Soul Work For Moms: Evolution Through Mothering

  I’m so thrilled to bring April Combs Mann to you today! April is SUCH a talented musician, and she’s combined that talent with her equally amazing writing skills and Waldorf training to create a podcast for children and families. I LOVE her deep compassion for children, and she inspires me to keep the magic alive - not only for my children, but for myself as well. This episode is chock-full of ways to connect with your children. I think you’ll love April’s humor, ease, and openness. I’ve also ended the episode with one my favorite songs of all time, written and sung by April, from another project of hers- The Honneycombs. So be sure to listen to the end for an extra treat. Enjoy! Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode you’ll hear: -How April went from fronting a rockband to creating a fairytale songs and stories podcast -Why she believes in keeping innocence, music and delight at the core of her work -An explanation of the Waldorf education model, and how you can incorporate Waldorf-inspired practices in your home -How sometimes, we need to keep the magic and wonder alive even if our spouse isn’t into it -How April instilled a love of story and reading into her children -April’s thoughts on the term “Devoted Wife and Mother” -Some honest sharing about how she struggled during the early years of mothering Mentioned in the show: April Eight Songs & Stories Podcast | Podcast Instagram April on Instagram April Eight Album: Songs for A Magical Winter Tajci Cameron Matt Penkin Metal Brainiac Podcast Sparkle Stories Download your FREE Soul Work Sheet #30 Books Mentioned: Percy Jackson & The Olympians Harry Potter Chronicles of Narnia A Series of Unfortunate Events Songs Played: The Goblin Dance Little Moon Listen to more episodes: SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave

Katelyn Denning is a full-time working mother of two, a wife and a life coach who mentors new moms just returning to work. Having been a career driven professional for the better part of a decade before becoming a mom, Katelyn struggled with finding her identity and juggling it all when she returned to work after her first maternity leave. Through counseling, coaching, research, support and plain old trial and error, Katelyn was finally able to hit her stride as a working mom and today, helps other new moms tackle mom guilt, be more present at work and at home and simplify their lives so they too can enjoy working motherhood. While her “me-time” doesn’t look the same as it did before kids, you can often find Katelyn squeezing in a quick workout, listening to audiobooks or enjoying the luxury that is a hot cup of coffee from her local coffee shop in Northside (Cincinnati). Katelyn and I spoke about all kinds of things affecting new working moms (hello, guilt), but this episode has a ton of inspiration for moms in every situation! Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode you’ll hear: -How Katelyn got into the very specific niche of helping new moms transition back into work -Ways that moms can get more support -Why it’s important to choose to let some aspects of our lives go during this stage, and how morning those losses is okay. -Guilt: the many places it can come from and some ways to get to the core of it -What a coaching session with Katelyn might look like -Some of the exercises that Katelyn uses with her clients -How to decide if you could benefit more from a coach or a therapist -Tips for transitions between work and home Mentioned on the Show: Katelyn’s Website:       Katelyn on Facebook Katelyn on Instagram Maternal Mental Health Checklist The Mom Hour Podcast: http://lifelistened.com/category/mom-hour/ Joshua Becker:  https://www.becomingminimalist.com Allie Casazza: http://alliecasazza.com SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave

Dr. Catherine Pearlman is the founder of The Family Coach, a private practice specializing in helping families resolve everyday problems related to discipline, sleep, and sibling rivalry, among other issues. She is the proud parent of a son in elementary school and a daughter in middle school. Her syndicated Dear Family Coach column has appeared in The Wall Street Journal and many regional parenting magazines. She has appeared on Today and her advice has been featured in Parenting, Men's Health, CNN.com, and The Huffington Post. Dr. Pearlman is a licensed clinical social worker who has been working with children and families for more than twenty years. She is an assistant professor of social work at Brandman University and received her PhD in social welfare from Yeshiva University and a masters of social work from New York University. I chat with her about her new book, Ignore It!, and how selectively looking the other way can not only relieve us from having to nag our children, but it also gives them the space to learn from their mistakes. This book was a game changer in my home, and hopefully it can help create a little more peace in your family as well. Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode, you’ll hear: -how Catherine came up with the premise of this book -why “ignoring it” works -behaviors you can ignore -behaviors you can’t ignore -specifics on how to selectively ignore -a different take on timeouts -how quickly you can expect to see behavioral changes -why rewarding good behavior is important -the difference between a reward and a bribe -some specific scenario questions submitted from listeners and more!!! Catherine’s Website Catherine on Twitter Catherine on Facebook Soul Work Sheet #28 Check out other episodes here: SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave

A fresh and upcoming voice reminding us of our shared humanity, Lola Wright was raised by hip-hop and has navigated domestic abuse, addiction, corporate success, and welfare.  Lola is the leader of a preeminent mindfulness-based community organization in Chicago.  A wife and mother of 4 children, she is a reminder of power, faith, trust and straight up determination.  Lola is a strong voice who reminds her listeners “Come on, we got this!" Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode we talk about: -Having a sense of self and knowing who you are -Spiritual Bypassing -Balancing our well-being with political action -Being role models of compassion and connection for our children -Curiosity as a bridge builder -What Lola’s “Love Prayer” is -Masculine and feminine energy in the political world -Holy disrupters -The energy of anger Mentioned on the show: Lola Wright Lola on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Bodhi Spiritual Center Bodhi on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter The Conscious Parenting Summit by BringIt! Home Sister Giant Marianne Williamson The Young Turks Lion’s Roar Article Anger Enneagram SOUL WORK SHEET DOWNLOAD Listen to MORE great episodes:

I invited today’s guest on the show after seeing a picture on her Instagram feed that stopped me in my tracks: “The urge to diet is rooted in your oppression.” Say what?! I HAD to know more! Listen in to hear Rachel talk (very convincingly) about why we should not be dieting, and instead listening to our bodies, and feeding our hungers! Rachel Cole is a certified life coach, celebrated teacher, and women’s empowerment expert. She has spent ten years guiding women to identify, understand and feed their truest hungers – at and away from the table. As an eating disorder survivor herself, Rachel speaks with great wisdom, sensitivity, and authority about what it takes to live as a well-fed woman in the modern world. She has traveled across the United States and internationally speaking and teaching to sold-out gatherings of women on how they too can find ease and fulfillment in their lives simply by honoring their own hungers. Rachel holds a Masters Degree in Holistic Health Education and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach. *Since one of the topics we will be covering today is eating disorders, I want to remind you that I’m not a doctor or therapist, and the opinions shared here are not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professionals. Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode you’ll hear: -how time and energy spent dieting is time and energy taken away from other parts of our lives -the idea that the “ideal” body image is a construct of patriarchy -our obsession with being “healthy” and it’s effects on our brain -the current cultural ideal of beauty, and redefining what attractive is -that the current narrow definition of women’s beauty creates an epidemic of women who are uncomfortable in their own skin -how we tend to attract relationships with people who treat us with the same respect as we treat ourselves -about the health at every size paradigm -the importance of balancing physical, emotional and mental health -about achieving health without losing weight -what a “well-fed woman” is -the connection between hungers away from the table and unhealthy relationships with food -how intuitive eating can be seen as a form of activism -how to open up space for more connection with people -how to tell if you’re on a diet -that no matter how long you’ve had a chaotic relationship with food, you can return to intuitive eating, because we are all born with it -how paranoia around our kids’ sugar intake might be setting them up for an unhealthy relationship with food -what to do if you find yourself rebounding after a long time of restricting Links: Rachel’s website Rachel on Instagram Rachel on Facebook Rachel on Twitter Rachel on Pinterest Mentioned on the show: Brit Bravo: https://brittbravo.com The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women Intuitive Eating: A Recovery Book For The Chronic Dieter; Rediscover The Pleasures Of Eating And Rebuild Your Body Image National Eating Disorder Association Soul Work Sheet #26 Listen to more episodes here:

Lindsay Dewald is a wife, the mother of two young girls and a small business owner in Cincinnati Ohio. She and her husband started The City Flea (a curated, urban flea market that runs monthly May-December) and are just about to wrap up their 6th year of business. Together they are passionate about their community, small business, Montessori education, and design. They just recently built a home in the historic neighborhood of Over-The-Rhine, where Lindsay spends her days making home and mothering. Today, you’ll hear Lindsay talk about how she got into the Montessori lifestyle, how her experience of mothering was turned upside down after the birth of her second child, as well as the joys and realities of city living. Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode you’ll hear: -what childhood was like for Lindsay -how she knew she wanted to be a mother -how she ended up going into Montessori teaching -how her perspective of teaching changed once becoming a mother -how her Montessori home is set up -what surprised Lindsay most about motherhood -how her business fits into being a mom -how she’s grown since having children -what life has been like since moving into their new downtown home -her message to mothers everywhere Show Notes: Lindsay’s Blog: Our City House Lindsay on Instagram The City Flea Some of Lindsay’s favorite Instagram accounts: @mamawatters @thegraygang @thegemmers @heatherpalmeri @erinloechner @jesszwo Soul Work Sheet #25 Check out other podcast episodes here:

Today’s episode is about surrender, it’s about trusting the process, but really it’s about postpartum depression. Today Olivia Gennett is sharing her story of postpartum depression and how she decided to embrace it. She is now on the other side of it, and says it was truly a gift. You’ll hear that Olivia chose not to treat her postpartum depression with drugs, so it’s important for me to remind you that I’m not a doctor or a counselor, and if you think that you may be suffeing from postpartum depression, please consult your health care provider for individual advice regarding your own situation. Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher                 In this episode you’ll hear: -The pressures of motherhood that Olivia faced, and where she thinks those came from -What her childhood looked like and how it differed from her current family situation -How faith/spirituality played into her depression -What she was longing for during that time -What she recommends for supporting the new moms that you know -How she’s learned to “clock out” from motherhood -How she came to realize she had PPD -What her transformational perspective shift was -Her words to any mother going through hard times -What she wants ALL mothers to know -Olivia’s 3 Soul Work Action Steps Show Notes: Olivia’s Reiki contact email: omg.reikiblue@gmail.com From Olivia: Reiki has its origins in Japan through Dr. Mikao Usui and is used as an energy balancing technique.  All things are made of energy. Reiki means universal life force energy that flows throughout all living things.  When our life force energy is low or out of balance, Reiki is a technique for restoring that balance and harmony in the body as a whole—emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is a very safe, natural, and gentle way to improve upon one’s self through spiritually guided energy flowing through the practitioner to the client. It is non-denominational. It works in harmony with all religions and philosophies. Reiki clients are fully clothed.  A deep sense of relaxation and calm can happen with the administering of Reiki.  Everyone is different, but many report feelings of peace, tranquility, and a general feeling of “All is well”. Recommended by Olivia: Denise Craven LMT Elizabeth Hendrickson Soul Work Sheet #24 For More Information Regarding Postpartum Depression: Postpartum Depression Support: http://www.postpartumprogress.com Check out other podcast episodes here:

Beth Nowak is a believer, dreamer, wife and mother, former teacher, successful entrepreneur, TEDx presenter, inspirational speaker, and mental health activist. After enduring a series of traumatic events as a child, she attempted to fill her emotional voids in a variety of unhealthy ways, including drugs and alcohol, binging and purging, cutting and other self-harming behaviors, ultimately leading to severe depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts as a teen and young adult. Hiding behind academic achievements, she earned her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters Degree in Montessori Education before teaching Kindergarten for 12 years in one of the highest-achieving school districts in the country. Desperately searching for ways to help young children find purpose and passion to help increase their self-esteem, she resigned from teaching in 2012 to create Giving Families and its Good Mail Challenges. She now shares her story with people of all ages, inspiring them to overcome their past so they can live in the present and enjoy the future. In this episode, I talk with Beth about her childhood and how that has influenced her mothering, what she’s learned about anger and forgiveness, and how she raises her children to be givers. *Join the Soul Work For Moms Facebook group because one lucky member will be chosen to receive a FREE 1 year membership to Giving Families (description here) Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode you’ll hear: -Beth describe her traumatic childhood that caused her to “emotionally die” at the age of 5 -why Beth believes this led her to desire a career as a kindergarten teacher -how she always wanted to be a mother, but was also terrified of having children when the time finally came -the family motto that Beth uses with her children -how faith plays into her life -why helping others is so beneficial to a healthy self-esteem -how a Thanksgiving experience and a friend’s comment about Christmas sparked and idea to help families help others -why Beth doesn’t believe in wrapping up her keynotes with a happy ending -what she does when anger shows up in her life Show Notes: Giving Families: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GivingFamilies/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/givingfamilies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givingfamilies/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/givingfamilies/     Beth Nowak Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HabitualHelper/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/habitualhelper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habitualhelper/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/habitualhelper/ Mentioned in the show: Giving Families: Good Mail Challenges Soul Work Sheet #23 Link to Soul Work Action Sheet Reference from Beth Rachel Macy Stafford, Hands Free Mama EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Check out other podcast episodes here:

  Kerrie Woodhouse is a mother to twins, and she used to do a whole lot of what she calls: Very Serious Things. But a few years ago she says she came to her senses and remembered that life is supposed to be fun. For Kerrie, creative expression is fun. So she creates something with paint and words every day… and then..she posts it on Instagram. Kerrie has just published her first book, Finding Grace. It’s is an illustrated book for adults that explores the meaning of grace and its power to help us find acceptance of what we do not have in our lives in order to begin to find the joy in what we do have. Finding Grace is  dedicated to Kerrie’s dear friend who was bravely battling breast cancer at around the time I started drawing the whimsical little girls that now appear in the book. Kerrie says that While drawing these girls and spending time with her friend during her treatment for breast cancer she spent a lot of time contemplating grace. As such, in her book, she’s included quotations about grace that she found meaningful, along with her own thoughts on this most admirable quality. Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode you’ll hear: -How Kerrie became an artist after being an accountant and university lecturer (with a PhD in Financial Accounting!) -The struggle that she experienced with identity after taking a career break, and what got her through it -The special friendship that came from mothering and art, and how it inspired her to write a book -How this book has helped her with the grieving process -How she prioritizes art in her mom life -Her suggestion for making creative time a priority in your day Show Notes: Kerrie Woodhouse Kerrie on Instagram Kerrie’s Book: Finding Grace: The Path to Acceptance         Mentioned on the show: #100daysproject: Elle Luna The Creativity Cure, by Carrie Barron Episode #22 Soul Work Sheet Check out other podcast episodes here:

Maria Emmerich is a National and International Best Selling author of “The Ketogenic Cookbook“. She's also authored 8 other books including several cookbooks and 3 nutritional guide books including “Secrets to a Healthy Metabolism”  Her newest book is called "Quick and Easy Ketogenic Cooking”. Maria lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their two children, and today, she shares her family’s adoption story with us. Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode you’ll hear: -How Maria knew that adoption was what she was meant to do -A major setback that she and her husband experienced soon after starting the adoption process -How the community supported Maria and her husband, and how the setback ultimately led her to her current career success -What fears she had throughout the process, and what fears she still has -How Maria grew/changed through the adoption process -What her mother said to her when she was down that completely changed her perspective -How she first bonded with the boys -The one question that she really wishes other people would quit asking -What resource help her the most while going through the process -Something that a friend told her that helped Maria see the adoption process as a blessing instead of feeling sad about not going through pregnancy -How mothering is different from what she thought it would be -How her family keep a tie to Ethiopia -How they talk about adoption to their children -Her advice for anyone going through the adoption process -What she learned about herself through this process -What Maria wants all mothers to know Show Notes: Maria’s Websites: mariamindbodyhealth.com keto-adapted.com Maria’s Latest Book: (Which I own and LOVE)             http://amzn.to/2dh5uTj FREE Soul Work Sheet: specifically tailored to this episode Link to the gratitude quote from Maria’s Soul Work Action Step *There’s a bonus clip of Maria talking about the inspiration behind her Soul Work Action Step in the  Soul Work For Moms Facebook Group! Are you a part of the group? If so, you are automatically entered to win ALL Soul Work For Moms giveaways!! Check out other podcast episodes here:

How do those mothers who have created a career from scratch, doing what they love, make it happen? How does the career fit into their role as mother? How do they handle the financial pressure? When do they feel vulnerable? Those are some of the things I talk about with today’s guest-artist and mother, Kelly Rae Roberts. Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode you'll hear: -why Kelly Rae calls herself a "possibilitarian" -how she transitioned from a social work career to full-time artist -her views on what to do when artistic inspiration hits -why she had to detox from the thought-process of always producing -what she did with the intense "mom-guilt" that showed up after giving birth -how they transitioned to her husband staying at home with their son -her go-to parenting resources -how her "Wear Your Joy" project changed her life -what she wants all mothers to know Show Notes: KellyRaeRoberts.com Wear Your Joy Project Taking Flight: Inspiration & Techniques to give your creative spirit wings: Free first chapter on the web! Flying Lessons: Let’s Make Your Creative Biz Soar is a beautifully designed, highly interactive (261 pages!) ebook. Brave Girl Symposium Raising Cane Brene´ Brown, The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting Audio Program Check out other podcast episodes here:

One of the hardest parts of mothering can be feeling that our dreams and desires for OUR lives need to be put on hold until the children are grown. Today I speak with Martha Nieset, a mama who decided to take one of her life-long dreams OFF the shelf and turn it into a reality. Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode you'll hear: -the logistics of how Martha spent 5 months in Nicaragua with her son -how her son handled the highs and lows of the experience -what the experience taught her about self-care -her advice to any mother with a burning desire to travel Show Notes: Martha's Website: Nicaragua Immersion Martha on Facebook Martha's Travel Summit Check out other podcast episodes here:

Losing her mother at the age of 7, Peg Conway says that grief was the main soul work theme of her motherhood journey. Peg shares the story of how motherhood had a deep impact on the healing of her wounds from mother loss. Peg also shares how she was inspired by death to write about childbirth and spirituality, and what advice she has for any mothers who have also experienced mother loss. Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode, you'll hear:  -what triggered Peg's grief once she was an adult -why she feels there was delayed grieving -how her grief manifested itself -what "coaching your feelings" is and why her therapist tried to get Peg to see that she was doing it -how the nurturing of her children had a big effect on healing her mother loss -why Peg has moved away from the church to a more universal spirituality -why she is passionate about life transitions -Peg's advice to mothers who have experienced mother loss Show Notes: Peg's Website and Blog (where you can download her FREE self-guided retreat, "Bring Forth Your Birth Story" Peg's Book, Embodying the Sacred: A Spiritual Preparation for Birth Peg on Facebook Boston Globe Article: "I Was the Sun, and the Kids Were My Planets" Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss by Hope Edelman Check out other podcast episodes here:

Do you know what "resources" you? What gives you energy rather than takes away? What worked for you before you were a mother might not work for you anymore, and what worked in the first years of parenting might need to be updated. If you are depleted, it's near impossible to mother from an empowered place, and today's guest, psychotherapist Ellen Boeder, is passionate about mothering in an empowered, sustainable way. Listen in iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In this episode you'll hear: -How Ellen's experience of motherhood changed after having her second child -Ellen's definition of empowered mothering -What Ellen looks for when a depleted mother comes to her therapy practice -Why the "work/motherhood" balance phrase makes her cringe -What Ellen's go-to is for when she is feeling depleted Show Notes: Ellen's Blog: Rearranged By Motherhood Rearranged By Motherhood Facebook Page Ellen's Private Practice The Smart Couple Podcast (Ellen’s Husband Jayson's Podcast) Check out other podcast episodes here:

Today's guest, Jen Trulson, says she found herself during the 6 months that she was separated from her husband. She's now a MindBody coach who helps women trust themselves in finding their own truth. Listen in to hear what realization led her to STAYING in her marriage. Also, hear her tips for taking responsibility for YOUR happiness, and what Jen says does differently in her marriage now. Listen on iTunes | Listen on Stitcher In today's episode, you'll hear: -What made her decide to say she wanted a divorce -What she did during her separation -How she decided she might be able to make her marriage work -What authors she was reading when she had her revelation -5 tips for taking responsibility for YOUR happiness -How motherhood played into her decision Show Notes: Links to Jen: Jentrulson.com Jen on Instagram Jen's post about her separation Jen's post on her tips for taking responsibility for your happiness Authors  Jen Referenced: Marianne Williamson (specifically, A Return To Love) Cheryl Richardson Louise Hay Wayne Dyer Iyanla Vanzant Byron Katie Elizabeth Gilbert Check out other podcast episodes here:

  Today's episode is with Michelle Schrag, the author of A Mother's Manual for Self Care. If you are a mother who is constantly being taken over by strong emotions, today's episode is for you! In this episode, you'll hear: -Why Michelle wrote A Mother's Manual for Self Care -How she handles her intense emotions -What a "false belief" is -What Michelle's self care practices are -How she changed the voice of her inner-critic Show Notes: Michelle's Blog Michelle on Facebook Michelle on YouTube A Mother's Manual for Self-Care Check out other podcast episodes here:

Parenting phrases like "mindfulness", "presence" and "consciousness" are popping up more and more, but what do they really mean? Today I chat with Annmarie Chereso, founder of BringIt! Home, an organization dedicated to offering programs to increase wellbeing and promote conscious leadership in our homes and school communities. Annmarie describes what conscious parenting really looks like, and we dive into some pretty specific examples of how to parent from this space. If you are interested in learning how to let go of what you *think* your child should be, so that you can see your children for who they really are, today's episode is for you. In this episode you'll hear: -Annmarie's definition of a conscious relationship -why our children really need us to be conscious -how unconditional love plays into conscious relationships -why we need to trust our children's path -what our job as parents really is -how grandmothers can best support their grandchildren -Annmarie's advice to mothers everywhere Show Notes: -Annmarie's Website -The Conscious Parenting Series of Courses -Annmarie on Facebook -Annmarie on Twitter TIME SENSITIVE!! Link to register for Annmarie's FREE Anger Seminar, TUESDAY MAY 10 12-1pm CST Mentioned in the show: The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali Tsabary Check out other podcast episodes here:

In today's episode you'll hear from a mother who has actively chosen to not be held back by a "broken childhood", but instead use it as a catalyst for change. Molly Murray is a doula and mother of three who shares with us the power of intention and how important it is for mothers to reach out for support and not walk this path alone.   In this episode, you'll hear: -how Molly lost her mother and ended up living a women's crisis center as a child -how she chooses to look back on her childhood and see mostly happy times, despite the dark times -why she feels that her path was meant to be here for her growth -how the birth of her second child "changed everything" -what the power of intention has done for her life -the importance that gathering in circle with other women holds for her -why she wants every mother to have support -why she focuses on the here and now Show Notes: Molly Murray Birth Doula Molly on Facebook Cincinnati Birth and Parenting Network The Singing Circle Molly attends Songwriter that Molly recommends: Shelly Graff Song Lyrics: Song one: throw a stone into the water making circles for young girls stones can harm you stones will heal the world choose them wisely change the world Song two: giving birth 1000 times (x 2) to be a mother of so much (x 2) this life I’m the spindle of this life (x 2) it moves so quickly it move so fast (x 2) there will be stillness but not yet (x 2) this life I’m the spindle of this life Song three: weave and spin weave and spin this is how our work begins mend and heal mend and heal take the dream and make it real. Additional links: If you'd like to know more about women's circles, or are interested in starting one: The Millionth Circle Book  (as mentioned in episode 5 with Pixie Lighthorse) Check out other podcast episodes here:

Today I chat with psychologist and mother of 6, Dr. Christina Hibbert on ways to support your mental health. Christi is the author of several books, including the IPPY Award-winning memoir, This Is How We Grow, of Who Am I Without You, and her newest book, 8 Keys to Mental Health Through Exercise, which is being released today! Dr. Hibbert is a clinical psychologist specializing in women’s mental health, grief/loss/trauma, motherhood, parenting, pregnancy/postpartum, self-esteem/self-worth, and personal growth, and is the host of the weekly radio show, Motherhood, on WebTalkRadio.net. She is a WEALTH of information, specifically in the areas of motherhood. Perfect for the show! In this episode, you'll hear: -How exercise literally changes your brain health -Why mothers specifically should be taking advantage of this -What to do when you don't feel like exercising -Dr. Hibbert's exercise routine -Other tips for supporting your mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs -What Dr. Hibbert does when she doesn't feel like following her own advice -How she feels like she's changed since becoming a mother -What she wants YOU to know, more than anything! Show Notes: Dr. Hibbert's Blog Motherhood Radio Show *Listen to Dr. Hibbet interview ME on her show: The Key To Mental Health in Motherhood? Focus on Relationships: Dr. Hibbert on Facebook | Instagram Books: 8 Keys To Mental Health Through Exercise (Just released TODAY!!!) This Is How We Grow:A Psychologist's Memoir of Loss, Motherhood, & Discovering Self-Worth & Joy, One Season at a Time Who Am I Without You: 52 Ways to Rebuild Self-Esteem After a Breakup Check out other podcast episodes here:

Some women have such a calming energy that you can't help but feel a desire to slow down after being in contact with them. That's certainly how I feel after spending time with today's guest- Sarah Mancino of Farm Beach Bethel. Sarah talks about what life is like as a mother who homesteads, homeschools, and is extremely aware of her connection with the Earth. In this episode you'll hear: -how Sarah describes fear (it's a great one!) -how being connected to other women and the Earth gives her confidence -the importance of allowing for silence with your children -the gift she gives to her children every morning -what she sees as the goal of mothering -what she hopes her children remember from childhood -what Sarah wants all mothers to know Show Notes: Sarah Mancino on Facebook Farm Beach Bethel on Facebook Spiral Herbs Community on Facebook: During the growing season (May-October), Sarah and her daughter hosts herb walks and moon lodges for women. Susan Weed Check out other podcast episodes here:

I'm thrilled to share today's podcast episode with Rachel DesRochers, founder of Grateful Grahams, The Northern Kentucky Incubator Kitchen, and most recently: The Gratitude Collective. Rachel talks about gratitude, how to shift out of the "busy" mindset, and how she opens her mothering to include the women in her community. In this episode you'll hear: -why Rachel is careful not to say she's busy -how she realized that she was meant to spread the message of gratitude -how her life changed big time when she set intention to stop talking negatively about others -a favorite story of mine that talks about good luck and bad luck -how Rachel deals with the pressure of motherhood -how Rachel says she's grown since becoming a mother -what Rachel wants all mothers to know Show Notes: Grateful Grahams Northern Kentucky Incubator Kitchen The Gratitude Collective Check out other podcast episodes here:  

Sex and intimacy is often a difficult subject even before we have children. Once motherhood enters the picture, it’s a whole different ball game. Sex and relationship counselor, Julie Jeske talks about the most common changes women experience in their sex lives after becoming mothers. In this episode you’ll hear: -what sex therapy actually is -what changes Julie sees most often in clients who are mothers -what steps we can take to come to terms with these changes -conversation around society’s views of mothers and sexuality -the difference between sensuality and sexuality -the difference between sexuality and “sexiness” -what you’re missing out on if you shut yourself down sexually -if you can make progress in sex therapy if your partner is shut down -what Julie has to say to single mamas -Julie’s biggest surprise about sexuality after becoming a mother -what Julie is most proud of in her work -the one thing Julie wants all mothers to remember Show notes: juliejeske.com Julie on Instagram Esther Perel *Listen to the show to find out how you can win Julie's 30 day class, The Pleasure Project. (photo provided by Julie Jeske) Check out other podcast episodes here:

If you've ever felt like you weren't "the mothering type", or if you had a hard transition going from working to staying at home, today's episode is for you. In this episode you'll hear: -Why Sarah wasn't sure if she would ever be a mother -Sarah's struggles with leaving work to be a stay at home mom -the paradigm shift that helped her feel better in her role -the three jobs that help her support her "sahm" habit -how she would spend 3-4 hours alone -how being a mother has changed her -her advice to all mothers Show Notes: Sarah on Instagram (photo provided by Sarah McGinnis) Check out other podcast episodes here:

What does a punk rock yogi do when she finds out at 23 weeks that she's having a baby? Hear from this yoga teacher about what yoga and meditation can do for you, and how she’s teaching her daughter to love the messiness of life. In this episode you'll hear: -Gina's journey to becoming a mother -how it was that Gina was only knowingly pregnant for 3 months before having her daughter -what Gina sees as the benefits to yoga and meditation -how going through divorce affected Gina spiritually -what the biggest surprise has been for her since becoming a mother -what she wants her daughter to remember about childhood -what Gina wants every mother to remember Show Notes: Gina on Instagram Metta Meditation Girls on the Run Simply Power Yoga I'd love to hear your feedback about the podcast! Click the "Send Me a Message" button below, or send a message through Instagram or Facebook! (photo provided by Gina Fennell) Check out other podcast episodes here:

Today's episode touches on an extremely important issue: domestic abuse. Nancy is a mother of 5 grown children and shares her journey of "leaving the fairy tale." In this episode, you'll hear: -how Nancy's childhood dramatically influenced her experience as a mother -why she had 5 children -her biggest surprise upon becoming a mother -how she left an abusive marriage -what she learned about herself in the process -who inspired her -her advice to mothers everywhere Show Notes: *SAFETY ALERT: Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear all website footprints. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer that your abuser cannot access directly or remotely or call the National Domestic violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Women Helping Women (Cincinnati, Ohio) Broken and Battered Book (recommended by Nancy) Teen Dating Violence Resources: loveisrespect.org thatsnotcool.com The Gleam in the Mother's Eye: Heinz Kohut is the psychoanalyst that Nancy mentioned when referencing "The Gleam in the Mother's Eye." (photo provided by Nancy Simpson) Check out other podcast episodes here:

Did you honor your changing role as mother upon the arrival of each of your children? If not, no worries...it's not too late. In this week's episode, I chat with Soulodge founder Pixie Lighthorse about mothering as a rite of passage. In this episode, you'll hear: -what a rite of passage is, and why they are important to honor -how Pixie did work to release decades of build up before becoming a mother -why the womb is a sacred space worth our energy and caring for -Pixie's take on why the role of mother is not highly regarded in our culture -Pixie's answer to the question "What IS the role of mother?" -why you should have group of women to circle with (and what "circle" means) -what Pixie's day looks like as a mother and what surprised her most about becoming a mother -suggestions for ways to honor your rite of passage to mother (regardless of how long ago you became one). Show Notes: Pixie Lighthorse Pixie on Instagram The Millionth Circle by Jean Shinoda Bolen Blessing ways: A Guide to Mother-Centered Baby Showers, Celebrating Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood   (photo by Morgan Wade) Check out other podcast episodes here:

What does a DIY/Lifestyle blogger go through when her non-stop lifestyle is turned upside down by the birth of twins? That's what I chat about with today's guest, Emily May.     In this episode, you'll hear: -the shock Emily and her husband experienced upon learning they were pregnant with twins -the pressure that she felt after becoming a mom -a key turning point in dealing with the shock of motherhood -some of the ways she's grown already since giving birth almost a year ago Show Notes: Emily's blog, Go Haus Go Go Haus Go on Instagram Emily's favorite mom on Instagram (photo provided by Emily May) Check out other podcast episodes here:

Making the decision to quit work to stay at home with your children isn't always easy. In today's episode, we hear from Miranda Peters, mother to little girls, who recently made the switch from working mom to stay at home. If you are a new SAHM, I think you'll relate to much of what she has to say.     In this episode you'll hear: -some of the things that went into her decision to leave work and stay at home -what she worries about in that decision -some of the logistics of her day -her mothers advice about her rocking her girls to sleep -why everything "hurts" a little more for her now -how the movie "Where The Wild Things Are" inspired her in mothering Show Notes: Miranda on Instagram Where The Wild Things Are movie Gretchen Rubin 1 minute video, "The Years Are Short" (photo provided by Miranda Peters) Check out other podcast episodes here:

Do you ever see those mothers who have 5, 6, or even more children who seem to do it with such ease? Today's guest is one of those moms. Nicole is kind, calm, and that seems to be how the rest of the family operates too. Get a glimpse into how she does it on today's show.     In this episode you'll hear: -How Nicole balances home, children, and business. -How she's fostered an environment of little to no complaining in her house -If she always knew she wanted a large family -How she handles it when she feels one of her children is on the wrong path -a BIG change she recently made in her life regarding her work/life balance -her advice to all mothers, and mothers faced with making a difficult decision Show Notes: Halo Miner: Eco-Friendly Clothing and Accessories Halo Miner on Facebook Halo Miner on Instagram The blog post that Nicole says really helped her process making her big decision (photo provided by Nicole Reblando) Check out other podcast episodes here:

  It's here. The first episode of The Soul Work For Moms Podcast, and I couldn't think of a better first guest. Haven Magazine founder and editor-in-chief, Liz Bell Young speaks about what home means to her.     In this episode, you'll hear: -the interesting way Liz realized she wanted to be a mother -where her inspiration for Haven Magazine came from -what home looks like and means to her -why she think's the "mom-confessional" is good, but that we don't have to be so self-deprecating -her thought process on some difficult decisions she's made recently -what she's struggled with most as a mother -what she hopes all mothers can experience in their own lives Show Notes: Haven Magazine Volume 2, now at Anthropologie! Haven on Instagram Liz's Memoir, In The Wide Country of Love (photo provided by Liz Bell Young) Check out some of the other podcast episodes here:

  In this episode you'll hear about my struggles with mothering, how Soul Work For Moms came to be, and what to expect in episodes going forward. Thanks for listening! xoxo, Michelle Listen to other episodes: