Hi friend! On this week's episode of Secret Mom Hacks I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Mariela De Santiago, the voice behind the New Mom Talk podcast and the mastermind of Carlsbad Mom Crew and San Diego Mom Crew.

Krista Dykes & Mariela De Santiago

I first met her through an incredible group called the Podcasting Moms Club – a treasure trove for mom podcasters full of support and phenomenal new friends. Mariela quickly stood out because of her passion for creating spaces where moms can truly connect and feel less alone. [Listen to the full episode HERE.]

Momspiration, Community, and Connection

Mariela felt a huge need for trustworthy, evidence-based information when she became a mom. Let’s face it, Googling stuff at 3 AM while your little one is crying is not fun! So, she started her podcast New Mom Talk as a direct response to that need.

From there, she founded the Carlsbad Mom Crew (and its sister group, the San Diego Mom Crew) to create real-world connections. These groups host events sponsored by local businesses, helping moms meet each other and discover amazing products and services.

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing about the events Mariela organizes. Outdoor sensory classes, beach days, park picnics, and even pumpkin painting parties! These aren’t just fun outings though. They’re meticulously planned to be intimate enough so moms can genuinely connect and not feel like wallflowers.

Mariela’s knack for curating events comes from her previous life as a special ed teacher. It's not what you’d immediately associate with event planning, but it turns out being a teacher helps a lot! From being supremely organized to recalling names brilliantly, she uses every skill in her toolbox to build a warm and welcoming environment for parents and kiddos.

Combating Isolation One Event at a Time

New motherhood can feel like you’ve been dropped on an island without a life raft, but Mariela’s events directly combat the loneliness so many of us have felt. Her secret? Keep it small and personal. Large events can leave newbies feeling more isolated, so she ensures her gatherings are intimate, fostering genuine connections instead of surface-level chats.

It's not just about helping moms find friends; it's about supporting each other through the highs and lows, celebrating joys, and getting through sleepless nights with empathy and advice — often about that ever-elusive topic: sleep!

Mariela's events sounds like a total blast. Imagine a barre workout tailored for you and your infant, a delightful breakfast spread, storytime, and a goodie bag filled with full-size products. Talk about pampering!

These events serve multiple purposes – they allow moms to meet local vendors they might otherwise overlook, supporting small businesses and creating a tight-knit community. How cool would it be to see these kinds of events popping up in communities everywhere?! She's even open to helping other ambitious moms kickstart their own mom crews.

Looking Ahead

Mariela has big plans for her podcast, too. As her son transitions into toddlerhood, so will the topics on New Mom Talk. Expect enriching discussions on everything from schooling choices to toddler behavior. It’s ever-evolving, just like #momlife!

Join the Movement

If you’re inspired to start your own local mom community or have topics you want covered on New Mom Talk, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mariela. You can reach out to her via her website New Mom Talk, and on Instagram at Carlsbad Mom Crew or New Mom Talk Podcast. Mariella is an open book and loves supporting fellow moms.

Connect with Mariela De Santiago

Feeling alone and isolated is a challenge we all face, but it's one we can overcome by building these little bridges, one event at a time. Here's to supporting each other and finding camaraderie in this wild ride that is motherhood!

See you next week!
-Krista-

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