Read on to learn about Lauren Rose from Dallas, Texas. In 2022, she launched the “It Hurts to Mom” podcast focused on parents living with chronic pain.
What does your dream life look like? Are you currently living your dream?
My dream life involves both my podcast and my blog being successful—and to me, success means bringing community and encouragement to other people living with chronic pain.
The podcast has certainly started to become successful. I have listeners in 9 countries, and in one country I’m in the top 100 podcasts in my category. I do want to continue to build an audience, though, so I can put as much good into the world as possible!
Tell us more about what you do and who you help.
I’m the host of the “It Hurts to Mom” podcast on Apple and Spotify, which is focused on parents living with chronic pain. My podcast has episodes related to parenting, pain, and health in general. I also have a blog (www.ithurtstomom.com), but since starting my podcast, it’s not getting as much attention! I will get back to it though, because I love to write.
What inspired you to get started?
1 out of 5 people lives with chronic pain, and 1 in 12 people lives with chronic pain that significantly affects their daily lives. I’ve lived with chronic pain for nearly 30 years, and it’s been a very lonely journey.
When I had to stop working in 2017, I felt like I had lost my purpose in life and went into a deep depression for two years. As I joined forums and Facebook groups and connected with other people with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, or trauma, I felt joy from commenting on their posts and trying to help.
I started my blog and then my podcast as ways to show people that even though we have to live with chronic pain, we don’t have to suffer from it.
What advice do you have for the 20% of people living with chronic pain?
1. Don’t go through it alone! Talk about your pain and illnesses to your family. Find community with others who have similar conditions.
2. Enlist help. This could be from other people (swapping carpool days with other moms, hiring a housekeeper, etc.), or could be in the form of supplies (such as a walking stick or knee brace).
3. Engage in daily self-care. This includes doing something that brings you joy, taking medications, and getting therapy if needed.
4. Just be present. My daughter doesn’t care that I often have to lie down to play with her. She’s just happy to be getting the love and attention.
You’re new to the entrepreneurial journey. What’s a challenge you’ve faced so far?
Even though I host a podcast, talking to people is a challenge for me! I’m a writer, not a speaker, so I find myself struggling to get simple words out and using crutch words.
I’m still working on being a better speaker, but I try to set myself up for success by having my questions ready ahead of time, writing notes to myself to not use my crutch words, and pausing before I say anything significant.
How has being an introvert affected your business?
I debated starting a podcast for nearly a year because being an introvert and not a great public speaker, I doubted myself.
But I’ve gotten feedback on how prepared I am for my interviews, and that I ask really great questions. So my ability to think deeply, which is part of my introverted personality, improves my podcast.
What methods do you use to bring in new listeners?
I’m really just getting started, but I use my social media accounts to attract listeners, and when I have a guest, they use their social media channels to promote their episode as well. I also have a freebie that I offer on my website and Instagram: “30 Ways to Relieve Pain (without Taking a Pill)”.
Is attending networking events a part of your marketing strategy?
Oh, goodness, no! I have terrible social anxiety and would just sit in a corner by myself hoping people would come talk to me. I’d also be comparing myself to others and thinking I’m not as good or as successful as they are.
How do you define success for yourself and your business?
For me, success is helping other people with chronic pain not feel so alone and also giving them tips on parenting, pain relief, and general health. I’m having some success now but would love to eventually reach even more people.
What advice would you give to other introverted women who are just starting their own businesses?
We don’t have to change who we are to be successful.
For instance, I’m not doing Instagram reels where I’m dancing around to the hot music clip of the moment. And I’m not going to. That’s not who I am, and that isn’t consistent with my brand.
I’m staying true to myself and what feels right for me.
Thank you for taking the time to share your story. Where can our readers find more information about you?
My “It Hurts to Mom” podcast is on Apple and Spotify. You can also find me at www.ithurtstomom.com, facebook.com/ithurtstomom, and @ithurtstomom on Instagram.
Photo credits: B.A. Light Photography
