Sascha Mayer on Launching Something Brand New
In this inaugural episode, Sascha Mayer, co-founder of Mamava, talks with colleague Nicci Micco about the origin of the pod(cast) and the bodaciously optimistic folks who inspired it.
Raena Boston on Creating the World We Want for Our Kids
Raena Boston, co-founder of the Chamber of Mothers, discusses their mission to empower mothers and advocate for childcare, paid leave, and maternal health.
Claire Coder on Changing the Game
Claire Coder, founder of Aunt Flow, which provides free period products, talks about inviting everyone to the conversation about menstruation, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Coming soon.
Michael Jager on Idea Farming + Living Brands
Michael, a creative director and collaborator with brands like Burton, Xbox, and Patagonia, Sascha’s mentor and a critical force in the birth of Mamava, reflects on curiosity, meaningful design, positive change, and growth. Coming soon.
Kelly Brush on An Adaptive, Positive Mindset
After a ski racing accident forced Kelly to adapt to new ways of doing everything (except dreaming in possibility), she launched a non-profit to help others do the same. Coming soon.
Nic Longo on Innovation + Enhancing Experience
Director of aviation at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, home to the very first Mamava pod, Nic talks about empathetic leadership in hospitality, and pressing for progress. Coming soon.
Roxanne Vought on Socially Responsible Businesses
Sascha and Roxanne discuss their work together with Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, and why Vermont has such a high proportion of businesses that prioritize people, planet and profit. Coming soon.
Jen Saxton on Relentless Optimism + Keeping On
The CEO of TotSquad, which provides essential baby services via online retailers, shares how grit and an entrepreneurial spirit drive her to overcome challenges in a competitive market and unpredictable world. Coming soon.
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If you’re interested in being on the show—or inviting Sascha as a guest on your podcast, email BodaciousOptimist@mamava.com.
Sascha Mayer, Host + Co-Producer
Sascha’s first job out of college was in the congressional office of Senator Bernie Sanders (stories!), followed by a career in design and brand strategy, with clients including Lululemon, Nike, Seventh Generation and Ben & Jerry's. During that time, she was a new mom, traveling a ton, pumping breast milk in restrooms and cars. Her mentor Michael Jager taught her how the power of design could solve real-world problems, so she dreamt up the world's first lactation pod—with support from her cofounder Christine Dodson. The rest is Mamava history. Today, Sascha serves as Mamava’s Chief Experience Officer, and evangelizes about disruptive design, delightful user experience, and driving positive change through infrastructure. The Bodacious Optimist podcast is dedicated to celebrating and learning from the people who have inspired and helped Sascha in her entrepreneurial journey. They are designers and storytellers, business leaders and activists who have challenged the status quo and thrived.
Co-Producers
Nicci Micco, a former journalist, is a sucker for a good story—especially a feel-good one. She’s the CMO of Mamava, a mom, and a yoga teacher. Nicci supports the show with content strategy and, per Sascha, “cheerleading.”
Will Davis is an audio engineer, musician and a podcast magician. Will guides the production process, start to finish, to release episodes that sound smooth like butter.
Wesley Davis is an audio engineer, storyteller, musician, and sound designer. She works behind the screen to polish each episode of The Bodacious Optimist into its shimmering final form.
The Bodacious Optimist podcast is produced at Dialed Studio in Burlington, Vermont.
About Mamava
Mamava is dedicated to transforming the culture of breastfeeding. The inventor of lactation pods, Mamava provides breastfeeding parents with private, comfortable spaces to pump or nurse—at work and on the go. The free Mamava app helps breastfeeding parents find thousands of lactation spaces and unlock Mamava pods. Women-founded and a proud B Corp, Mamava designs, engineers, and assembles lactation pods in Vermont. Founded in 2013, Mamava has delivered thousands of lactation pods to airports, hospitals, stadiums, schools, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies.