Diaries of a Boss Babe

Cultivate #5: Team Awesome: Our Parenting Playbook

What do you get when you mix strict tech rules, solid bedtimes, intentional parenting, and two people who still really like each other after 14 years? Team Awesome, baby. And yes—we named ourselves. On purpose.
Grab your coffee and join us for a long morning therapy shesh, Luke and I sit to get real about our parenting journey. With two kids now 14 and 12, we reflect on the wins, the wobbles, and the wildly intentional decisions that have shaped our family life—from saying no to social media and yes to physical labor, to raising kids who are actually enjoyable to be around (most of the time).
We break down how our parenting style evolved through early childhood chaos, unexpected trauma, and that wild decision to start a school. You’ll hear how our shared values around discipline, independence, and community helped us build a home where rules are clear, money isn’t a mystery, and kids learn to do hard things.
Whether you're a fellow no-screens-until-you've-fed-the-chickens parent, or just looking for a fresh take on modern family life, this episode serves up honesty, strategy, and plenty of quirky Gerhardt charm. You’ll laugh, you’ll nod in solidarity, and you might start calling your family a team, too.
Topics We Tackle:
Parenting without social media (and surviving)
Why bedtimes are sacred in the Gerhardt house
Financial literacy for kids (hello, Bank of Dad)
Balancing work ethic with childhood joy
The dynamic of raising boys in today’s world
Curating your child’s influences (and your own)
Building a parenting legacy grounded in values, not trends
Team Awesome Tip of the Week:Rules don’t ruin fun—they create the space for the right kind of fun.
Listen in for laughs, lessons, and a refreshingly honest conversation between two partners in life and parenting crime. We don’t have it all figured out, but we’ve definitely got a plan.
🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to parent with more purpose (and maybe a little more cheek).

# 38: Cori Myka: Calm, Confidence & the Courage to Swim

In this deeply soulful and inspiring episode, I sit down with Cori Myka, founder of Calm Within Adult Swim—a woman who embodies the perfect blend of life coach and swim coach. Cori brings an extraordinary depth of wisdom to what, on the surface, may seem like a simple act: learning to swim. But as you'll hear, it’s so much more than that.
We dive into the emotional and mental journey of adult swim learners, exploring how fear, trauma, and our relationship with safety often come to the surface in the water. Cori’s approach is both gentle and transformative. She shares how swimming becomes a metaphor for life—one that calls us to slow down, tune in, and move forward with patience, practice, and profound self-trust.
This conversation is about more than swimming. It’s about embracing the seasons of our lives—both literal and emotional. It’s about meeting ourselves in the water, letting go of judgment, and inviting in curiosity, playfulness, and peace. Whether you're terrified of water or navigating your own version of deep emotional waters, this episode will touch your heart and offer the kind of gentle insight we all need more of.
What we talk about in this episode:
Why learning to swim as an adult is 80% mental and 20% physical
The importance of individual stories around fear and safety
How seasonal shifts impact our energy, mindset, and motivation
The difference between teaching children and adults—and why connection matters most
The power of group classes and shared vulnerability
Building trust in ourselves, one small step at a time
Using curiosity and playfulness as tools for adult learning
How the water mirrors our inner emotional world
Mindfulness, patience, and the slow, beautiful journey of growth
Why love, connection, and self-awareness are at the heart of any transformation
Cori’s gentle yet powerful perspective reminds us that we are always capable of learning something new, and that the relationship we build with ourselves along the way is the true victory.
Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to swim or you’re simply seeking more calm and confidence in your life, this episode is a warm invitation to begin—right where you are.

#37 Karen Geiger: The Power of the Pen — Journaling, Midlife, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves

Get ready for one of the most soul-nourishing conversations we’ve had on Diaries of a Boss Babe! In this episode, I sit down with the ever-vibrant Karen Geiger — a speech-language pathologist, journal writing teacher, writing coach, mama to two grown boys, and a woman radiating authenticity and joy.
Together, we dive deep into the transformative power of journaling, the complexities of midlife and menopause, and what it means to reclaim your story in a world that’s constantly trying to write it for you. With grace, humor, and wisdom, Karen shares how therapeutic writing can become a lighthouse during life's foggiest seasons — especially when navigating identity shifts, motherhood transitions, and the emotional waves of aging.
✨ This episode is a gentle nudge to pause, reflect, and write it all down.
💡 What We Talk About:
Using journaling as a therapeutic practice during menopause and midlife
How language shapes our self-image and personal narrative
The role of family support in navigating big life transitions
Gratitude journaling and its powerful effect on mindset and presence
The impact of digital journaling and how it’s evolving
What it means to surrender and trust the unfolding of your life
Why authenticity and community are non-negotiables for personal growth
How fear can be a doorway to self-discovery
Tools and tips for starting (or restarting) your journaling practice
💭 Favorite Takeaways:
Midlife is a season, not a crisis.
Gratitude can exist in the same breath as grief and joy.
Writing is more than reflection — it’s a mental workout.
The stories we tell ourselves can either limit or liberate us.
You are the protagonist of your own life — own it.
This episode is a love letter to self-expression, to owning your evolution, and to honoring the messy, magical in-between moments. Whether you’re a lifelong journaler or just starting out, Karen’s insights will light a spark in you to pick up the pen and begin again.
📓 Grab your favorite notebook and let’s go.
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone who needs this!

#36 Christina Kirkey: Grit, Glam, & Girl Power

Buckle up, beauties! In this episode, we’re diving deep with Christina Kirkey, founder and owner of Pin Up Studio in Raleigh, NC—where inclusivity, empowerment, and killer hair come together! From her early ambitions to building a salon that’s more than just a business (it’s a movement), Christina gets real about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hustle behind her success.
🌟 What’s Inside This Glow-Up of an Episode?💋 How Christina turned her passion for beauty into a thriving salon💋 The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship—miscarriages, losing key employees, and rebuilding with resilience💋 Creating a safe and empowering space for women in the beauty industry💋 The magic (and madness) of coaching younger stylists & leading with patience and accountability💋 Social media vs. reality—navigating perceptions, expectations & industry pressures💋 Balancing fun, creativity, and structure in a fast-paced, high-energy environment💋 The unfiltered truth about motherhood, grief, and the power of community support
🎧 Whether you're an entrepreneur, a beauty industry pro, or someone who just loves raw, real, and inspiring convos—this episode is for you! Get ready for a mix of laughs, life lessons, and leadership gold.
🔑 Boss Babe Takeaways:✨ Ambitions don’t always follow a straight line—but they do lead to greatness.✨ Therapy isn’t just self-care; it’s a power move for growth.✨ Resilience and adaptability are the real MVPs of entrepreneurship.✨ Communication is the secret sauce for business, relationships, and leadership.✨ Social media isn’t real life—authenticity wins.✨ Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary for your sanity.✨ Success isn’t about what society says—it’s about what feels right for YOU.
💫 Hit play, get inspired, and remember—your story is yours to write. 🎧🔥
👉 Follow & Subscribe to Diaries of a Boss Babe for more fearless, unfiltered conversations with powerhouse women!
 
To learn more about your host, Katelyn Gerhardt: 
Cultivate with KG: Katelyn is a business coach, consultant and speaker specializing in help women build their empire as a fierce and loving woman! She helps you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you dream to be. With a focus on building the woman who makes her daydreams a reality, she helps you get crystal clear on what you want and helps you implement the plan to get there one step at a time. If you're looking to start or build a business, grow your team, expand, hire, or create an intentional company culture; let's do it. She's helped hundreds of women master their time so they can build the life they desire. She offers self paced courses, 1:1 coaching and workshops!
Independence Academy: In 2015, Katelyn co-founded Independence Academy a private Montessori and Reggio inspired school serving children 2 yrs through elementary. Sitting on 13 acres, Independence Academy is a place where children are immersed in nature and are taking back their childhood. With a team of 30+ women, (and her smokin' hot and oh so wise husband), Katelyn's mission is to create a ripple affect that will impact the lives of the children that attend, their families, and her team to give them skills and a mindset that will forever serve them on their journey. 
Diaries of a Boss Babe Podcast: The passion project! Cultivating community is the main mission of this podcast. To connect, to relate, to create magic one conversation at a time. Come follow along on Instagram where we keep the conversation going and need YOUR input! 
 
 

#35: Samantha Kehoe - The No BS Approach to Life

This week, we’re diving deep into the art of self-awareness, empowerment, and owning your damn worth with the incredible Samantha Kehoe—trained therapist, mom, happily married wife, and all-around badass. 💥
Samantha keeps it real as she shares her journey from playing by the rules to rewriting them—starting with walking away from a wedding just two months before the big day (talk about trusting your gut! 😮). She brings that Jersey girl energy with her no-BS approach to life, love, and letting go of what no longer serves us.
💡 In this episode, we unpack:✨ The fine line between intuition and fear—how to tell the difference✨ Why women often know the answer but struggle to admit it✨ The mental load women carry (and how to stop shouldering it alone)✨ How boundaries = self-worth (and why setting them is an act of love)✨ The evolving roles of women in career, family, and relationships✨ Why letting go of control is essential for personal peace✨ The unspoken struggles of men & how it impacts modern relationships✨ The messy, wild world of dating apps—and why they make vulnerability harder
This episode is all about growth, grit, and giving yourself permission to step into your power. 💖 Whether you’re balancing a career and motherhood, navigating relationships, or just trying to figure out WTF you actually want—this one’s for you.
 
To learn more about your host, Katelyn Gerhardt: 
Cultivate with KG: Katelyn is a business coach, consultant and speaker specializing in help women build their empire as a fierce and loving woman! She helps you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you dream to be. With a focus on building the woman who makes her daydreams a reality, she helps you get crystal clear on what you want and helps you implement the plan to get there one step at a time. If you're looking to start or build a business, grow your team, expand, hire, or create an intentional company culture; let's do it. She's helped hundreds of women master their time so they can build the life they desire. She offers self paced courses, 1:1 coaching and workshops!
Independence Academy: In 2015, Katelyn co-founded Independence Academy a private Montessori and Reggio inspired school serving children 2 yrs through elementary. Sitting on 13 acres, Independence Academy is a place where children are immersed in nature and are taking back their childhood. With a team of 30+ women, (and her smokin' hot and oh so wise husband), Katelyn's mission is to create a ripple affect that will impact the lives of the children that attend, their families, and her team to give them skills and a mindset that will forever serve them on their journey. 
Diaries of a Boss Babe Podcast: The passion project! Cultivating community is the main mission of this podcast. To connect, to relate, to create magic one conversation at a time. Come follow along on Instagram where we keep the conversation going and need YOUR input! 
 

#33 Gina Trimmer: The Journey to Revitalized Womanhood

Gina Trimmer is a wildly successful entrepreneur, momma of four, world traveler (65 countries + in the last 8 years!) We chat all things motherhood, healing, money, and the kind of personal growth that shakes things up—this episode has it ALL. 💥
Join us for a conversation that’s equal parts deep and hilarious, diving into:
✨ The wild ride of new motherhood—joy, exhaustion, and all the WTF moments✨ Holistic healing—because women deserve options when it comes to their health✨ Why financial literacy is NON-NEGOTIABLE (ladies, know your money!)✨ The reality of postpartum depression—and how it doesn’t always look the way we expect✨ How community and safe spaces can be a game-changer for growth✨ Breaking the cycle of comparison, gossip, and burnout (spoiler: it’s possible!)✨ The power of intentionality in parenting, friendships, and self-care
💡 Major Takeaways:💖 Investing in YOURSELF is never selfish—it's survival🚀 Midlife isn't a crisis; it's an invitation to reinvent and expand🙅‍♀️ Boundaries = self-respect, not selfishness🌍 Travel with your family—you’ll never regret it🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness isn’t a buzzword, it’s a blueprint for peace👑 YOU are the CEO of your own life. Make decisions accordingly.
This one’s for the woman who wants MORE. More joy, more freedom, more ownership of her life. Don’t miss it. 🎧✨
 
To learn more about your host, Katelyn Gerhardt: 
Cultivate with KG: Katelyn is a business coach, consultant and speaker specializing in help women build their empire as a fierce and loving woman! She helps you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you dream to be. With a focus on building the woman who makes her daydreams a reality, she helps you get crystal clear on what you want and helps you implement the plan to get there one step at a time. If you're looking to start or build a business, grow your team, expand, hire, or create an intentional company culture; let's do it. She's helped hundreds of women master their time so they can build the life they desire. She offers self paced courses, 1:1 coaching and workshops!
Independence Academy: In 2015, Katelyn co-founded Independence Academy a private Montessori and Reggio inspired school serving children 2 yrs through elementary. Sitting on 13 acres, Independence Academy is a place where children are immersed in nature and are taking back their childhood. With a team of 30+ women, (and her smokin' hot and oh so wise husband), Katelyn's mission is to create a ripple affect that will impact the lives of the children that attend, their families, and her team to give them skills and a mindset that will forever serve them on their journey. 
Diaries of a Boss Babe Podcast: The passion project! Cultivating community is the main mission of this podcast. To connect, to relate, to create magic one conversation at a time. Come follow along on Instagram where we keep the conversation going and need YOUR input! 
 

Cultivate #4: Luke and Katelyn - Relationship Habits That Keep Us Close

You asked, we answered — and we’re baring it ALL. 💕 In this follow-up to our most downloaded episode (yep, the one where we got real about the massive struggles in our marriage), we’re sharing the relationship habits that keep us deeply connected, wildly playful, and totally irresistible to each other. 😍
Ever wonder how to keep the intimacy alive when life’s throwing stress, obligations, and screaming kids your way? We’ve got you. From the power of pooping in private (yes, seriously) to the magic of clear communication and off-loading duties to relieve stress, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what makes our partnership thrive.
In this episode, we talk about:
✨ Why working on YOURSELF is the ultimate relationship hack✨ The surprising reason couples therapy didn’t work for us — and what did✨ How humor and light-heartedness can fix almost any fight✨ Why privacy and personal space fuel attraction (and why we are NOT roommates)✨ The importance of setting boundaries with kids to prioritize your partnership
✨ Focusing on & looking forward to silly little games with each other✨ Managing stress so it doesn’t kill your vibe (or your sex life)
This convo is raw, honest, and filled with both practical advice and laugh-out-loud moments. We’re not therapists — just two people committed to growing together and sharing what actually works for us. If you want more intimacy, joy, and connection in your relationship, this one’s for you. 🎧
 
Learn more about your host, Katelyn Gerhardt: 
Cultivate with KG: Katelyn is a business coach, consultant and speaker specializing in help women build their empire as a fierce and loving woman! She helps you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you dream to be. With a focus on building the woman who makes her daydreams a reality, she helps you get crystal clear on what you want and helps you implement the plan to get there one step at a time. If you're looking to start or build a business, grow your team, expand, hire, or create an intentional company culture; let's do it. She's helped hundreds of women master their time so they can build the life they desire. She offers self paced courses, 1:1 coaching and workshops!
Independence Academy: In 2015, Katelyn co-founded Independence Academy a private Montessori and Reggio inspired school serving children 2 yrs through elementary. Sitting on 13 acres, Independence Academy is a place where children are immersed in nature and are taking back their childhood. With a team of 30+ women, (and her smokin' hot and oh so wise husband), Katelyn's mission is to create a ripple affect that will impact the lives of the children that attend, their families, and her team to give them skills and a mindset that will forever serve them on their journey. 
Diaries of a Boss Babe Podcast: The passion project! Cultivating community is the main mission of this podcast. To connect, to relate, to create magic one conversation at a time. Come follow along on Instagram where we keep the conversation going and need YOUR input! 
 

#32 Lolly Nazario: Through the Lens of Lolly: Parenting, Photography & Planning a Post-Military Life

 I’m sitting down with the incredible Lolly Nazario of Lolly’s Lens Photography—photography queen, military wife in the throes of geo-bacheloretting, and supermom to two little girls. 📸✨ Hold onto your hats (and your camera straps), because this episode is a whirlwind of energy, resilience, and all the real talk you didn’t know you needed! With her husband on the cusp of retiring from the Army, Lolly is juggling solo parenting, business growth, and prepping for a major life transition like an absolute boss.
In true Enneagram Seven fashion, we dive deep into big dreams, bold moves, and embracing life’s chaos with open arms. We cover everything from the mental gymnastics of parenting alone to finding joy in the small moments and even get into the magic of Taylor Swift’s influence (because, duh).
✨ What’s Inside This Episode? ✨🎤 The universal dream of being a rockstar (anyone else?)👩‍👧‍👧 Solo parenting struggles and why community is everything💡 The mental load of motherhood & why it’s impossible to fully share🏡 Preparing for life post-military and embracing the unknown💰 Money as a tool for freedom (and teaching kids about sacrifice)🛠️ Why kids should do chores (and how it builds confidence)💫 The emotional journey of letting go of idealized parenthood🎨 Seasons of creativity in business—growth vs. maintenance🎥 Pop culture, connection, and why shared experiences matter🧘‍♀️ Trusting your gut, setting boundaries, and making peace with imperfection
Lolly’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of owning your path. Whether you’re a military spouse, a business owner, a parent navigating life’s curveballs, or just here for the fun and feels, this episode will leave you laughing, reflecting, and feeling SEEN.
🔥 Hit play, grab your favorite coffee and get ready for a heart-to-heart with a woman who truly does it all—while still finding time to capture life’s most beautiful moments.
🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your boss babe besties!
 
o learn more about your host, Katelyn Gerhardt: 
Cultivate with KG: Katelyn is a business coach, consultant and speaker specializing in help women build their empire as a fierce and loving woman! She helps you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you dream to be. With a focus on building the woman who makes her daydreams a reality, she helps you get crystal clear on what you want and helps you implement the plan to get there one step at a time. If you're looking to start or build a business, grow your team, expand, hire, or create an intentional company culture; let's do it. She's helped hundreds of women master their time so they can build the life they desire. She offers self paced courses, 1:1 coaching and workshops!
Independence Academy: In 2015, Katelyn co-founded Independence Academy a private Montessori and Reggio inspired school serving children 2 yrs through elementary. Sitting on 13 acres, Independence Academy is a place where children are immersed in nature and are taking back their childhood. With a team of 30+ women, (and her smokin' hot and oh so wise husband), Katelyn's mission is to create a ripple affect that will impact the lives of the children that attend, their families, and her team to give them skills and a mindset that will forever serve them on their journey. 
Diaries of a Boss Babe Podcast: The passion project! Cultivating community is the main mission of this podcast. To connect, to relate, to create magic one conversation at a time. Come follow along on Instagram where we keep the conversation going and need YOUR input! 
 

#31 Caitlin Briggs: The Art of Feeling at Home in Your Body

Get ready for a conversation that will move you — literally and emotionally! This week, I sit down with Caitlin Briggs of Ladybird Soma, a somatic practitioner who helps us reconnect with our bodies and find healing through movement, breath, and deep self-awareness.
We dive into the juicy stuff: the dance between masculine and feminine energies, why understanding your life’s current season matters, and how music and movement can crack you wide open (in the best way). Caitlin shares how grounding practices and emotional intelligence can transform your relationships — starting with the one you have with yourself.
Ever struggled with being seen, expressing your needs without blame, or navigating household responsibilities without resentment? We go there. We talk about the art of communication, the power of vulnerability, and how to cultivate authenticity and self-acceptance even when life gets messy.
Plus, Caitlin breaks down the magic of breathwork, the importance of creating space in our lives, and the incredible insights we gain when we tune into our internal family systems. If you’ve ever felt the tug between who you are and who you’re becoming, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, get curious, and lean into your growth.
Don’t miss this soul-nourishing conversation — hit play and let’s go deep!
 
To learn more about your host, Katelyn Gerhardt: 
Cultivate with KG: Katelyn is a business coach, consultant and speaker specializing in help women build their empire as a fierce and loving woman! She helps you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you dream to be. With a focus on building the woman who makes her daydreams a reality, she helps you get crystal clear on what you want and helps you implement the plan to get there one step at a time. If you're looking to start or build a business, grow your team, expand, hire, or create an intentional company culture; let's do it. She's helped hundreds of women master their time so they can build the life they desire. She offers self paced courses, 1:1 coaching and workshops!
Independence Academy: In 2015, Katelyn co-founded Independence Academy a private Montessori and Reggio inspired school serving children 2 yrs through elementary. Sitting on 13 acres, Independence Academy is a place where children are immersed in nature and are taking back their childhood. With a team of 30+ women, (and her smokin' hot and oh so wise husband), Katelyn's mission is to create a ripple affect that will impact the lives of the children that attend, their families, and her team to give them skills and a mindset that will forever serve them on their journey. 
Diaries of a Boss Babe Podcast: The passion project! Cultivating community is the main mission of this podcast. To connect, to relate, to create magic one conversation at a time. Come follow along on Instagram where we keep the conversation going and need YOUR input! 
 
 

#30 Dr. Mahsa: Healing Trauma & Rewriting Your Story

We’re diving deep into a story of resilience, identity, and healing with the incredible Dr. Mahsa—a woman whose journey will leave you breathless.
From fleeing Iran during the revolution to building a new life in California, Dr. Mahsa shares the raw and unfiltered truth about navigating cultural identity, trauma, and the power of healing. Through heartbreak, loss, and the weight of societal expectations, she found a path to transformation—one that challenges everything we think we know about the mind-body connection.
💡 In this conversation, we unravel:✨ How childhood experiences shape self-esteem and identity.✨ The subconscious patterns that hold us back—and how to break them.✨ The unexpected power of chiropractic care in emotional healing.✨ Why love, curiosity, and joy are the greatest medicine.✨ How parenting with intention can shape future generations.
This episode is raw, inspiring, and deeply human. If you’ve ever felt trapped by past wounds, cultural expectations, or limiting beliefs, this one’s for you. 🎧💫
🔗 Listen now and unlock the power of self-healing. You don’t want to miss this! ❤️🔥