In this episode of Corner Office Breakdowns, Ambika speaks with
Melissa Goldstein and Natalia Rachlin, the co-founders of Mother Tongue Magazine, who sought to fill a gap in maternal narratives in media. They discuss the magazine’s mission to include diverse, authentic stories of motherhood, transforming the genre into one that resonates deeply and universally, regardless of one’s direct experience with parenting. Exploring the magazine’s thoughtful approach to advertising and intentionality in growth and storytelling, the dialogue also touches on personal identities, generational shifts in understanding motherhood, and the importance of slow media in today’s fast-paced world.
00:00 Opening Greetings and Personal Updates
01:42 The Struggles of Parenting and Work-Life Balance
02:53 Preparing for Travel and Managing Kids
04:12 The Essence and Challenges of Motherhood
06:06 Introduction to Mother Tongue Magazine
10:13 Exploring the Identity and Impact of Motherhood
10:56 The Creative Process and Vision Behind Mother Tongue
19:59 Diverse Voices and the Power of Storytelling
31:15 Reflecting on Identity, Work, and Motherhood
38:04 The Importance of Inclusive Narratives in Motherhood
40:03 Navigating Expression and Perception
41:03 The Challenge of Packaging Emotions
41:26 Evolving Conversations in Media
43:59 Exploring the Intersectionality of Motherhood
44:40 Balancing Toxic Positivity and Negativity
46:00 The Role of Storytelling and Activism
46:38 Finding the Balance in Editorial Content
57:27 The Impact of Generational Perspectives
01:02:12 The Journey to Creating ‘Mother Tongue’
01:09:05 Expanding Reach and Embracing Slow Media
01:18:20 Reflecting on the Journey and Looking Ahead
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