On October 23, 2025 I sat down with Katherina on her Bodyful Minds podcast.
In her own words, “This podcast helps ambitious moms create harmony between career, family, and self through body awareness, practical, strategic career insights, and mindset tools. Tune in for solo episodes and inspiring conversations that help you quiet the noise, overcome mom guilt, and thrive — more you, less to-do.”
Katherina started off with a quick round of questions she asks all of her guests, lightening the environment and getting us rolling. Sneakers or heels? Sneakers all the way… Running or yoga? I got cheeky and chose bicycling. (You’ll have to listen to the episode to get the rest!)
Wait… Geologist AND Artist?
Katherine and I talked about my unusual dual career path of geology & art. I shared with her how I’ve always been creative AND always loved science & understanding how the world worked. I started off full time in geology, but when my oldest was born, went down to part time.
I expected I would increase my hours again once my kids were in school, but then needed to be available for urgent calls from school. And then, I found that my schedule allowed me to really dive into my art and chose to remain part time.
Now, I’m using some of those hours to teach other overwhelmed moms how art can help your baseline regulation and recover from those extra stressful times.
But how about full-time working moms?
I’m at a point now where I have time in my off-work days to dive into my art. But that wasn’t always the case! When Covid lockdowns began, my kids were both in preschool, we were working remotely, and we had no external support – just like so many other families. There were no spare moments.
I started by creating a daily 4×4 doodle with watercolors, knowing that being would “help” with all the stress.
But more often than not, with all the responsibilities of parenting & remote work, I did my drawing after the kids went to bed. Which was not a simple “bedtime at 6:30 and now parenting duties are done for the day!” So I wound up staying up a little (or a lot) too late most nights. And that sleep deprivation was not so helpful.
When I joined the Calm the Chaos parenting program later that year, there was a big focus on self care – for parents who have zero extra time.
The big “Aha!”
I had a big “Aha!” moment during those lessons – I could take the same practice, but shift the goals. Instead of “finishing a 4×4 doodle,” I could draw in an intentionally calm environment for 5 minutes.
5 minutes is possible
It is much more possible for busy moms to find a micro-pocket of time. Staying up an extra 5 minutes doesn’t really mess with your sleep (and may actually help, by allowing your brain to quiet), or you may have 5 minutes in the school pickup line or during your lunch break. These tiny moments build up and make a difference over time!
Do I need to give it my full attention? Do I need to be an artist?
When you do your 5-minute doodle, it is helpful to give it your full attention. That lets your body get into a flow state, which helps you physically process stress in ways that don’t happen when you’re in your language and logic brain. But it’s just 5 minutes.
You absolutely do not need to consider yourself an artist! It’s the action, the physical motion, that supports your nervous system. Just choose one simple mark, use music to get into your body and set the environment (pro tip: search “5 minute timer with calming music” on YouTube), and draw for just 5 minutes!
Where can we connect?
The best way to connect with me is always through my newsletter! I send it out about twice monthly, full of support, encouragement, and ideas for how to use art for wellbeing. And when you reply, I read every single one and respond back to you.
I also offer free workshops periodically that walk you through the basics of my daily 5-minute doodle routine. We learn how to find time, how to set the environment, and doodle patterns you can use.
What’s one take away from other mothers?
I think there’s a misconception that tiny amounts of time don’t matter. But they really do! You’re sending signals to your brain that you’re taking care of yourself, and you’re safe. Tiny moments have helped me increase my baseline regulation when things are particularly stressful.
What’s a recent moment where you’ve really felt like yourself?
On Thursdays, I’ve developed a routine where I drive my youngest to school, often listening to an audiobook together. Then, I go down and ride my bike on a nature trail by the river and sit at a coffee shop to work on my art business for a couple of hours. After that, my ride continues to my office building where I work on my geology career for the afternoon. This routine brings all the things that are an important part of who I am into one day – family connection, time outdoors, my artistic side, and the massive science nerd.
Peace and art,
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