When Fairfield mom Abigail Hartley sat down behind the microphone to record the first episode of “The Mama’s Village,” she wasn’t thinking about audience numbers or downloads. She just wanted to create a space where moms could feel heard.
“It’s a platform for moms to speak and be heard, to support each other,” said Hartley. “I feel like moms are all about their children and we forget about ourselves, and we forget that we have hopes and dreams above our children.”
Motherhood is arguably one of the most difficult jobs out there and it truly does take an army. The podcast helps other moms be heard and supported in moments where they may struggle.
“It takes a village to raise a child but, it takes a village to raise moms too,” said Hartley.
The podcast creates an intimate space for mothers. Hartley keeps the focus very personal and local by highlighting challenges, joys and hidden gems of motherhood. Listeners hear advice that they will use. Hartley and her guests share real life experiences and stories to make the podcast feel more like a natural conversation between friends and less like a script for a television show.
One of the first guests on the inaugural episode of the podcast was Christine Gifis with FITFORMOM, a fitness franchise and wellness company for mothers. The conversation ranged from discussing the best hidden gems in Fairfield County to finding yourself again in motherhood.
“We had our first coffee date and immediately bonded over all the things like motherhood, Fit4Mom, and being business owners,” said Gifis. “It was such a welcoming, comfortable experience. The conversation felt natural and real, more like chatting with a friend than being interviewed.”
Gifis has already participated in a second episode on the podcast and encourages everyone to tune in.
Hartley doesn’t dream of turning her podcast into a national empire. For her, the magic lies in keeping things close to home.
“I just want to see where it will go and I want it to be the number one place moms go if they’re looking for advice and a hidden gem,” said Hartley.
Approachable and eager to connect, Hartley welcomes moms to reach out with ideas or collaborations. New episodes drop every Friday at 8:30 a.m., available on YouTube, Podbean, and Apple Podcasts.
From FCN partner Easton Courier.
