Michelle Millar Fisher & Amber Winick on Designing Motherhood
Michelle Millar Fisher and Amber Winick discuss their project, Designing Motherhood, an international multi-platform exploration of how design impacts reproduction and parenthood.
U.S. Representative Becca Balint on Gender, Politics + Maternal Health
Becca Balint shares her historic journey as Vermont's first female and openly LGBTQ+ Congressperson who’s focused on supporting maternal health and reproductive rights.
Christine Dodson on Navigating Factory Ownership + Leadership
Mamava's co-founder, Christine talks about fostering inclusive culture, navigating a male-dominated industry, celebrating teamwork, taking risks, and always learning.
Toyya Lassere on Authentic, Service-Oriented Leadership
Reflecting on a successful career in entertainment management that spans music, film, and pro sports, Toyya shares what’s at the heart of her work: doing the right thing.
Sonia Strobel on Sustainable Fisheries + B Corp Certification
Sonia Strobel, cofounder and CEO of Skipper Otto, a community supported fishery in Canada shares her journey from education to entrepreneurship and the work it takes to advocate for equitable and sustainable food systems.
Alysia Montaño on Being an Olympic Athlete + a Mother on a Mission
Alysia Montaño, an Olympian, seven-time USA Outdoor Track and Field Champion, entrepreneur, and mother talks about setting and reaching goals as a professional athlete and a cultural change maker.
Adam Davidson on the Passion Economy + Advice for New Podcasters
Adam Davidson—one of the godfathers of podcasting—shares the history of podcasting, explains the passion economy, and lends advice to Sascha on how to make a successful podcast.
Jen Saxton on Relentless Optimism in Entrepreneurship
The CEO of TotSquad, which provides essential baby services via online retailers, shares how grit and an entrepreneurial spirit drive her to overcome challenges in a competitive market and unpredictable world.
Kelly Brush on An Adaptive, Positive Mindset
After a ski racing accident forced Kelly to adapt to new ways of doing everything (except dreaming in possibility), she launched a non-profit to help others do the same.
Nic Longo on Innovation + Enhancing Experience
Director of aviation at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, home to the very first Mamava pod, Nic talks about empathetic leadership in hospitality, and pressing for progress.
Roxanne Vought on Socially Responsible Businesses
Sascha and Roxanne discuss their work together with Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, and why Vermont has such a high proportion of businesses that prioritize people, planet and profit.
Michael Jager on Idea Farming + Living Brands
Michael, a creative director and collaborator with brands like Burton, Xbox, and Patagonia, Sascha’s mentor and a critical force in the birth of Mamava, reflects on curiosity, meaningful design, positive change, and growth.
Claire Coder on Changing the Game
Claire Coder, founder of Aunt Flow, which provides free period products, talks about inviting everyone to the conversation about menstruation, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.
Raena Boston on Creating the World We Want for Our Kids
Raena Boston, co-founder of the Chamber of Mothers, discusses their mission to empower mothers and advocate for childcare, paid leave, and maternal health.
Sascha Mayer on Launching Something Brand New
In this inaugural episode, Sascha Mayer, co-founder of Mamava, talks with colleague Nicci Micco about the origin of the pod(cast) and the bodaciously optimistic folks who inspired it.
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If you’re interested in being on the show—or inviting Sascha as a guest on your podcast, email [email protected].
Sascha Mayer, Host + Co-Producer
Sascha’s first job out of college was in the congressional office of Senator Bernie Sanders (stories!), followed by a career in design and brand strategy, with clients including Lululemon, Nike, Seventh Generation and Ben & Jerry's. During that time, she was a new mom, traveling a ton, pumping breast milk in restrooms and cars. Her mentor Michael Jager taught her how the power of design could solve real-world problems, so she dreamt up the world's first lactation pod—with support from her cofounder Christine Dodson. The rest is Mamava history. Today, Sascha serves as Mamava’s Chief Experience Officer, and evangelizes about disruptive design, delightful user experience, and driving positive change through infrastructure. The Bodacious Optimist podcast is dedicated to celebrating and learning from the people who have inspired and helped Sascha in her entrepreneurial journey. They are designers and storytellers, business leaders and activists who have challenged the status quo and thrived.
Co-Producer
Nicci Micco, a former journalist, is a sucker for a good story—especially a feel-good one. She’s the CMO of Mamava, a mom, and a yoga teacher. Nicci supports the show with content strategy and, per Sascha, “cheerleading.”
About Mamava
Mamava is dedicated to transforming the culture of breastfeeding. The inventor of lactation pods, Mamava provides breastfeeding parents with private, comfortable spaces to pump or nurse—at work and on the go. The free Mamava app helps breastfeeding parents find thousands of lactation spaces and unlock Mamava pods. Women-founded and a proud B Corp, Mamava designs, engineers, and assembles lactation pods in Vermont. Founded in 2013, Mamava has delivered thousands of lactation pods to airports, hospitals, stadiums, schools, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies.