Karen Grassle is the beloved actress who played Ma on Little House on the Prairie and author of a new candid memoir, Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little House’s Ma. In this candid memoir, Grassle reveals her journey to succeed as an actress even as she struggles to overcome depression, combat her own dependence on alcohol, and find true love. With humor and hard-won wisdom, Grassle takes readers on an inspiring journey through the political turmoil on ’60s campuses, on to studies with some of the most celebrated artists at the famed London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and ultimately behind the curtains of Broadway stages and storied Hollywood sets.

In this episode, Jennifer and Karen discuss their battles with addiction and recovery, their lives as mothers and actresses in Hollywood, and other obstacles placed in front of women in the arts. Karen talks about the financial struggles of the early days in acting and standing up for herself and others looking to receive the equality deserved as an actress on a top-rated show. She also opens up about her personal struggle with alcoholism, getting sober, and her journey to motherhood through independent adoption. Finally, Karen talks about her project bringing awareness and advocacy to domestic violence through her platform and a movie-of-the-week, Battered.

Gabrielle Zuccaro is the founder and CEO of Bleu Clothing, a local store based in Los Angeles that values excellence and customer service above all else. Gabby was born to work in fashion and it certainly shows. As a child, Gabrielle was fortunate enough to spend plenty of time traveling and living between Los Angeles and Brindisi, Italy. Her experience abroad cemented her love for color, femininity, and fashion. These influences eventually inspired her to start her own business, Bleu Clothing. Gabby believes that women can do anything, all while looking put together. She stands behind the thought that feeling good walking into the world is a very powerful tool. While Gabby is the ultimate feminist, she loves to look beautiful for her husband. She gives her all to her son, Mars, her husband, Fred, her friends, her clients and anything else that crosses her path. She anticipates great things for both herself and her business in 2020.

In this episode, Jennifer and Gabby talk all about the origin story behind Bleu Clothing. Gabby speaks to her belief that a woman should feel great about the way she looks every day. As a local business owner herself, Gabby is a proponent of shopping local and encourages everyone to do so more often in order to support communities and families rather than corporations. Jennifer and Gabby bond over their shared experience as mothers of young boys with hectic schedules. Gabby speaks to how she has successfully and gracefully taken on the challenge of balancing her business and her family life. She credits her best friend and husband, Fred, as a major reason why she has been able to maintain that balance. Finally, Gabby talks about her goals for 2020 and beyond.

Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/85

Lara MacGregor is the founder of Hope Scarves, an organization she created to turn heartbreak into hope after her breast cancer diagnosis at 30 years old and 7 months pregnant. Under her leadership, ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarves’ has sent over 14,000 Hope Scarves around the globe and invested over $500,000 in Metastatic Breast Cancer Research. Lara has received many awards for her work, including being named to ‘The 100’ most influential people fighting cancer from Mass General Hospital, Small Business of the Year People’s Choice Award for Greater Louisville Inc., 40 Under 40, Citizen Laureate by Younger Women’s Club and Louisville Charity of the Year. She was Louisville’s Most Admired Woman of 2018 and featured in many national publications, including Good Housekeeping and Cure Magazine.

In this episode, Jennifer and Lara talk all Lara’s incredibly moving and inspirational story, one that involves tragedy, hope, resiliency, and an indomitable will to live life. Lara opens up about her initial breast cancer diagnosis which she received while she was seven months pregnant with her son, Bennett. She details the struggles of balancing treatment while keeping her unborn son healthy. Lara shares the origin story of Hope Scarves and how it has morphed into a community based on support, kindness, and love. Lara chronicles her second cancer diagnosis and what made this one different from the first. She recalls how she and her husband guided their children through this dark time. Finally, Lara talks openly about finding her path as well as her desire to enjoy every day with a positive and loving attitude.

Full show notes: https://milfpodcast.com/84