Welcome! In This Season is a podcast dedicated to the community of Motherhood Minute and a way to continue the conversations we have in this space. Please consider supporting this project and future projects that help mothers build community!
In this episode, I interview Heidi Fiedler about creativity and building community in motherhood. We explore the power of digital spaces in connecting and supporting mothers, as well as the importance of in-person connections. Heidi shares her experience of creating a community through her Substack newsletter
and the value of small, quiet communities. We also discuss the challenges of navigating energy and finding time for creativity as a mother.“I think sometimes we undervalue that because it's not as visible, it's not monetized in any way. And it doesn't feel as real, but I think it is real. And when I think of that kind of community, I'm definitely building that. And I feel really proud that it's something that is truly bringing value and inspiring people, making people feel connected to people they didn't even know existed before they read about them.”
Heidi Fiedler
My time with Heidi was a soothing conversation after a hurried morning. I first became aware of her work interviewing other mothers on Substack, thanks to
and found myself drawn to learning more. I had no idea she had been reading my words as well and felt humbled to discover it! You’ll notice that we talked a lot about creativity and it’s a great look at Heidi’s creative career; she’s obviously passionate about it! Some takeaways:Creativity in motherhood can take many forms, from small everyday acts to larger artistic endeavors.
Digital spaces can be powerful tools for connecting and supporting mothers, allowing for asynchronous communication and the formation of diverse communities.
Building community in motherhood does not have to follow a specific model or format, and smaller, quieter communities can be just as valuable and meaningful.
Navigating energy and finding time for creativity as a mother can be challenging, but even small moments of creative expression can have a positive impact.
Libraries serve as important spaces of community and shared knowledge, offering a sense of belonging and connection.
If this sounds good but you’re in the middle of something, SAVE THIS in your Substack app for later!
If you are ready to hear more from Heidi, follow her here:
Questions Chanel asked in the episode:
Thank you for joining me in this space, Heidi. Could you give our listeners a bit of background about who you are, where you live, and the work you do?
I originally found you because you had been mentioned by Claire Venus on Substack and then I realized you were creating a whole conversation with women around creativity. What kind of collaborations do you facilitate and how did that creative work begin?
Today we are focusing on using digital and in-person connections to fight isolation in motherhood. How can our listeners use art, creativity, and the digital space to inspire and support one another?
One thing I have personally noticed as a former business owner, mother, and creative is a constant negotiation with where my energy can be spent, sometimes on an hourly basis. I’m curious how you navigate those challenges in your own life and what you may be learning as you go.
What is one thing you would like to “set down” and one thing you would like to “pick up” in life in this current season?
Do you have any final thoughts on helping the mothers in this space learn how to build or sustain community in motherhood?
Please let us know your final thoughts and subscribe to stay tuned for more. If you’re waiting for the transcript, please subscribe and it will be sent a few hours after all podcast episodes!
One last note:
This is the end! Next week I will be publishing a reflection on the triumphs and challenges of publishing a video podcast on Substack. Subscribe to get that newsletter before its release!
Yours, Chanel Riggle
Exploring Digital and In-Person Connections