Mommywood: Recent Episodes
Emily Bolt
Enjoy with raw unedited catch up episode with Cecilia and Emily where they do exactly that: catch up on what they've been up to as moms and creatives.
TRANSCRIPTMeeting Purpose
Impromptu Zoom meeting to wrap up Season 3 of their podcast
- Emily booked a co-star role on the HBO Max show The Bookie, joining SAG
- Emily's daughter turned 2, they had a donut-themed birthday party
- Cecilia directed a play at her mom's school while away from her kids for 10 days
- They're excited for an upcoming episode with their husbands, and a "director's cut" episode reacting to it
- Booked 2 episodes of The Bookie as a co-star with husband Preston, recurring role
- Had to join SAG, paid $3100 initiation fee
- Struggled with the cost but excited for the opportunity
- Also booked a non-union commercial while in St. Louis
- Donut-themed party at a park
- Overprepared with decor, gift bags that went unused
- Learned not to overdo it for kid parties they won't remember
- Directed a play at her mom's school, kids learned it in 4 days
- Proud of the kids, kept a touching note from one student
- Hard being away from her kids but they handled it well
- Looking forward to having their husbands on, then reacting in a "director's cut" episode
- Emily will do solo summer episodes on topics of interest
- Excited to continue interviewing parents for Season 4
- Record the husbands' episode soon
- Emily will prepare solo summer episodes
- Start outreach for new Season 4 guests
Key TakeawaysTopicsEmily's Recent Work and Joining SAGEmily's Daughter's 2nd Birthday PartyCecilia's Solo Trip to Direct a PlayUpcoming Podcast PlansNext Steps
Elizabeth VonderHaar is a board certified obgyn, currently practicing as an obgyn hospitalist in St. Louis, Missouri. Areas of interest include lactation support, exercise and rehabilitation (including pregnancy and postpartum), nutrition counseling, and cervical cancer screening. She is married to an amazing and supportive husband, Greg, and is the mother of 2, Zoe (age 3) and Randy (15 months), and 1 fur baby Layla (9). She loves utilizing her education and background to help further educate patients, family and friends in having positive impacts in their care. She loves HIKING, running, functional fitness, and will use any excuse possible to be in the mountains.
Caity Ware is a UCLA alumna and moderately busy twin mom, actor, producer, and executive assistant. She has appeared on American Horror Story, S.W.A.T., and most recently recurred on For All Mankind. Caity has produced more than two-dozen award-winning short films, music videos, and web series (plus a silly little rom-com feature), which have played over 50 festivals, including Tribeca, Dances With Films, and Cleveland, and have been featured on the curated sites Short of the Week and Omeleto. Caity has also produced two critically-acclaimed stage plays, including a sold-out run of The Diary of Anne Frank, which featured poignant talk-backs with Holocaust survivors after performances. Her last three years have been filled with keeping two small humans who climb (and jump off) everything in sight alive, and making sure those around her maintained some form of sanity as they worked to bring the epic Apple TV+ limited series Masters of the Air to life. In her free time she used to love to bake a killer apple pie, but, well, if you've made it this far you probably understand why her time in the kitchen lately tops out at microwaving chicken nuggets.
Tiffany Yvonne Cox is a 1st generation Trinidadian actress, director, writer, and producer. She has been on several regional stages such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and more. Select TV credits include: Grey’s Anatomy; Dead To Me; Good Trouble and more. She currently can be seen playing Autumn Owens on Reasonable Doubt (Hulu) which was renewed for Season 2. And on Hallmark's Napa Ever After. In Tiffany's spare time she volunteers with CSH Speak Up! (where she supports those who have experienced homelessness in developing their story to share with legislation for more funding towards supportive housing) influenced her to direct and produce. Recent directing/producing credits include: Star Vehicle; Commune; Roadside Assistance; the podcast play LaDonna’s Epiphany ft. Anna Maria Horsford. Tiffany started a grassroots group after joining SAG-AFTRA Leadership called MOVING THE DIAL to advocate for Black performers need for equity in Hair and Makeup on set. Since the inception of the group; the commercial and theatrical contracts added protections for people of color and those with textured hair. Follow her work at www.tiffanyyvonnecox.com.
Rae + Myko Olivier met in their senior year at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and have been navigating/working the industry together ever since. They married in 2015 and welcomed their first child Lucas on Valentine's Day of 2023. Myko has been seen in Castle, Glee, Agents of Shield, and multiple other television shows and movies. Most recently he recurred in the final season of Good Trouble. Rae's credits include SWAT, Glee, The Walking Dead and The Best of Enemies alongside Sam Rockwell and Wed Bentley. Both actively write and produce their own work as well! IG Accounts: @rae.olivier and @thisismyko
Emmy Mattingly is an actress, writer, singer, and voice over artist originally from Louisville, KY. She graduated from Florida State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Before moving to LA, she performed as an Equity Principle Performer at Walt Disney World Florida in "Voyage of the Little Mermaid" and "Disney Jr. Live on Stage!".Just a few months after settling in LA, Emmy booked a recurring Guest Star on all episodes of Disney Channel's "Liv and Maddie" as Liv 2 and as LINDA in Season 4.She has also booked roles on various networks including NETFLIX ("Lucifer"), HBOMAX ("Verbatim"), Nickelodeon ("Side Hustle", “Knight Squad”), MTV (“Mary+Jane”, “Faking It)”, and YouTube Red Series (“WERID CITY”).However, becoming a Mom five months ago has been Emmy's most favorite and life changing role of all. There is nothing better than waking up every day as Cayden's mama!
Laine Monica Cordell began her journey in musical theatre at the age of ten, and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles. She wrote, directed and produced her own play for the Hollywood Fringe Festival in 2010, and spent some much loved time on the West Coast building her TV and film resume. In 2014, Laine moved back to Missouri to be closer to family, and met her wife, Felisity, in Springfield. They were married August 30, 2015 and now reside happily with their four sons and four dogs. Laine is a proud faculty member at Missouri State University in the Theatre & Dance Department where she teaches Acting Fundamentals and Voice & Movement.
Secret Mom Hacks Podcast
Get ready to dive into the whirlwind of juggling motherhood with a career in the spotlight. In this heart-to-heart, first-time mom and actress Emily Bolt and I swap tips on everything from the effortless convenience of grocery aisle purees to the essential gear that keeps our worlds spinning, like the much-loved sound machine. We get real about our emergency c-sections, the emotional rollercoaster of childbirth, and the deep need for self-care amid our busy lives. From keeping our skin radiant to teaching our little ones life's big lessons, we're covering it all. Whether you're sipping coffee in Nashville or tending to your toddler in L.A. (or somewhere in between), join us as we embrace the mess, the beauty, and the hacks that make motherhood truly extraordinary. Tune in now—you won't want to miss this!
Amanda Lenker Doyle, CSA is a self proclaimed treasure hunter. Obsessed with all things shimmery and bright, she has dedicated her life to the hunt for gems, jewels…and actors.
After nearly two decades in film and television casting, Amanda has earned numerous accolades for her work. In 2018, she took home an Artios trophy for her work in Los Angeles theater production of “WAITING FOR GODOT” and in 2022, her short film "PLEASE HOLD" received an Academy Award nomination, showcasing her expertise in identifying and nurturing talent. Also notable among her credits is the critically acclaimed film "R#J," which made waves at Sundance and SXSW in 2021 as well as the hit film "WE BROKE UP," currently streaming on Hulu. She has contributed her casting expertise to many popular TV series such as "BLACK-ISH" and "THE MUPPETS" for ABC, "ZAC & MIA" for Netflix, and "WAYNE," now available on Amazon Prime.
Beyond her role as a Casting Director, Amanda has also made a significant impact as a Producer. With a passion for bringing stories to life, she excels in overseeing all aspects of a production, from concept development through post. Her strong leadership skills and ability to assemble exceptional creative teams have resulted in the successful realization of numerous projects. As a Producer, Amanda understands the importance of creating an environment where talent can thrive. A connector-of-artists in all aspects of her creative life, Amanda believes that every actor should have an opportunity to shine — and she can't wait to see what beautiful gems she digs up.
Chanel Celaya Watkins was born in La Jolla, California. Her father Andrew Celaya, is from Florence, Arizona while her mother Betsey is from La Jolla, California. Chanel comes from a mix of Mexican and Russian ethnicity. Chanel started modeling from the age of 13. After her mother encouraged her to take some acting classes, which she was reluctant to join at first, she happily started her acting career. After just a few years of taking acting classes, she was able to appear in the movie 21 Jump Street and after that made her big scene in Justin Bieber's hit music video: "As Long As You Love Me." She will soon star in the new MTV series: "Inbetweeners
Rob Benedict is an actor who has appeared in more than 100 episodes of television including Supernatural, Lucifer, Masters of Sex, Bosch and Felicity. Film credits include Waiting with Ryan Reynolds, Kicking & Screaming with Will Ferrell, Not Another Teen Movie and 30 Miles from Nowhere. Upcoming projects include season 4 of The Boys for Amazon Prime and the movie Connescence with Keven Bacon. He is also the lead singer of LA based rock band Louden Swain.
Staci Roberts-Steele serves as the Managing Director and Executive Producer at Yellow Dot Studios, Adam McKay’s non-profit climate media company. Before that Roberts-Steele was a production executive at Hyperobject Studios with McKay and co-produced Don’t Look Up, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep. Roberts-Steele also produced the Webby and Ambie nominated podcast Last Movie Ever Made about the making of Don’t Look Up. She’s also appeared in several film/television shows, including Parks and Recreation, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, 90210 and in McKay’s Vice and Don’t Look Up. Roberts-Steele is an alumni of Vassar College as well as Second City and IO Chicago.
Alexandra Wright is a classically trained actress with a BA from the University of Southern California and an MFA in Acting from Harvard University. She has also trained internationally in London at the British American Drama Academy and at Stanislavski’s Moscow Art Theatre in Russia.
Recently nominated by Broadway World as Performer of the Decade, Alexandra has been fortunate enough to perform in London, Paris, Moscow, and Scotland, and has had the opportunity to work with exceptional artists such as Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Josh Brolin, Neil Patrick Harris, Neil Gaiman, Scott Zigler, Kevin Bright (creator of Friends), the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Nancy Meckler from the RSC.
In addition to her regional theatre work, Alexandra’s film and television credits include a series regular on Vertical Network’s Solve, recurring roles on ABC and Freeform, and guest stars on NBC, CBS, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBOMax on shows like Chicago PD, This is Us, Grace and Frankie, Outer Range, Greek, and Julia. She has worked alongside Shonda Rhimes, KJ Steinberg, and Oscar winners Jim Sheridan, Louis Gossett, Jr, Jane Fonda, and Morgan Freeman.
Alexandra has trained extensively at UCB and has also performed stand up multiple times at the legendary Comedy Store and Flappers. Commercially, she has been the spokesperson for Proactiv and Lenovo computers, has had numerous national commercial campaigns, including Weight Watchers, Osteo Bi Flex, Blue Buffalo, and Budweiser, and has been the voice for brands such as Yelp, Service Titan, and Hop Skip Drive.
Alexandra also produces, writes, and hosts a podcast on Shakespearean classics, cocktails, and casting called Shake Shake Shake. She is a professor of acting, Shakespeare, and voice at UCLA. Passionate about mentoring and fostering community for artists, she also runs an online community for actors and private acting clients called The Delta Acting Community.
Landon Marshall has trained at many studios. However, he did not start out that way. He was all District in Football in High School. Thus him going to college at Maryville College to play football. While there he Majored in History, Minored in Film. He played for two years leading the league in touchdowns and yards. But was unfulfilled.
After dropping out of Maryville, he enrolled at Middle Tennessee State Univ. He was wanting to walk on for football, but found out halfway through the semester his tuition had not been paid. So he left. Working landscaping, construction jobs.
His father passed away in 2011. He decided now is the time. He trained with Alan Dysert, Ed Coupee, Caroline Locorriere. Caroline had the most impact on him. He has worked with Jake Owens, Chris Carmack, Stephen Cragg, Alan Powell, Rodney Atkins, Chris Young, and Robin Williams. Robin Williams last film was BOULEVARD.
Moved to Los Angeles in 2015. Has studied with Warner Loughlin, Alice Carter, Annie Grindlay, and now with Cameron Watson. He has found himself more and more interested in theater. He did community theater growing up, but did not explore it. Now, he has come to realize how theater is so important to the arts. To the art of acting, writing.
He runs his own Golf company that brings people of like minds together. He is a 4 handicap golfer himself. He currently works at Delilah, the hottest nightclub in LA.
CARA CHUTE ROSENBAUM, CSA is a Casting Director based in Los Angeles, CA. Notable credits include THE MINDY PROJECT, THE PEOPLE VS OJ SIMPSON, THE CARMICHAEL SHOW, and THE LEAGUE. Together she and Erica S. Bream are the Casting Directors for the mainstage productions at The Blank Theatre in Hollywood, including The Blank’s prestigious Annual Young Playwrights Festival for which they were awarded the 2018 Artios Award for Outstanding Casting for Los Angeles Theatre. Cara is also an audition coach and passionate advocate for actors. She is a proud member of the Casting Society of America, Teamsters Local 399, The Casting Directors Cut, a mama of 2, and an aquarium lover. Twitter/Instagram: @ccrcastingWebsite: ccrcasting.com
Alyshia Ochse is a multifaceted talent based in Los Angeles, renowned for her versatile roles across television and film. Widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of "Lucy" alongside Matthew McConaughey in HBO's acclaimed series TRUE DETECTIVE, she continues to captivate audiences with her performances. Currently starring in the Hulu/Onyx Studios hit series The Other Black Girl, adapted from the New York Times best-selling novel, Alyshia demonstrates her range as an actress. Her impressive repertoire includes appearances in Emmy-winning productions like #FREERAYSHAWN, as well as popular shows such as HBO's BALLERS, THE PURGE, and LIFE SENTENCE on CW and Netflix. On the big screen, she has left her mark in notable films like THE OTHER WOMAN, MARAUDERS, and SHE'S IN PORTLAND. Beyond acting, Alyshia is a dynamic entrepreneur, hosting the widely acclaimed podcast THAT ONE AUDITION, where she engages in candid conversations with industry luminaries, and co-founding "The Bridge for Actors," a groundbreaking online program designed to empower aspiring actors with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. With an impressive array of accomplishments to her name, Alyshia Ochse continues to shine as an actress, author, podcast host, and dedicated mother.
Join us as we catch up with each other to chat about what's been going on in our lives as moms and creatives and get ready for Season 3!
Oh boy. What a trip it is to see what our bodies can do. There are so many different feelings about everything that happens to our bodies during and after pregnancy - let's talk about it!
Cecilia and I both share our experiences of how we handled our maternity and postpartum work schedules. As artists, we dont really get a maternity leave so what are we supposed to do? Let's talk about it!
Why does the term "mom guilt" exist, but we've never heard of dad guilt? Let's talk about the differences and (surprising) similarities of being a mom versus a dad in the entertainment industry and life in general. And who better to chat with then my own husband and the father to our daughter - Actor, Writer, and Dad - Preston Geer
We have it as moms; we have it as actors. So, put those together and we get the double whammy of going down compare and despair road. You're not alone, but let's talk about it and how we can stop it.
In this solo episode, I talk all about the struggle of feelings around auditions. Of course, we all want auditions, but we can also hate them at the same time - and that's OK. So, let's talk about...
Cecilia and I chat about Season 2 of Mommywood; the common thread of the importance of community that came from this season, what things have changed and how things are going in our own lives as actors and moms, and we just have some fun. So, take a break, join us and enjoy!
Miss USA 2015 and second runner up for Miss Universe, Olivia Jordan is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and also just as sweet! Olivia talks about going from never wanting to leave Los Angeles to living in Tulsa with her daughter and husband. She talks about the pros and cons of midwestern living, the convos with her reps and so much more.
The incredibly talented Pearl Sun tells us all about the pros and cons of being a working actor mom in NYC with a "nine to fiver" partner, keeping her creative drive alive and how she has the "mommy's going back to work" conversation with her son. and so much more!
Kristyn Daniel tells us all about how she manages to run one of the best acting studios Los Angeles has to offer while also being a incredible present mother and wife. She says it's was for her and her husband make their relationship a priority, but she admits she still struggles to make those mommy and me playdates. (Don't worry - she and I got one on the calendar.).
Check out the podcast SKS Where Working Actors Talk
Actress, writer, dancer and mama Kimberlee Kidd shares her incredible stories of auditioning and being on set while pregnant as well as her experience postpartum so far. She also started Boogie and Babes A parents & baby movement class incorporating stretch, Pilates & dance
Actor, singer, teacher and mom Lindsay Northen tells us all about Broadway life in Wicked to Finding Nemo at Disney World and every wild and magical moment in between.
Actress, Producer, Writer and Mama Debbie Pollack shares her experience being a working actor with young children, leaving the industry and then coming back again full force.
Andrea Bogart - Mama, Wife, Yoga Instructor (RYT), Actress, MO-Cap, Voice Over, and writing about mindful living. Andrea talks about her passion for wellness, and shares wholeheartedly her experience being a multi-hyphenate and balancing it all with grace.
Actor, Writer, Story Coach, Musical Improviser, Yogi and Mom - Anna Agniel Bushlack. This conversation with Anna was exactly what I didn't know I needed. I hope you really hear the things you need to hear in this episode as well. Anna is so incredibly giving, honest and lovely. I've known Anna since I was in middle school, and she has always been such an empowering and gentle force, and it was such a pleasure to catch up with her.
Actor, Singer, Activist, and Mama, Julie Reiber Bennett gets real about what it looks like to a broadway actress and mom to two daughters - we talk about everything from missing out on events to union health insurance to being an example to your children and everything in between.
Actor and Host of Mom Curious Podcast, Daniella Rabbani talks honestly about life as an artist after having children. How her art deepened, she experienced herself being the same AND, as well as having experienced the most creative force in her life.
Let's talk about living your most authentic life with Broadway Actress and Mom, Jenny Lee Stern!
It IS possible to be an actor and a mom and even start a whole new career in this industry. Actor, Model, Director and Mommy - Aylya Marzolf tells us all about it!
A Doolittle who does A LOT...and oh boy does she! Mom, Career Coach, Actor, Podcaster, Mental Health Advocate, and Creator of Actors Rise (Newsletter Featured in NY Times)
Actress, Content Creator, Published Writer, Podcaster, other half of Don't Call Me Mommy AND Mom of 3!!! - Samantha Gutstadt
Follow her on Instagram and TikTok and check out her podcast Where the Bodies are Buried
That's a wrap on Season 1! So, let's catch up! We talk about some of this season's biggest takeaways, how life has changed in the past few months in regards to motherhood and this entertainment industry, and a whole bunch of other stuff! You get two moms talking and who know what will happen! And oh boy, do we like to talk ;) Enjoy!
Ending Season 1 on such a high note with Kyle Dean Massey! Not only is Kyle an incredibly accomplished Broadway, film and tv actor, he and his husband, Taylor Fey founded Elevate Baby an IVF, egg donor, and surrogacy agency. And they're father to a gorgeous baby girl.
A Christmas to Treasure, a Lifetime movie which was written for them has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award, and they just wrapped shooting a movie they produced and starred in (and his husband wrote!). On top of all of this, Kyle is a genuinely beautiful human in side and out, and I'm so honored that he took the time to be a part of Mommywood.
Kyle's lifesavers
Ra Ma da Sa (Snatam Kaur) on Spotify
Solid Starts
Filmmaker, Speaker, Author, Teacher and Mom - Sarah Moshman! What can't this woman do?! Oh boy, this episode is so incredible, and I can't thank Sarah enough for her candor. She's so inspiring as both a mom and a woman in this industry.
Actress, Erin Myers, moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta with two kids and one on the way in the thick of the pandemic! Talk about a leap of faith and boy, is it paying off! This episode may have you packing up for ATL. So, grab some peaches and your tennis rackets and tune in!
Filmmaker, Director, Writer and Mom - Anna Campbell gets deep in this episode talking about real fears and struggles, and how to overcome them and grow from them.
This episode is special because it was recorded IN PERSON. Actor, Writer, Artistic Director of TNT Theatre Club, Wig Maker Extraordinaire and Mother - Alice Walker chats with Emily about waiting to start a family, the changes that come with being a mom in the industry, and so much more.
If you're thinking of starting a family or just starting to try to start a family - this episode is for YOU! In this episode, Molly is so generous and vulnerable in sharing her thoughts and excitements and fears, and it's so amazing to hear from her perspective as an actress at the beginning of her journey to starting a family.
Get your Emotional Support Iced Coffees ready! Emily chats with Actress, Screenwriter, Relatable Millennial, and Mom - Hannah Hines.
Follow Hannah on IG
Hannahs Lifesaver - The Snoo
Host, Emily Bolt, chats with Writer, Director, and Mom - Deborah Kaplan. This episode embodies exactly what it is to be a working mom. It's full of honesty and humor as well as a lot of mom brain. Haha Enjoy the ride!
The key word for this week's episode is GRACE. Listen as Actress, Comic and Mom Sam Howard talks openly an honestly about navigating an unplanned pregnancy, dealing with Narcolepsy, the unexpected upside of coparenting and how she tries to do it all with grace.
Follow Sam Howard Instagram
Emily chats with Actor, Podcast Host, and Mom - Alessandra Torresani. They talk about everything from their "meet cute" to how lonely motherhood can be and everything in between. Listen as Emily tries to figure out how Alessandra manages to stay so cool with all the new struggles of being a mom in this industry.
Listen to Alessandra's podcast EmotionAL Support
Follow Alessandra on IG
Alessandra's Lifesaver - Anya
Join host, Emily Bolt, as she chats with Keeley Bright and Kaiser Johnson and tries to figure out how they do it ALL! Keeley and Kaiser are both actors. writers, and parents to 3 children!
@keeley_bright @kaiserjohnson
The Sleep Solution Book
Join Mommywood host, Emily Bolt, as she talks all things motherhood with actress, writer, director and mom, Marla Sokoloff!
Mommywood Podcast Producer, Cecilia Tripp, sits down with Host, Emily Bolt, to discuss how Emily got the idea for Mommywood.