In this episode of Mom to MORE®, host Sharon Macey chats with Jennifer Rawlings, a fearless force in comedy, filmmaking, and motherhood.
Jennifer is an award-winning performer, writer, and documentarian whose sharp humor has taken her from comedy clubs to war zones. She’s done over 350 military shows, given three TEDx Talks, and created the acclaimed documentary Forgotten Voices: Women in Bosnia, now used at Harvard and UCLA as part of their curriculum. She’s also a proud mom of five.
Jennifer shares the tension between motherhood and ambition, from driving carpool in her robe to performing for troops overseas. She opens up about guilt, growth, and how being “just a mom” sparked her filmmaking journey—and why moms are built for reinvention and real-world impact.
Tune in for a real, hilarious, and inspiring conversation on finding your “more” beyond motherhood, listening with empathy, and raising your hand—even when you're scared.
[00:00] Introduction
[01:40] Jennifer’s background and raising five kids in LA
[04:05] Trading biology for comedy and taking the leap to stand-up
[06:15] The emotional tug-of-war between parenting and pursuing one’s passion
[10:44] Saying yes to unexpected opportunities and finding purpose in the process
[14:25] Embracing imperfection and how a simple question sparked change
[16:36] Making a documentary with zero experience (and zero budget)
[21:14] Mom skills that became filmmaking strengths
[22:57] Why finding common ground and listening matters more than ever
[30:05] Jennifer’s “MORE” and what continues to drive her forward
Meet My Guest Jennifer Rawlings:
Website: jenniferrawlings.com
Instagram: @jenniferrawlings
Substack: https://jenniferrawlings.substack.com/
Available on Amazon:
“Forgotten Voices :Women in Bosnia” a film by Jennifer Rawlings
https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Voices-Bosnia-Jennifer-Rawlings/dp/B07475LS8G
Please click below to watch Jennifer’s TEDX talks and read an essay from The New York Times:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWp3jzwOK40&t=180s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHYcJE6gmsw
Looking for More? Follow @momtomore on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. @Sharon Macey on LinkedIn.
Keep an eye out for episode #35 of the Mom to MORE® podcast where Sharon is joined by Neha Ruch, Founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause. Coming soon - you won’t want to miss it ♥
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