The podcast that shines a spotlight on the incredible and often untold stories of mothers navigating the fast-paced world of the entertainment industry. Through insightful conversations and engaging narratives, we strive to inspire, uplift, and connect moms in the entertainment world, fostering a community that celebrates the multifaceted roles they play both on and off the stage, screen, and behind the scenes.”
From Pussycat doll to Parenthood: Anastacia McPherson
This week on Acting Like a Mom, we sit down with the inspiring Anastacia McPherson a dancer, actor, and proud mama whose artistry and authenticity shine on and off the screen.Anastacia’s journey began in San Francisco, where she performed in musical theatre, voiceovers, and national commercials as a young actor. She first captured national attention as a Top 5 finalist on The CW’s Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll a moment that brought both visibility and vulnerability. At the time, Anastacia hadn’t yet come out publicly (or to her mom) as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and she shares how hiding that part of herself affected her experience on the show and her sense of identity as a young performer in the public eye.In this episode, Anastacia opens up about:💃 Her evolution from musical theatre performer to multifaceted screen artist🏳️🌈 Coming to terms with her LGBTQ+ identity and the courage it took to live authentically🎭 How dance and storytelling remain her creative foundation🤱 Balancing motherhood, artistry, and self-expression while raising her six-year-old🌟 Her mission to live and create at her highest capacityWe also get a glimpse into how she continues to define success on her own terms as a performer, a mother, and a woman living in her truth.Listen now for a heartfelt, empowering conversation with Anastacia McPherson proof that embracing who you are can become your greatest source of strength, both on stage and at home.To keep up with Anastacia follow her @anastacia.mcpherson🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.If you love this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and review Acting Like a Mom on Spotify, Apple podcast and YouTube it helps us reach more listeners and celebrate even more incredible moms in entertainment.📲 Follow us on Instagram @actinglikeamompod for behind-the-scenes clips, episode updates, and stories from inspiring creative mothers everywhere.
6 Nov 2025
Writing your way in: Darryl Wesley on Creating, Parenting, and Owning Your Story
I sit down with my good friend Darryl Wesley a writer, producer, director, and actor who’s basically a one-man creative studio (and somehow still manages to be humble about it).Born and raised on the east side of Detroit, Darryl started out as a basketball champ before trading in the court for Hollywood. After realizing he didn’t want to wait around for opportunity to knock, he decided to build his own door. Writing and producing five sold-out stage plays and landing roles in projects like Clipped on FX and the award winning 'This is us' (which is a story in itself). He wrote on shows 'The Upshaws' starring Mike Epps and 'The Game'. Today, he’s got a full slate of TV, film, and animated projects in the works — all fueled by his drive to tell stories that feel real, human, and universal.But this episode isn’t just about Hollywood hustle it’s about heart.Darryl opens up about what it’s really like in the writers’ room, how he brings his authentic self into creative spaces, and how he’s learned to be a “color in the bigger painting.” We also get real about parenting his passion for supporting his wife through postpartum, the lessons our kids quietly teach us, and the gratitude that keeps it all in perspective.We talk about:- Balancing creative ambition- The moment he decided to stop waiting for permission and create- Supporting your partner through postpartum — and showing up with love- How kids are low-key the best teachers (and sometimes the toughest bosses)- What really happens inside a writers’ room - And why gratitude might just be the real secret to success — on and off screenInstagram:@kingdarrylwesley@actinglikeamompod 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring, down-to-earth chat about love, growth, and the beauty of learning from the people who know us best — our kids.
30 Oct 2025
Mom Off Duty: Lessons from Time Away ( and my first brand trip!)
In this episode, I open up about my first-ever brand trip the excitement, the nerves, the imposter syndrome, and the unexpected reset it gave me as a mom, wife, and creator. From rediscovering who I am outside of motherhood to reconnecting with my husband without the chaos of daily life, this trip reminded me that breaks aren’t luxuries they’re lifelines.Join me as I share personal stories, honest reflections, and research-backed reasons why moms (and couples) need real rest and how to create your own “mini-reset,” even when travel isn’t an option.I talk about:- Facing imposter syndrome and finding community in the creator space- How time away helped me reconnect with my partner and with myself- Why research says breaks and couple time matter for moms- Simple ways to plan your own “mini-reset”If you’re a mom who’s been running on empty, this one’s your reminder: taking a break isn’t selfish ...it’s essential.Follow me on IG at @actinglikeamompod
Who has been a guest on Acting like a Mom
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Danielle Ruiz
Aylya Marzolf Mai
Bianca Renee
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
14,365
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
23
Social presence
0
YouTube
72
Engagement
51
Contact Acting like a Mom
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
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