Meg Glesener spoke in the panel “The Art of Monetizing a Podcast” at our Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Summit, and since starting “Letters From Home” in 2018, she has definitely learned a thing or two about podcasting. Glesener is a host, producer, speaker, and curator. Podcast Magazine named her of the “Top 50 Mom Podcasters” in its May 2020 issue and one of its “Under the Radar Podcasts That Should Be Listened To” in August 2020.
Glesener, a “mom of eight, grammy to five,” is “on a mission to encourage thousands with your faith story,” telling stories of everyday people living out their faith in inspirational ways. In our Q&A she talks about the power of podcasting to connect with people, the impact and promise of hope and fresh starts, what inspires her, and the importance of supporting one another.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day?
I am a mom podcaster and I love helping mamas take their influence to the next level. Podcasting is an incredible way to amplify mamas’ voices that need to be heard.
What most drives and motivates you each day?
When I wake up I think, “How can I make a difference in the world today? How can I make a difference in my children and grandchildren today?” It starts in our homes and in our communities.
Who is your role model, and why?
My daughter Havilah. She started out as a single mom and worked her way through school. After many ‘no’s and a big move and more ‘no’s, she is now a successful real estate agent. She has persevered through so much as a mom. Never give up. Always persist. It is worth it all!
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
I am the founder of Christian Podcasters Connect on Clubhouse. We have an incredible global panel of admins who have joined together in impacting and influencing our world for good. It is one of my great joys to serve with people from around the globe.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
Now is a difficult time to be raising families. Coming out of the quarantine, mental health needs are rampant. Fears are huge. Families have lost so much, and so much has changed. But there is always hope. Hope for help. Hope for a brighter day. Hope to amplify voices of encouragement and allocate resources to lighten loads and provide much-needed help.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
The intersection of poverty, violence, racism, oppression and inequality affects the majority of mamas and women daily. It is at the core of family identity. In schools the opportunities are not equal depending on neighborhoods. Microaggressions are felt in neighborhoods. Growth and change are happening, but so much more change needs to happen.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
One of the best things that has happened to improve help for moms, is to allow maternity and paternity leave. Those early months are crucial, and I am grateful that moms today have that opportunity.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Give yourself and every one of your children a fresh start every day. We all need that.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
Being a mother is a beautiful, rewarding adventure.
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
As a little girl, my grandmother inspired me greatly. She was an Italian immigrant who worked on a vegetable farm. She survived the loss of a child—my father’s only sibling—and for me, she and my grandpa were the only example of a loving marriage I had in my life. Her love and example impacted me greatly. Love can make a huge difference in the life of just one child. I love being part of the village for many children.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
No one is going to take care of my body, mind, and spirit. It is up to me to keep my mind free from junk, my spirit lifted with great visual and audio diet, and my body healthy so I have strength, perspective, and mindset to better love my kiddos. It is a hard job and we need all of the help we can get.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
We are each created beautifully and uniquely. There is room for all of us in the workplace, in the podcast space, and as moms. Dream big. Ask for help. Let’s all support one another on the journey. We are better together.
”
We’re inspired by Glesener’s passion, compassion, and drive to uplift everyone through her podcast and voice—and we’re so grateful she brought her voice to our summit. Keep following The State of Women as we bring you more wisdom and insight from our from our summit, and news for and about leading women around the world.
