

46:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in this episode:
Medela

Milk Stork

Human Milk Institute

Adeline Druart, CEO of Lawson's Finest Liquids, on Crafting Beer + Socially Responsible Businesses

Mamava — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Sascha Mayer interviews Adeline Druart, CEO of Lawson's Finest Liquids. Adeline shares her journey from studying cheesemaking in France to leading Vermont Creamery— and eventually becoming CEO of one of the premier craft breweries in the U.S. She discusses her passion for sustainable food, the importance of quality, and the challenges and opportunities she faced during her career transitions. Adeline also touches on the significance of B Corp certification, gender diversity in the beer industry, and her role as a working mother. She highlights the importance of community impact, personal growth, and nurturing the next generation.

00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome

01:52 Journey to Vermont: From France to Cheese Making

05:03 Starting at Vermont Creamery

07:16 Rising to Leadership and Business Growth

13:07 Transition to Lawson's Finest Liquids

13:51 Challenges and Successes as CEO

16:47 Lawson's Finest Liquids: Community and Impact

20:04 Women in the Beer Industry

33:03 Balancing Motherhood and Leadership

39:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in this episode:
Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Vermont Creamery

Land O'Lakes

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR)

CEO Kate Williams on 1% for the Planet + Business as a Force for Good

Mamava — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, joins the Bodacious Optimist podcast to discuss the global movement where businesses commit 1% of their annual sales to support environmental causes. Kate explains the origins of the organization, founded in 2002 by Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard and Craig Matthews, and its evolution over two decades. She details the role of 1% for the Planet in advising, certifying, and amplifying member contributions across diverse industries and global regions. Kate shares insights into the value of strategic giving, facilitated through their vetting process of environmental partners and highlights the organization’s impact on community building and employee engagement. Additionally, Kate delves into personal reflections on balancing motherhood with her career and the significance of creativity and optimism in tackling environmental challenges. She also shares unique examples of member companies and environmental partners, including the inspiring Thin Green Line Foundation.

00:00 Introduction to Kate Williams and 1% for the Planet

02:34 Founding and Mission of 1% for the Planet

03:27 How 1% for the Planet Operates

05:50 Global Reach and Impact Areas

06:55 Diverse Membership and Industry Representation

08:26 Employee Engagement and Community Building

09:28 Unexpected Members and Impact Stories

19:28 Vermont Roots and Organizational Growth

21:25 Personal Journey and Leadership Insights

24:01 Parenting, Work-Life Balance, and Advice

32:44 Conclusion and How to Get Involved

Mentioned in the episode:

1% for the Planet

Patagonia

The Thin Green Line Foundation

Michelle Millar Fisher + Amber Winick on Designing Motherhood

Mamava — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Bodacious Optimist podcast, Sascha interviews Michelle Millar Fisher and Amber Winick, the visionaries behind Designing Motherhood. This multifaceted project examines how design influences reproduction and parenthood through a book and a series of exhibitions. Michelle and Amber share their journey from their initial meeting in New York to their work's growing impact, including partnerships with organizations like the Pew Foundation and the Maternity Care Coalition. They also discuss the implications of their work on maternal health and the care economy, reflecting on the importance of design as a mode of inquiry and community building.

00:00 Introduction to Designing Motherhood

01:15 Meet Michelle and Amber

02:42 The Origin of Designing Motherhood

06:41 Challenges and Triumphs in Publishing

08:49 The Exhibition Journey

13:43 Research and Social Media Impact

18:49 Localization and Global Impact

22:50 Partnerships and Community Impact

30:12 Reflections and Advice

37:04 Future of Designing Motherhood

Mentioned in this episode:
Designing Motherhood by Michelle Millar Fisher and Amber Winick
The Museum of Modern Art

The Pew Charitable Trusts

Maternity Care Coalition

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

U.S. Representative Becca Balint on Gender, Politics, + Maternal Health

Mamava — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, Sascha Mayer interviews Representative Becca Balint of Vermont, the first woman and openly LGBTQ+ person to represent the state in Congress. Balint discusses her journey from being a middle school teacher to a congresswoman, her experience in Vermont and on Capitol Hill, and her priorities including maternal health and reproductive rights. She highlights the significance of organizations like Emerge Vermont in training women for political roles and shares personal stories about balancing family life with public service. They also discuss the challenges of the current Congress, the importance of authenticity in politics, and ongoing legislative efforts such as the Momnibus Act. Balint emphasizes the need for systemic change and maintaining optimism in the human spirit.

00:00 Introduction to Representative Becca Balint

02:20 Early Career and Vermont Representation

02:52 Challenges and Priorities in Vermont

06:41 Reproductive Rights and Legislative Efforts

09:05 Empowering Women in Politics

12:03 Personal Insights and Authenticity

17:11 Maternal Health and Legislative Challenges

22:59 Balancing Family and Public Service

33:06 Optimism and Future Goals

Mentioned in the episode:

Emerge Vermont

The Momnibus Act

Amanda Ripley author of High Conflict

Donna Hicks author of Dignity and Leading with Dignity

Christine Dodson on Navigating Factory Ownership + Leadership

Mamava — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of 'The Bodacious Optimist' hosted by Sascha Mayer, co-founder of Mamava, the focus is on the operations and manufacturing side of the business. Sascha interviews her co-founder Christine Dodson, who oversees manufacturing at Mamava. They discuss the challenges and successes encountered as they decided to take on their own manufacturing during the pandemic to gain cost control and enhance product development. The episode highlights the significant role played by Mark Wiggins, whose manufacturing expertise facilitated the transition. Additionally, they talk about integrating a maternalistic corporate culture in a traditionally male-dominated manufacturing sector and the unique organizational culture at Mamava that includes equal benefits for all employees. The episode underscores the importance of making transformative changes in manufacturing, especially for women, and closes with Christine's personal reflections on entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and maintaining a strong company culture.

00:00 Introduction to Sascha Mayer and Mamava
01:19 Meet Christine Dodson: Co-Founder and Operations Head
03:00 The Decision to Take on Manufacturing
05:49 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
09:29 Integrating Maternalistic Culture in Manufacturing
16:04 Challenges and Learning Curves in Manufacturing
21:10 Advice and Reflections on Entrepreneurship
24:24 Looking Ahead: Optimism for the Future

Toyya Lassere on Authentic, Service-Oriented Leadership

Mamava — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Toyya Lassere is the Senior Director of Guest & Team Member Experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. In this episode, she shares her journey from a life centered on care to a successful career in entertainment management that spans music, film, and professional sports at premier venues, including U.S. Bank Stadium and SoFi Stadium. Toyya talks to Sascha about the strides made in gender equity in the workplace and what it means to be a service-oriented leader.

Mentions:
Solar Records
Kevin Warren
Arthur Blank

Sonia Strobel on Sustainable Fisheries and B Corp Certification

Mamava — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Sonia Strobel is the cofounder and CEO of Skipper Otto, a community supported fishery based in Canada that provides consumers with premium fish and seafood direct from small-scale fishermen (think: CSA for seafood). In this episode, Sonia shares her experience partnering with B Lab on creating more rigorous certification standards for the seafood industry, building a brand from a network of partners, and what we can learn from indigenous communities and their foodways.

Mentions:
Skipper Otto
B Lab / B Corporations
Local Catch Network

Alysia Montaño on being an Olympic Athlete and a Mother on a Mission

Mamava — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Alysia Montaño is an Olympic athlete, a seven-time USA Outdoor Track and Field Champion, an entrepreneur, and a mother. In 2019, Alysia’s op-ed in The New York Times about the inequities in her Nike sponsorship brought worldwide attention to the barriers and career conflicts faced by professional athletes who are athletes and mothers. On Mothers Day 2020, Alysia founded &Mother, which is dedicated to breaking the barriers that limit a woman’s choice to pursue and thrive in both career and motherhood.

Mentioned:
&Mother
Alysia Montaño NYT Op Ed

Adam Davidson on the Passion Economy and Advice for New Podcasters

Mamava — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Adam Davidson is one of the godfathers of podcasting, the cofounder of NPR’s Planet Money, and a longtime contributor to many popular podcasts including Freakonomics and This American Life. He has written for such esteemed publications as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and the New York Times Magazine. He is also the author of The Passion Economy, a book that profiles entrepreneurs who have leveraged their passions to create meaningful work and build thriving businesses. In this episode, Adam shares some of the history of podcasting, explains the passion economy, and lends advice to Sascha on how to make a successful podcast.

Mentioned:
Planet Money
The Passion Economy
Freakonomics on AI

Jen Saxton on Relentless Optimism in Entrepreneurship

Mamava — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Jen Saxton is a serial entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Tot Squad, a baby services marketplace that connects new parents with health, wellness, and safety services— like car seat installation, babyproofing, doulas, sleep consultants, and more. In this episode, Jen talks to Sascha about building and selling her first company, how assuming the resiliency of “a cockroach” has helped keep her businesses alive in tumultuous times, and what she is most optimistic about moving forward.

Mentioned:
Tot Squad at Target
Tot Squad at Amazon

Kelly Brush on An Adaptive, Positive Mindset

Mamava — Wed, 29 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Kelly Brush is a mother, athlete, healthcare professional, and the inspirational leader behind the Kelly Brush Foundation (KBF)—an organization dedicated to making active and engaged lives a reality for those who have experienced a spinal cord injury. In 2006, Kelly crashed and injured her spinal cord while racing for the Middlebury College ski team. After undergoing rigorous rehabilitation for her new life in a wheelchair, Kelly and her family created the foundation—just months after her accident—as a way of channeling the support she received in her recovery and to share the power of sport for physical and mental health, confidence, and community building. In this podcast, Kelly shares her story and talks with Sascha about KBF’s aim to influence culture and how all humans are living adaptive lives.

Mentions:
Kelly Brush Foundation
“What Can a Body Do? By Sara Hendren

Nic Longo on Innovation + Enhancing Experience

Mamava — Wed, 22 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Nic Longo is the Director of Aviation at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV). In addition to being the busiest airport in Vermont (and New England’s fifth busiest and second busiest commercial service airport when it comes to landings and takeoffs), BTV is home to the F35s of the Green Mountain Boys (Vermont’s Air National Guard), the fast-growing start-up BETA Technologies, and, of course, the place where Mamava piloted our first lactation pods. In this episode Nic talks about his career path, optimistic leadership style, and approach to making this community-oriented airport a delightful user experience.

Mentioned:
Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport
BETA Technologies

Roxanne Vought on Socially Responsible Businesses

Mamava — Wed, 15 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Roxanne Vought is the Executive Director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR). VBSR is a statewide, nonprofit business association founded 34 years ago by a group of pioneering socially responsible businesses in Vermont, including Ben and Jerry’s and Gardener’s Supply Company. VBSR’s mission is to leverage the power of business for positive social and environmental impact. In this episode, Roxanne and Sascha talk about the evolution of the organization as corporate social responsibility has become more mainstream, where the B Corp movement intersects with VBSR, and how Roxanne leads in the face of radical change.

Mentioned:
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
B Corporations

Michael Jager on Idea Farming + Living Brands

Mamava — Wed, 08 May 2024 16:48:33 -0400

Michael Jager is the cofounder of the design studio Solidarity of Unbridled Labour. For more than 30 years, Michael has been designing and collaborating with international brands like Burton Snowboards, Xbox, and Patagonia. In this episode, Michael talks to Sascha about how his love for music became a love for art and inspired his career in multidisciplinary brand design, which includes building the Burton brand, and the origins of Mamava. Michael shares how his philosophy of Living Brand design was inspired by his roots growing up close to nature in rural Vermont. This episode is a master class for anyone interested in category-creating brand design, and the inevitability of needing to embrace change in business and life.

Mentioned:
Hard’ack Mountain
Burton Snowboards
Solidarity of Unbridled Labour
No Bullshit Strategy by Alex M H Smith

Claire Coder on Changing the Game

Mamava — Wed, 01 May 2024 14:33:16 -0400

Claire Coder is the founder and CEO of Aunt Flow. Founded in 2016 when Claire was just 18, Aunt Flow supplies free-vend dispensers and 100% organic cotton menstrual products to businesses and schools to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, sustainable menstrual products wherever they are. Aunt Flow has implemented free period products in thousands of bathrooms and donated millions of tampons and pads. In this interview, Claire and Sascha talk about creating new business categories, “Flow Bros” and “Fairy Pod Fathers,” and what it feels like to be the Betty Crocker of menstruation.

Mentioned:
Stadiums that stock Aunt Flow
Menstrual Equity Legislation

content warning: swearing, 31:20-32:20

Raena Boston on Creating the World We Want for our Kids

Mamava — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 16:37:57 -0400

Raena Boston is the leader of the Working Momtras online community and a cofounder of the national nonprofit organization Chamber of Mothers. With a monthly reach of over 4 million, Chamber of Mothers champions the work of existing advocacy groups; educates mothers about the personal impact of politics; and encourages women to use their voices, dollars, and power to hold lawmakers accountable for the nexus of failed or nonexistent support systems for mothers. In this episode Raena talks to Sascha about the intersection of advocacy and parenthood, the need for care infrastructure in America, the power of storytelling, and what she is bodaciously optimistic about as a mother of three young children.

Raena Boston is a mother of three, seasoned HR professional, and a writer. She is also the co-founder of the national nonprofit organization, the Chamber of Mothers.

In 2020, Raena established The Working Momtras, an online community aimed at empowering mothers to break free from the pressures of motherhood and let go of the expectation to do it all. Within this community, she leads discussions on vital topics such as parental leave, childcare, and the challenges of working parenthood.
Raena is a prominent thought leader in the realm of working motherhood, paid leave, and childcare. Her insights have been featured on platforms such as Good Morning America, PBS Newshour, and Yahoo Life.

Mentioned:
The Chamber of Mothers

The Working Momtras

The Mamattorney, Daphney Delvaux

Sascha Mayer on Launching Something Brand New

Mamava — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 16:13:14 -0400

For The Bodacious Optimist’s inaugural podcast, coproducer Nicci Micco talks with the show’s host and Mamava cofounder Sascha Mayer about her path to making pods (both this show, and the lactation pods she invented). The episode focuses on how Sascha and cofounder Christine Dodson incubated the concept of freestanding lactation pods (the birth of Mamava) at the design studio where they worked, the power of design and brand to influence culture, and the challenges of creating an entirely new category and business from the ground up.

Sascha is a recognized expert on lactation space design, family-friendly workplace policies, and social entrepreneurial leadership. Her career in design started at JDK (now Solidarity of Unbridled Labour) where as Strategy Director, Sascha designed and facilitated multidisciplinary creative collaborative sessions with brands including HP, Levi’s, Lululemon, Nike Women, and Seventh Generation. Prior to joining Solidarity, Sascha served as assistant press secretary for former Congressman (now Senator) Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Nicci Micco, Mamava’s Chief Marketing Officer, began her career as a magazine journalist and content creator, producing multi-platform health and lifestyle content for brands including EatingWell, SELF, Cooking Light, Men’s Health, and Glamour—and later working with health and wellness experts to architect lifestyle programs that help people live healthier, happier lives. Nicci is also a mom of two sporty teenagers and a yoga teacher.

Mentioned:
Michael Jager creative director of Solidarity of Unbridled Labour

Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Evolution by Cat Bohannon

Trailer

Mamava — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 17:56:32 -0400

Mamava presents The Bodacious Optimist, hosted by Sascha Mayer.

Episode 1 launches April 17, 2024.