Ossa podcaster Jessica Lorion is the host of the Mamas In Training podcast, a show on a mission to help listeners prepare to become mothers through community support and expert advice. Inspired by her own journey to motherhood (more details below), Jessica identifies closely with her audience, learning alongside them and bonding through the shared experience of preparing for “mamahood.”
Listen to Mamas In Training wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review while you’re there! Read on for more from host Jessica Lorion:
Host Name:
Jessica Lorion
Podcast Name:
Tell us what your podcast is about in 3 sentences or less!
Gives aspiring moms and pregnant women guidance and community from moms who’ve been there.
Current hometown:
Astoria, NY
Originally From:
Taunton, MA
What’s a quote or piece of advice that you try to live by?
If you think you can, YOU CAN! If you think you can’t, YOU’RE RIGHT!…it’s ALL about mindset.
Your Superpower:
Listening and HEARING others. I am ALWAYS there for my people. I guess that’s why I also love to podcast.
One thing on your bucket list:
To go to Tahiti! It looks so magical. I want to stay in one of those isolated huts in the middle of the water. I’d also say skydiving, but I already did that, so that’d be one that I checked off already!
Personal Anthem:
I’m Alive by Celine Dion. Who DOESN’T LOVE Celine? Sorry, I know every lyric!
Last Text Message You Sent:
“YAY! That’s Awesome!” (sent to my aunt who is starting her yoga business and just got her first client to sign up for an event)
What was your first job?
Waitress at a breakfast restaurant called Peri’s! They made the BEST banana nut pancakes!
Any unusual hobbies?
Hmmm…not too unusual, but I LOVE coffee shops. Going to a coffee shop to do work is like heaven to me. I also love to workout and take walks…not too unusual.
This is kinda odd, but not a hobby…I love to eat dates filled with tahini and sprinkled with sea salt! (try it it’s DELICIOUS)
Biggest Pet Peeve?
When I step in water in the kitchen with socks on OR when the bathroom sink has water pooled around it. 😡 (I guess it has a lot to do with water. 😆)
What inspired you to start your podcast?
In 2013, I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease. The medication that I am on prevents me from becoming a mom until I am off that medication. So I decided, instead of wallowing in my struggles, I would learn about motherhood before I am one.
We study everything else in life, but rarely study pregnancy, birth and how to be a mom. So, Mamas in Training was born (haha pun intended)! I learn alongside my audience of aspiring and pregnant moms all about motherhood, so we’re in this journey together.
Tell us more about your work/life outside of your podcast.
I am an actor! I live in NYC and have been here since 2008. I was on the National Tour of Beauty and the Beast for 2 years, traveling the country and Canada as well as performing all over the country at regional theaters. Recently I have shifted more to TV/Film. Having been featured in commercials and on screen.
It’s a grind/hustle, but besides podcasting, it’s the only thing I can see myself doing and when the passion runs that deep, you have to go for it!
What is your show’s USP?
What sets my show apart, especially from other pregnancy and mom podcasts, is that I AM my audience. I know what my audience is curious about because I am in their shoes and so instead of being the expert, I am bringing on experts who can provide quality value to these women, as well as myself!
What is one of the greatest challenges you have personally faced with your podcast
Honestly, before I rebranded, it was getting it to the right audience, but that is because I wasn’t being specific enough with what I was sharing and who it was for. Since I have done the work and now rebranded it, it is automatically finding the right audience and I have women messaging me all the time who are pregnant and who are looking for answers and community. It’s a beautiful shift to see!
What was one of your favorite episodes you’ve ever done? Why does it stand out?
Gosh there are so many. However, this episode listed below with Neferteri Plessy was CRAZY INSPIRATIONAL! It is all about being a single mom, however all women can identify with the gems that she drops. She speaks with so much passion that I was on the edge of my seat chatting with her and I really think women are resonating with it just as much as I did! Listen here:
What is one thing you have accomplished with your podcast thus far that you are most proud of?
Helping women out of very stressful and low times. One mama left a review saying:
“I was searching for a podcast on one pumping session night and found this podcast…hearing the different stories, vulnerabilities and resilience helped me so much to actually accept my own journey.”
Knowing that I am helping women where they are at to know that they are not alone and allow them to feel supported is all that I need. Reading reviews like that make every moment worth it.
What is one major milestone that you would like to accomplish through your podcast in the next year?
To hit 1,500 downloads per episode and make $50,000 off of the podcast. (I guess that’s two, but I dream big.) 🤩
What is a trend or development in the podcast industry that you foresee happening in the next few years?
Listener support. I am currently building out a premium subscription and I see that as the main rise of monetization.
What is one of the best pieces of podcast-related advice you’ve ever received & why?
To only have guests that provide REAL value and to do the research so they feel like it was worth their time when you are finished interviewing. They will respect you more, be more apt to share the episode as well as recommend it to others and recommend high caliber guests for the future.
What is one of the worst pieces of podcast-related advice you’ve ever received & why?
It’s easy. 😆 I DON’T believe that everyone can and should make a podcast. It’s a lot of work, it takes dedication and we shouldn’t just be throwing up content without a purpose, why and passion behind it.
What are some of your favorite women-hosted podcasts?
The Marie Forleo Podcast, Difficult Women Podcast & Trading Raw Stories with Rita Pira
Can you tell us about a time when you took a huge risk/did something you were scared to do, and it totally paid off?
I would say when I first moved to NYC. I moved with barely any money in my account, no place to live, no job and no friends. I stayed in a family friend’s apartment for 2 weeks before I found a place to live and a job.
Within a week I got a job and found a sublet to stay in for 6 months. Also… in turn I met my now husband at that first job and that was 13 years ago.
It was scary to leave home and go to a new place like New York City with nothing essentially, but I made it work and I’m very proud of the life that I’ve created here.
Are there any great podcast-related resources you love that you would like to share?
YES tons! Here are some of my favorites:
#1 is the Grow the Show Accelerator with Kevin, I’m in it now and it’s life-changing. Also:
>Podbean
>Descript
>Squadcast
>Supercast
>Podpage
>Happy Scribe
How do you feel you’re making a positive impact and generating change through your podcast?
As I mentioned earlier regarding my reviews… I am constantly receiving messages from women who have stumbled upon my podcast or had a friend pass it along and not only do they say they have enjoyed it, but it has impacted their life.
My audience is extremely vulnerable, sensitive and emotional and the fact that they could listen to my episodes and find comfort, compassion and guidance…THAT is what it is all about. I’m working to create a community and through my Facebook Group: Mamas in Training and my upcoming Premium Membership, I know that I can change the support system for aspiring moms and pregnant women. Because as of now, there is no one stop support place for them.
Stay connected with Jessica Lorion and Mamas In Training:
Instagram // Facebook // Website // Premium Membership