Welcome back to Getting Speakers Booked — the podcast by speakers, for speakers. Every episode brings you real stories, real strategies, and real experiences from speakers who are actively building their impact, influence, and income. In today’s episode, Macy Baxi sits down with Marissa, a licensed mental health therapist specializing in new mothers, to explore why honest conversations about motherhood are long overdue — and why this message deserves a public stage. Marissa shares how her own experience becoming a mother shattered the “perfect mom” narrative and led her to question the way society labels, diagnoses, and silently pressures women during one of the most vulnerable seasons of life. What started as personal confusion became a powerful calling to normalize the hardships of motherhood, remove shame, and help women reclaim themselves. 🎤 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why so many new mothers feel lost, ashamed, or isolated — and rarely say it out loud How unrealistic social and cultural expectations deepen anxiety and guilt Why comparison (especially on social media) quietly erodes mental health How normalizing struggle creates healing and connection What it means to help women find balance, identity, and self-care again Why this “edgy but necessary” topic belongs on a big stage How persistence (even after 200+ applications) leads to breakthrough opportunities Marissa also opens up about her year-and-a-half application journey, the emotional toll of rejection, and what it felt like to finally receive her acceptance — a powerful reminder that meaningful ideas are often worth fighting for. If you’re a speaker with a message that feels vulnerable, bold, or long ignored — this episode will remind you that truth resonates, persistence matters, and your voice can change lives. ⭐ Join the community → Global Speakers Circle (Free Facebook Group): Connect with speakers, network, and get weekly tips. Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/globalspeakercircle ⭐ Connect with Macy → Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn: @MacyBaxi → Coaching, TEDx support, and speaker resources: https://linktr.ee/macybaxi ⭐ Connect with Marissa → Licensed Mental Health Therapist (New Mothers & Postpartum Support) If you're a speaker who wants more stages, more confidence, and more opportunities — you’re in the right place. Hit Subscribe, and let’s get you booked.