What’s really weighing on moms today, and how can brands meaningfully support them instead of adding to the noise? In this episode, Sarah talks with Alyssa Wolff, founder of Unbusy and mom of five, about the invisible mental load moms carry, the emotional and practical pressures they’re juggling, and what marketers can overlook. We unpack why convenience and customization matter, what messaging actually resonates, and how brands can build deeper trust with women who are stretched thin.

EP 160.   PR is more than press—it’s the visibility that builds credibility and drives sales. In this episode, Sarah Panus talks with Amy Bartko, founder of Chatterbox PR & Marketing, about her PR formula: gain visibility to earn credibility and achieve profitability. Amy shares insider tips for landing media, influencer, and celebrity coverage, plus practical steps brands can take to stop being invisible and start getting noticed. 

EP 159.   Women 45+ aren’t aging out—they’re powering up, and they move markets. In this episode, Sharon Macey (Mom to MORE®) shows how ditching clichés, using real representation, and messaging function, energy, and joy converts better with midlife decision-makers. We cover how to show up as a partner during reinvention moments (empty nest, caregiving, career pivots, menopause) and what to steal from brands like Dove, Athleta, and Eileen Fisher. Listen to sharpen your strategy, increase conversion, and earn decades-long loyalty. 

EP 158. Ever feel like life is just too noisy to connect—at home or in your marketing? Host, Sarah Panus, shares a personal story that started with a hearing test and sparked powerful insights about distraction, parenting, and what it really takes to cut through the noise as a brand. Tune in for three actionable storytelling tips to help your marketing break through busy, distracted audiences and genuinely connect with today’s families; so your audience not only hears you but actually LISTENS.

EP 157. Connect with moms in a way that feels real—not forced. Monica Banks, founder of Mom Creators and Gugu Guru, explains the new playbook for influencer marketing. Discover why brands should think in terms of co-creation (not just paid posts), how to find the right mom creators, and the first steps to building your…

EP 156. What do moms really need from brands? Spoiler: it’s not just more inspiration—it’s easier execution! In this episode, host Sarah Panus chats with Virginia Frischkorn, award-winning event planner and founder of Partytrick.com, about the changing needs of moms and how brands can actually help. Dive into real talk about supporting moms at every stage, building authentic brand collaborations, and turning everyday moments into memorable celebrations (without all the stress!). Whether you’re a marketer, founder, or curious parent, you’ll walk away with actionable insights for connecting with moms, making their lives easier, and earning their loyalty. Get ready to rethink your content strategy—and maybe plan your next get-together with this party planner in your pocket.

EP 155. In today’s increasingly polarized market, understanding your customer base can feel like navigating a minefield. Should brands pick a side, stay neutral, or simply avoid “controversial” topics altogether? On the latest episode of Marketing With Empathy®, I sat down with  Chris Peterson—co-founder of LifeMind AI and author of Red and Blue Customers: How to Drive Growth and Manage Risk in Today’s Conservative and Liberal Markets—to discuss how marketers can unlock growth by understanding worldviews, not politics. Here’s a guide to what every marketing team should know about connecting meaningfully (and safely) with diverse audiences.

Why feelings drive sales. Most marketers focus on data—but people buy based on emotion. Guest Emily Lyman, the Founder & CEO of Branch & Bramble agency, breaks down value-based marketing, the 4 core human values, and how to tweak your messaging to connect and convert with more moms and other customer segments. 

EP 153. Messaging fuzzy? Sales slow? Host, Sarah Panus walks through the mistake brands make when trying to fix their message, and how StoryBrand workshops may be just what you need to help you go from foggy to focused in about a week.

Erik Huberman, CEO of Hawke Media, shares how AI and smart benchmarking are transforming marketing—and what brands need to do to earn moms’ trust and get better results. Discover how Hawke AI uses real-time data to flag wins, spot gaps, and guide your next move.