The Motherhood Podcast with Michelle Grosser

Most high-achieving women don't burn out because they're incapable…they burn out because they've been conditioned to ignore their human capacity.Today's episode is a look at what happens when you live beyond your limits for too long — the subtle, everyday ways your nervous system tries to warn you, and the  clarity that emerges when you finally start honoring the margins built into your design.Inside this conversation, we explore: ✔️ The neuroscience of capacity — how allostatic load affects your capacity and executive function ✔️ Five quiet signs you're already beyond your limits, including irritability, rushing, emotional reactivity, feeling touched-out, and end-of-day procrastination ✔️ How your body communicates depletion, long before burnout becomes visible ✔️ How to begin honoring your actual limits so you stop burning energy you don't realistically haveThis isn't about dimming your drive or lowering your standards.It's about aligning your ambition with your biology — so you can show up with more clarity, presence, patience, creativity, and peace.If you've been operating on grit, overriding your cues, or believing that “being strong” means pretending you're limitless, this episode will feel like honesty, relief, and a grounded path back to yourself.- Join the Burnout Recovery Blueprint Waitlist!

If you've been feeling stretched thin, constantly “on,” or quietly resentful even while doing everything “right”… this episode is going to land.Because here's the truth most high-capacity women were never taught:You can't honor your energy without boundaries — and every time you override your limits, your nervous system pays the price.We're dismantling the modern myth that energy is a mindset problem… and revealing the real reason you feel depleted, overwhelmed, or numb:nervous-system-based boundary collapse.Whether it shows up as people-pleasing, chronic overfunctioning, emotional caretaking, guilt when resting, or simply the inability to say no… your body keeps the score long before you mentally “notice” you're burned out.Inside this conversation, you'll learn:✔️ The neuroscience of energy leaksHow fawning, over-giving, and constant striving keep your body in chronic fight-or-flight — and why shutdown, numbness, and exhaustion often follow.✔️ What boundary collapse really looks like in high-achieving womenThe subtle signs you've normalized (resentment, irritability, over-responsibility, low bandwidth, self-abandonment) — and how your body interprets them as danger cues.✔️ Why your limits aren't flaws — they're design featuresHow honoring your God-given capacity actually expands your ability to show up with clarity, purpose, and peace.✔️ Why honoring your energy is impossible without nervous-system alignmentAnd why no planner, routine, or productivity hack will give you the bandwidth your body doesn't have.- Join the Burnout Recovery Blueprint Waitlist!

What if the thing you're missing isn't more discipline — it's more play?Not structured play.Not “fun time” on your calendar.Not something productive or Pinterest-worthy.Real play.Pointless, joyful, silly, inefficient play.In this episode, we unpack:✔️ Why a lack of play quietly fuels anxiety, irritability, and burnout✔️ The neuroscience of how play expands creativity, resilience, and emotional regulation✔️ How play restores executive function — the part of your brain responsible for decision-making and focus✔️ Simple ways to bring play back into your life (even if you feel disconnected from it)This isn't about adding another task to your day.It's about remembering what your nervous system already knows:Play is medicine.Play is regulation.Play brings you back to yourself.If you've been efficient, responsible, and exhausted, this episode will feel like an exhale — and an invitation to feel alive again.- Join the Burnout Recovery Blueprint Waitlist!

If motherhood ever cracked you open in ways you didn't expect—old grief surfacing, worthiness wobbling, “Who even am I now?”—this conversation will feel like oxygen.I'm joined by Anna Seewald—Armenian-born educator, psychologist, and parenting & co-parenting specialist. After surviving the 1988 Spitak earthquake at 13 (losing her mother, home, friends, and community), Anna built a life and practice in the U.S. For the last 17 years she's worked with parents in New Jersey as a therapist and divorce mediator, helping families heal patterns at the root—without perfectionism, shame, or Band-Aid fixes.We're diving into: ✔️ Trauma-informed parenting 101: why early loss/relational wounds resurface in pregnancy and the “dark side” of early motherhood—and how to stop repeating unconscious patterns ✔️ Worthiness, shame, and the nervous system: why self-compassion (not self-critique) is the real regulator—and how to practice acceptance even when you don't “love” every part of you ✔️ Practical repair tools: catching the harsh inner critic, shifting from people-pleasing to needs-honoring, body gratitude over body punishment, and simple in-the-moment resets (hand-on-heart, kinder self-talk, micro-choices)If you feel like you've been hanging onto parents for dear life—or minimizing your story because it's not “capital-T” trauma—this episode offers grounded hope and clear next steps.

The next cohort of Burnout Recovery Blueprint opens January 2026. Join the waitlist HERE for early access, exclusive bonuses, and Black Friday savings.__You've mastered your calendar.You've optimized your mornings.You've checked every box.So why do you still feel anxious, rushed, and never quite caught up?In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest modern myths — the illusion that productivity leads to peace.Because what if all your effort to “manage time” has actually been keeping your nervous system trapped in survival mode?You'll discover: ✔️ The neuroscience of why efficiency fuels anxiety rather than freedom ✔️ How the pursuit of control over time accelerates burnout and dysregulation ✔️ A radically different approach to partnering with time instead of fighting against it ✔️ Why embracing your human limits — not escaping them — expands your true capacity for joy, rest, and fulfillmentThis episode is both a reframe and a release — an invitation to slow down, surrender the illusion of control, and start building rhythm instead of chasing balance.Because peace isn't found in mastering time.It's found in honoring it.If you've been white-knuckling your calendar, constantly chasing the next hack, or wondering why “having it all together” still feels hollow, this conversation will help you exhale, realign, and finally live at the pace of peace..- Join the Burnout Recovery Blueprint Waitlist!

Have you ever noticed that the things quietly wearing you down aren't the big crises—but the tiny, constant ones?The ones that slip through your calendar, your habits, your pace?In this episode, we're unpacking seven small but powerful habits that keep your nervous system stuck in quiet survival mode—and what to do instead. Because it's not always the obvious stressors that lead to burnout; it's the micro-stressors you've normalized.You'll learn: ✔️ How habits like overthinking, rushing, and suppressing emotion subtly dysregulate your body ✔️ Why overstimulation, caffeine-wine loops, and ignoring your body's cues keep you running on fumes ✔️ The neuroscience behind micro-stress and the cumulative toll it takes on your system ✔️ Seven practical, body-based shifts to bring your nervous system back into calm and safety

Do you ever feel like you're holding it all together on the outside—but underneath, you're simmering?You're not losing your mind. You're likely holding unprocessed anger.In this episode, we're diving into one of the most misunderstood emotions—especially for women: anger.For years, I didn't even realize I was angry. I told myself I was “fine,” “chill,” “rational.” But under all that composure was a nervous system running on tension and suppressed emotion. And here's the truth: when anger isn't processed, it doesn't disappear—it just leaks out as resentment, irritability, control, or passive aggression.You'll learn: ✔️ The neuroscience of anger—what's happening in your brain and body when you suppress versus express it ✔️ How unprocessed anger quietly drains your energy, shrinks your window of tolerance, and impacts your relationships ✔️ The four ways suppressed anger most commonly shows up (and how to spot them) ✔️ Practical, body-based ways to process and release anger safely—from movement and sound to prayer and breathwork

If you've ever wondered why you over-give to keep the peace, shut down to stay “strong,” or feel that push-pull of wanting closeness but fearing it—your attachment style is likely running the show behind the scenes.In this episode, I'm joined by Jessica Baum, therapist and author of Anxiously Attached and Safe. We break down attachment theory in real, everyday terms—how early experiences shape the way you love, what “secure” actually feels like in your body, and how to move from survival patterns to safe, connected relationships.We're diving into:✔️ The 4 attachment patterns (secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganized)—and why most of us are blends depending on the person and season✔️ How anxious people-pleasing/self-abandonment and avoidant “I'm fine” independence form—and practical steps to heal (interoception, anchoring relationships, and rupture & repair)✔️ Raising (and re-raising) secure: what kids need now, why it's never too late to repair, and the role of friendship/community in feeling safeIf you're ready to stop waiting for the other shoe to drop and start feeling secure from the inside out—this conversation is for you.

Feeling anxious, on edge, or like you're always one task away from total burnout?You're not broken — your nervous system is overloaded.And today, we're celebrating 400 episodes of helping high-capacity women like you learn to rewire their nervous systems for calm, clarity, and ease.In this milestone episode, I'm sharing four science-backed nervous system shifts that can help you move from anxious and reactive to grounded and resilient. These are the exact tools I use with clients (and in my own life) to restore energy, focus, and peace — without dropping every responsibility or running away to a cabin in the woods.You'll learn: ✔️ Why safety—not strategy—is the foundation of real stress recovery ✔️ How to work with your body instead of against it when anxiety hits ✔️ The difference between doing more and regulating better ✔️ Four practical shifts that retrain your brain and body for calm, clarity, and sustainable energy 

You know that feeling when you're trying to avoid burnout, but the very thought of “managing stress” feels like one more thing on your already maxed-out to-do list?Yeah—this one's for you.In this episode, we're cutting through the noise and getting real about what it actually takes to prevent burnout (without turning rest into another project). You'll learn five evidence-based, nervous-system-backed habits that help you move through stress, restore your energy, and protect your peace—without overhauling your entire life.You'll learn: ✔️ Why burnout isn't just about working too much—it's about living out of rhythm with how your nervous system was designed to function ✔️ Five simple, science-backed behaviors that regulate your body and mind (no, you don't need a morning routine that takes three hours) ✔️ How to recognize the signs your body is nearing burnout—and interrupt the cycle before it crashes you

Ever feel like anxiety just comes out of nowhere?Your mind starts racing, your body tenses, and suddenly you're either spiraling into overthinking or completely shutting down.That feeling isn't random—it's your nervous system doing exactly what it's designed to do: protect you. But when your body stays stuck in that loop, it's exhausting.In this episode, we're breaking down three science-backed tools to help your nervous system settle in real time so you can shift from anxious and reactive to calm and grounded.You'll learn:✔️ Why anxiety isn't “all in your head” — and what's actually happening in your body when it hits✔️ Three simple, research-backed tools to calm your system fast (no apps or hours of meditation required)✔️ How body-based practices like pressure, breath, and shaking help your brain register safety✔️ How to integrate these tools into your daily rhythms and faith practice.

If you've ever wondered, “Do I stay and dig deeper—or is it time to go?” you're not alone.In a world that glamorizes fresh starts, we can miss the quiet miracles of rootedness. But staying (with discernment) can be where real growth, depth, and peace are forged.In this episode, I'm joined by Rev. Lydia Sohn—Korean American minister, writer, and author—whose work explores what it means to build a life of depth in an age of endless options. Drawing from her immigrant story, pastoral work, and spiritual practices, Lydia shares how to discern when to plant, when to prune, and when a faithful “leaving” is actually a coming home.We're diving into: ✔️ The “soil test”: a simple framework to discern if your environment supports flourishing—or if it's depleting you ✔️ A daily practice (Ignatian Examen) to spot God's movement in “same old, same old” days—and why that changes everything ✔️ How to tell the difference between an impulsive escape and a peace-filled, Spirit-led transition ✔️ Practical rhythms to cultivate rich “soil” in marriage, work, friendship, and placeIf you're sitting in the tension—restless, discerning, and craving clarity—this conversation will give you grounded, grace-filled tools to listen for God, honor your season, and choose well.

Why is it so hard to “switch off” at the end of the day?You close your laptop, but your mind keeps buzzing. You replay conversations, run through tomorrow's to-dos, maybe even reach for your phone to check just one more email. And even if you try to relax with food, TV, or scrolling, the stress lingers.That's because your nervous system doesn't instantly reset when work ends. Without the right signals, your body stays stuck in fight-or-flight—leaving you restless, snappy, and unable to truly rest.In this episode, I'll walk you through a simple 10-minute transition ritual that helps your body actually release the stress of the day and step into your evening with more peace, presence, and joy.You'll learn: ✔️ Why your brain and body resist shutting down after work (and what's really going on physiologically) ✔️ How “happy hormones” like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins help you reset ✔️ A guided, science-backed practice that combines breath, somatic release, and prayer ✔️ How to re-enter your evening grounded—in your body, in your relationships, and in God's rest

You cannot heal your mind or your body in the presence of chronic stress. Full stop.And here's the hard truth: all the money, supplements, and energy you're spending trying to heal without addressing your stress load? It's mostly wasted.Because stress is cumulative. It's not just the tough conversation with your boss or the argument with your partner. It's also the poor sleep, the endless notifications, the skipped meals, and the emotions you never process. The good news? Healing doesn't require extreme protocols or once-a-year retreats. It comes from the daily habits you build into your life—the ones that teach your nervous system, over and over again: You're safe. You can rest. You can heal.In this episode, I'm sharing four practices I personally use every single day to keep my nervous system regulated and resilient.You'll learn:✔️ Why unprocessed emotions drive stress—and how to release them without spiraling✔️ How honoring your body's signals builds safety and trust✔️ Why time outdoors is the fastest reset for your system✔️ Simple phone boundaries that protect your brain from constant micro-stress

There's nothing worse than hitting Sunday night exhausted, resentful, and already bracing for Monday.For years, my Saturdays and Sundays were one long to-do list: laundry, errands, meal prep, cleaning, maybe even “getting ahead” on work. By Sunday night, I wasn't recharged—I was exhausted and already dreading Monday.Here's the thing: weekends aren't meant to just help you recover. They're meant to restore.Recovery is passive. Restoration is active. And if you want to step into Monday with energy and presence, you need habits that actually reset your nervous system—not just your calendar.In this episode of Alive & Well, I'm sharing three simple, science-backed habits that will transform how you use your weekends:

If you've ever looked at your kid mid-meltdown and thought, “Why am I reacting like this? I know better”—you're not alone.There's a gap between what we know and how we show up in the heat of parenting. And the bridge across that gap? Practiced, embodied mindfulness—not perfection or more willpower.In this episode, I'm joined by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE, RYT—international bestselling author of Raising Good Humans, creator of the Mindful Parenting course & teacher training, and host of the Mindful Mama podcast. A former “parenting yeller” turned mindfulness teacher with 20+ years of practice, Hunter has been featured on CNBC, NBC, FOX, HuffPost, Tiny Buddha, MOPS, and more. Her mission: help caregivers and kids live more mindfully and compassionately—without shame, rigidity, or 2-hour morning routines.We're diving into: ✔️ Mindfulness 101: what it really is (and how to practice it in 1–5 minutes, not just 20) ✔️ The neuroscience: shrinking amygdala reactivity, strengthening your prefrontal cortex (hello impulse control + clarity) ✔️ How to close the “I know better” → “I do better” gap with tiny, repeatable reps (not more information) ✔️ Practical tools to grow the pause before you snap—so you can respond instead of reactIf you've been trying to “think your way” to calmer parenting while your nervous system is sprinting the other direction, this one's for you.

If you've ever caught yourself chasing “work-life balance” with the perfect planner, color-coded schedule, or yet another productivity hack—only to still feel behind and burned out—you're not alone.Because balance isn't about squeezing more into your calendar. It's about shifting the operating system you're running on.In this episode of Alive & Well, I'm sharing three truths about work-life balance that almost no one talks about—truths that will help you stop chasing balance and start building it in a way your body, brain, and beliefs can actually sustain.We'll explore: 

If you've ever wondered why you feel stressed, snappy, or depleted—even when nothing “major” is wrong—your habits might be the reason.Because nervous system regulation doesn't happen in the big, dramatic moments. It's built in the small, daily rhythms that either anchor your body in safety… or keep it running on fumes.In this episode, I'm sharing 4 everyday habits that have completely changed my patience, energy, mood, and ability to show up—at work and at home. These aren't flashy, but they're powerful scaffolding for resilience.You'll learn:

True transformation doesn't come from white-knuckling your thoughts. It comes when you engage your whole self—body, mind, and spirit—to reset into peace.In this episode of Alive & Well, I'm joined by Ashriel Huber, founder of Love Moves, who helps women break free from fear, stress, and unworthiness by pairing movement, breath, prayer, and neuroscience. What started in her kindergarten classroom—where she discovered how movement transformed kids' ability to learn—has grown into a powerful framework for women to regulate their nervous systems, rewire their thoughts, and reclaim their God-given worth.We're diving into: ✔️ Why your body holds the key to shifting from fear brain to love brain ✔️ How Love Moves resets spark neurogenesis, close stress cycles, and create new patterns of peace ✔️ The role of consistency and repetition in rewiring your brain through neuroplasticity ✔️ Real stories of women who've gone from overwhelmed and unworthy to grounded, confident, and freeIf you've ever wondered how to actually renew your mind and take your thoughts captive in a practical, embodied way—this episode will show you what's possible.

Most of us are doing it 20,000 times a day—and doing it wrong.Breathing isn't just automatic. It's foundational. And when your breath is off, your body and mind feel it: stress spikes, energy crashes, and your nervous system can't find its footing.In this episode of Alive & Well, I'm joined by integrative physiotherapist Campbell Will, who has spent years studying the breath across ICUs, neurosurgical wards, elite athletic settings, and private practice. What he's found is simple but profound: when you breathe well, you elevate your health, performance, and emotional balance. When you breathe poorly, you drive dysfunction.We're diving into: ✔️ How the breath directly impacts your ability to self-regulate and co-regulate ✔️ What dysfunctional breathing really is—and the surprising ways it shows up in daily life ✔️ How poor breathing patterns keep your body stuck in stress (and what to do instead)If you've ever felt tired, tense, or like your body is stuck in “on” mode—this episode will help you reconnect with the most powerful (and accessible) tool you already have.

If your mornings feel rushed, chaotic, or like you're already behind before the day even starts—you're not imagining it. The way you begin your day has a direct impact on your nervous system, your stress levels, and your capacity to stay grounded.In this episode, I'm sharing 5 simple, science-backed morning rituals that have transformed the way I move through my day. These practices aren't about rigid routines or hustle—they're about working with your physiology so your mornings (and your nervous system) set you up for calm focus instead of chronic stress.You'll learn: 

If you've tried everything—therapy, time-blocking, supplements, mindset work—but still wake up tired, wired, and stuck in survival mode… this episode is your turning point.I'm walking you through the exact 7-step framework I teach inside The Burnout Recovery Blueprint to help high-achieving women regulate their nervous system and actually feel better.No more patchwork self-care plans. No more chasing quick fixes. This is root-cause healing.Inside this episode: ✔️ Why your nervous system—not your schedule—is the root of burnout✔️ The 7 science-backed steps that shift you from overdrive to calm, present, and powerful✔️ What makes BRB different from anything else you've tried - and how to know if it's right for youIf you're done operating from exhaustion and ready to feel like yourself again, this is the episode to hit play on. 

Clutter isn't just about stuff—it's about the guilt, shame, and stress weighing you down every time you walk into a room.I'm joined by declutter expert and host of The Maximized Minimalist, Katy Wells. Known for her authentic, holistic approach, Katy goes beyond surface-level tidying to uncover the real reasons clutter lingers—and how to break free from it for good.Katy has helped hundreds of thousands of people transform chaotic homes into calm, supportive spaces. And today, she's sharing how clutter is deeply tied to our psychology, emotions, and sense of worthiness.We're unpacking: ✔️ How “clutter shame” keeps you stuck in cycles of guilt and avoidance ✔️ The hidden emotional roots behind the stuff you can't seem to get rid of ✔️ Why quick-fix organizing hacks don't last—and what actually does ✔️ How to create lasting freedom from clutter so your home supports your life, not drains it ✔️ Simple mindset shifts that will help you release guilt and reclaim peaceIf you've ever felt weighed down by your home—or ashamed of the clutter you can't seem to conquer—this conversation will help you release the shame, understand the deeper “why,” and finally move toward lasting change.

➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️If you've been feeling anxious, on edge, or emotionally reactive — there's a reason for that. And no, it's not because you're doing anything wrong.In this short episode, I'm walking you through:The real reason you feel stuck in go-mode (hint: it's not just stress)Why your body overrides your best intentionsWhat you actually need to start feeling regulated againHow to join me live for From On Edge to At Ease — my free nervous system workshop happening todayYou don't need more willpower. You need a different kind of support — one that starts with safety in the body.We go live today at 1pm ET. Come join us at michellegrosser.com/workshopRelated Episodes to Explore:Previous Episode4 Game-Changing Strategies for Nervous System Regulation4 Overlooked Symptoms of Dysregulation That Aren't Actually “Normal”5 Daily Habits That are Dysregulating Your Nervous SystemOverwhelm, Brain Fog, and Irritability? 10 Ways a Dysregulated Nervous System Shows Up in Your Body5 Somatic Techniques to Regulate When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️I had the career, the home, the family — everything I'd worked so hard for.But inside? I felt numb. Anxious. Disconnected. Like I was going through the motions of a life I couldn't actually feel.In today's episode, I'm sharing the story I rarely tell — the moment I realized I wasn't just overwhelmed... I was burnt out in a way that mindset shifts and time blocking couldn't touch.You'll hear:What my burnout looked like (before I even realized I was burnt out)The coping strategies I thought were just “my personality”How my body finally said enough — and I had to listenThe nervous system shifts that helped me feel safe, present, and alive againIf you've been holding it all together while quietly falling apart, this one's for you.And if you want to experience the kind of shift that helped me recover, I'd love for you to join me in my free workshop, From On Edge to At Ease, happening Tuesday, August 26.Register at michellegrosser.com/workshopRelated Episodes to Explore:Previous EpisodeIgnoring What Your Body is Trying to Tell You? Pay Attention to These 10 Warning Signs of BurnoutLow on Energy? Strategies to Prevent and Reverse Adrenal Fatigue and BurnoutUnlocking Burnout Recovery: 3 Reasons Time Off Isn't EnoughTop 3 Reasons You Must Heal Your Burnout5 Burnout Red Flags Every Perfectionist Needs to Know --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

Today is about experiencing.Instead of more theory, I'm guiding you through a live somatic reset so you can actually feel what nervous system regulation is like in your body.If you've been running on empty, stuck in go-mode, or caught in cycles of anxiety, irritability, or shut-down, this is your chance to pause, soften, and reconnect.We'll explore together: ✔️ Why dysregulation can start to feel “normal” — and even productive ✔️ The key differences between survival mode and true ease ✔️ What regulation looks and feels like in your body, emotions, and relationships ✔️ A simple guided practice you can use anytime to shift back into balanceThis episode is designed to give you a felt sense of what's possible when your nervous system is at ease.And if you want to go deeper, this is exactly the kind of work we'll be doing together inside my free workshop, From On Edge to At Ease, on Tuesday, August 26.

Register at michellegrosser.com/workshopPeople-pleasing isn't just draining — it's a full-on energy thief and a silent barrier to your powerIn this episode, I'm talking with Erica Rooney, who brings over 15 years of insight into how people-pleasing shapes our professional and personal lives — often in ways we don't realize.Erica's approach is all about realigning your career and life with your core values so you can stop bending over backwards and start showing up as your full, vibrant self.We're unpacking: ✔️ How people-pleasing fuels that low-grade stress and negative emotions you can't shake ✔️ The hidden ways it sabotages your career, leadership, and workplace well-being ✔️ Why people-pleasing is more than a “bad habit” — it's a nervous system pattern begging for healing ✔️ Steps to reclaim your boundaries, confidence, and authentic voice ✔️ How to move from seeking approval to owning your worth in all areas of lifeIf you're tired of the exhausting cycle of trying to meet everyone else's expectations and craving freedom to lead with courage and gentleness, this episode is your wake-up call.

If you've ever tried to “positive-think” your way out of burnout — only to still feel edgy, exhausted, or emotionally flat — you're not alone.In today's episode, we're unpacking why mindset work often falls short when it comes to real burnout recovery — and what your body actually needs instead.You'll learn:The neuroscience of why mindset tools don't always land when you're dysregulatedWhy your body overrides your best intentionsThe difference between insight and integrationWhat it actually takes to create sustainable shifts in how you feel and functionWe'll also talk about the role of somatic tools, how they work, and why this is the foundation of my upcoming workshop, From On Edge to At Ease.Join me live on Tuesday, August 26 for a free, nervous-system-based experience to help you finally feel the shift your mindset work couldn't create.Register at michellegrosser.com/workshopRelated Episodes to Explore:Previous Episode4 Game-Changing Strategies for Nervous System RegulationA Mindset Shift for Life's Challenging Seasons5 Steps to Navigating Life's ChallengesHealing Anxiety & Burnout: 4 Non-Negotiables for Nervous System RegulationA Powerful Mindset Shift for Moms --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️Burnout doesn't always look like a breakdown.Sometimes it looks like holding it all together — while feeling like you're falling apart inside.In this episode, we're unpacking three subtle signs your burnout might actually be rooted in nervous system dysregulation — not a lack of motivation, energy, or time.You'll learn:Why burnout often goes unnoticed in high-capacity womenThe difference between functional burnout and full collapseHow nervous system survival states mask themselves as personality traitsWhat these patterns are trying to protect you from — and how to start shifting themIf any of these signs hit home, I want to personally invite you to my free live workshop, From On Edge to At Ease, happening Tuesday, August 26.You'll experience nervous-system-based tools that create real shifts in how you feel — without needing to do more or try harder.Save your seat at michellegrosser.com/workshopRelated Episodes to Explore:Previous EpisodeUnlocking Burnout Recovery: 3 Reasons Time Off Isn't Enough5 Morning Mistakes that Wreck Your Nervous System and Cause BurnoutTop 3 Reasons You Must Heal Your BurnoutTired, Anxious, and Overwhelmed? The Step-by-Step Process to Heal Burnout and Regulate Your Nervous SystemTalk Therapy Not Working? 3 Reasons You're Still Stuck in Anxiety & Burnout --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️You've got things to be grateful for. You've read the books. You know better.So why do you still feel reactive, anxious, or like you're about to snap at the smallest thing?Here's the truth: feeling “on edge” has nothing to do with willpower or mindset.In today's episode, we're unpacking the real reason so many high-capacity women stay stuck in cycles of overwhelm — and it's not because you're doing it wrong.You'll learn:The difference between stress and nervous system dysregulationHow your body stores survival responses — even after the threat is goneWhy top-down tools (like positive thinking) often fall flatWhat to do instead to actually start feeling safe in your body againIf this resonates, I want you to join me for a free live workshop I'm teaching called From On Edge to At Ease, happening Tuesday, August 26.You'll learn simple, body-based tools to help you move out of survival mode and into real regulation.Reserve your seat at michellegrosser.com/workshop — I'll see you there.Related Episodes to Explore:Previous EpisodeFind Freedom from Anxiety7 Ways to Release Stress and Anxiety From Your BodyAre These 3 Mistakes Making Your High-Functioning Anxiety Worse? (And What to Do Instead)Feeling Overwhelmed with Work-Life Balance? 3 Mindset Shifts for Working Moms"5 Somatic Techniques to Regulate When You're Feeling Overwhelmed " --- ➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️

➡️ ➡️ > SAVE YOUR SPOT: "FROM ON EDGE TO AT EASE" WORKSHOP < ⬅️ ⬅️What if you could rewire your brain for success that feels as good as it looks—with science?In today's episode, I'm joined by world-renowned mindset and performance expert John Assaraf, and we're talking all things brain science, belief systems, and what it actually takes to get out of your own way and into your next level.John has built 5 multimillion-dollar companies, written 14 books (including 2 NYT bestsellers), and been featured in 16 films.We're diving into: ✔️ Why your current identity might be capping your potential (and how to upgrade it) ✔️ The neuroscience behind belief systems—and how to rewire them ✔️ What Innercise® is and how to use it to shift from fear to focused action ✔️ How to train your brain for success in health, wealth, and relationships ✔️ Why goals alone won't change your life—but changing your brain willIf you've been feeling stuck, circling the same patterns, or just know you're meant for more—this episode is your permission slip and practical roadmap.

You know better—but you're still pushing past your limits.You've read the books. You've blocked off the calendar. You know what to do.But somehow, the burnout keeps creeping back in.Sound familiar?This week on Alive & Well, we're talking about a tough truth:Sometimes, the very habits that make you high-performing are the same ones burning you out.In this episode, I'm sharing 6 things I stopped doing in order to actually heal my nervous system—not just manage stress better on the surface. These are subtle but powerful shifts I made after my own burnout in 2017—and they've changed the way I live, work, and lead.You'll learn: 

You're showing up, but inside, you're unraveling.You're getting the work done. Smiling when you're supposed to. Even squeezing in the workouts and the meetings and the meal prep.But if you're honest? You're running on fumes.This is burnout—but not the collapse-on-the-bathroom-floor kind.This is high-functioning burnout. The invisible kind. The kind that simmers quietly in high-achieving women until everything starts to feel like too much.In this episode of Alive & Well, I'm walking you through my nervous-system-first approach to healing chronic stress that doesn't ask you to hustle harder or download another planner.You'll learn: 

When your stress is off the charts, the last thing you need is vague advice and zero follow-through. What you do need? Tools that actually work—with the science to back them.In this episode of Alive & Well, we're unpacking four body-based techniques that regulate your nervous system in real time. These are somatic tools, rooted in neuroscience, that help you shift out of chronic stress—without needing to book a retreat or download another meditation app you'll never open.We'll start with the why—what happens in your brain and body when you're stuck in stress mode—and then I'll walk you through four simple, powerful techniques to bring your system back to safety.You'll learn: 

If you've ever felt like your gut has more control over your day than you do—bloating, food anxiety, exhaustion, skin flares, mood dips—you're not imagining things.And you're definitely not alone.In this episode, I'm joined by Hannah Aylward, functional nutritionist and founder of HAN, and we're unpacking the deep, often misunderstood connection between your gut, your mood, and your nervous system.Hannah brings the receipts: how your digestion is linked to everything from your sleep and energy levels to your anxiety and hormonal health—and what to do when it feels like your body's working against you.We're diving into: ✔️ How undiagnosed gut imbalances can lead to chronic bloating, fatigue, skin issues, and even hormone disruption ✔️ Why restriction and elimination diets aren't the healing fix they promise to be ✔️ How to nourish your body in a way that promotes gut repair and nervous system safety ✔️ The impact of antibiotics and childhood infections on your adult gut health ✔️ What it really takes to balance blood sugar, boost microbiome diversity, and support long-term energyIf you're sick of cutting foods, afraid to eat, or just tired of feeling off—and you know something deeper's going on—this episode is a must-listen.

You're functioning. Performing. Keeping it together.But deep down, your mind is racing. Your shoulders are tense. And you're one more Slack notification away from snapping.If you're looking calm on the outside—but buzzing underneath, it might be high-functioning anxiety—and most women don't even realize they're living in it.Today, we're pulling back the curtain on high-functioning anxiety from a nervous system perspective. I'll walk you through what it really is, how it forms, and the hidden habits that keep you stuck in the loop—plus simple body-based ways to start shifting out.You'll learn: 

You know you need to manage your stress… but why does managing stress feel like another stressor?If you've ever rolled your eyes at a self-care checklist, you're not alone. High-capacity women don't need more pressure to “do wellness right.” You need tools that actually work—and fit into real life.In this episode of Alive & Well, we're unpacking five anti-burnout behaviors backed by neuroscience. These aren't morning routine fluff or band-aid fixes. They're simple, nervous system-friendly habits that help you regulate stress, replenish energy, and stay grounded—without needing a full life overhaul.You'll learn: 

Ever feel like you're trying to do all the right things—but your body still feels tense, wired, or totally wiped out?In this episode of Alive & Well, we're unpacking how chronic stress hijacks your nervous system—and what it actually looks and feels like when you're stuck in fight, flight, or freeze. You'll learn: 

Ever notice how bravery isn't about feeling fearless—but doing the hard thing anyway, even when your palms are sweaty and your brain is begging you to binge Netflix instead?Today's guest is here to show us what it actually means to lead ourselves bravely—from the inside out. We're talking mindset shifts, bold action, and the kinds of relationships that pull us forward instead of drain us dry.If you've ever wondered how to show up more powerfully in the face of challenge, this one's for you.In this episode, I'm joined by leadership coach, Marine Corps veteran, and corporate consultant Jill Schulman—and we're breaking down what it actually means to be brave (and no, it's not about being fearless or reckless).Jill shares the science of courage—how it works in your brain, how it builds over time, and why it's directly linked to your happiness, resilience, and sense of purpose.We're diving into: ✔️ The two biggest myths about bravery that keep women stuck ✔️ Why courage isn't about being fearless—it's about being values-led ✔️ How your nervous system plays a role in both fear and courage ✔️ Practical tools to build your “bravery muscle” without frying your system ✔️ What it means to be smart brave vs. stupid brave ✔️ Why community, vulnerability, and mindset are non-negotiables for bold leadershipIf you've ever told yourself, “I'm just not brave like her” or “I'll do it when I feel ready”—this episode is a must-listen.

You've probably heard the phrase “the body keeps the score”—but what does that actually mean?If you've ever dealt with chronic tightness, gut issues, jaw clenching, or exhaustion that just won't quit… your body might be holding on to more than stress. It might be storing trauma.In this episode, we're diving into the science of somatic memory—how your nervous system encodes unprocessed trauma and stress into your tissues, and how that stored tension can quietly sabotage your energy, focus, and well-being.You'll learn: 

You've read the books. You've tried the deep breaths. You've told yourself, “Just calm down.”But when overwhelm hits? Your body's still on edge—clenched jaw, tense shoulders, short fuse.Here's the truth: you can't out-think a dysregulated nervous system.Because when your brain is flooded with stress hormones, logic and willpower go offline.In this episode of Alive & Well, we're unpacking what really happens in your body when you're overwhelmed—and why somatic tools (not more hacks or habits) are the key to feeling calm, grounded, and in control again.

You're ambitious. You're organized. You've got the planner, the calendar app, and the color-coded to-do list.So why do you still feel overwhelmed, behind, and exhausted by 2pm?Here's the truth:It's not your calendar that's the problem.It's your nervous system.Because when your body is stuck in survival mode, no time-blocking strategy in the world will stick.In this episode, we're flipping the script on productivity and revealing the 3 nervous system patterns that are quietly sabotaging your performance:Chronic overwhelm – Why you're always “on” but never feel donePeople-pleasing – Why you say yes when your body says noConstant urgency – Why slowing down feels unsafe (even when you're desperate for rest)

If you ever feel like a completely different version of yourself when you're under stress—snappy, shut down, or just plain tapped out—you're not alone. Stress doesn't just impact how you feel in your body. It can totally hijack how you show up in your relationships… especially your marriage.In this episode, I'm joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Elizabeth Earnshaw, and we're unpacking how unprocessed stress silently fuels miscommunication, emotional disconnection, resentment, and repeated blow-ups in partnership—even when you love each other deeply.You'll learn how stress physically rewires the way you interact, and why you keep reacting in ways that don't reflect who you really are.We're diving into: ✔️ The two types of stress that show up in marriage—and how to tell the difference ✔️ Why your brain shuts down communication and turns conflict into a battlefield ✔️ How to recognize when you're about to "pop" and how to stop the spiralIf you've ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “Why did I say that?” or “Why do we keep having the same fight?”—this episode is a must-listen.

You set the boundary. And then… you broke it. Again. You knew what to say. You meant it when you said it. So why did it feel so hard to actually hold the line?In today's episode, we're unpacking why boundaries often don't stick—and spoiler: it's not a willpower problem. It's a nervous system problem.Whether it's a boss who steamrolls your calendar or a loved one who doesn't get your “no,” boundary pushback triggers your body's survival response. And when your system's dysregulated? You'll abandon yourself every time just to feel safe.This episode is your invitation to stop shaming yourself—and start building boundaries that actually hold.You'll learn: ✔️ Why breaking boundaries is a nervous system response, not a personal failure ✔️ How to shift from reactive (unsustainable) boundaries to regulated ones ✔️ The 6 tools that make boundaries stick—including the BEAT framework and micro-boundariesWe're getting real about shame spirals, people-pleasing, fawning, and how to protect the highest version of you—even when it's uncomfortable.

If your morning routine feels more like a crash course in chaos than calm… this episode is for you.You don't need another 17-step overhaul. You need a few small shifts that actually stick.In this episode, we're talking about why most morning routines don't work for high-achieving women—and what neuroscience says to do instead. Think less hustle, more strategy. Less pressure, more alignment.You'll learn: ✔️ Why your brain resists big changes (and how to work with it, not against it) ✔️ The 3-step process to create real, lasting habit change ✔️ 4 high-impact morning habits that actually support your nervous systemWe're unpacking the micro-habits that prime your brain for a better day. No overwhelm. Just tiny wins that compound into a more focused, grounded, and regulated you.

You're wiped, but wired. Exhausted, but your brain won't quit.You want to rest—but your body says, not yet.That buzzing, edgy, can't-sit-still feeling? It's not a mindset problem. It's a nervous system stuck in survival mode.In this episode, we're unpacking the real science behind the tired but wired paradox—and why slowing down might feel anything but restful when you're dysregulated.You'll learn: ✔️ What “tired but wired” actually means in your nervous system ✔️ Why high-functioning women struggle to rest (and why it's not your fault) ✔️ 4 somatic tools to help you finally feel calm, grounded, and safe againWe'll cover the role of the vagus nerve, how mixed states hijack your energy, and why stillness can feel like a threat when your system's braced for danger. Plus: high-ROI practices you can use right now to start rewiring rest into your body—without needing a week-long retreat or a silent house.Related Links:Previous EpisodeTired of Being Tired? Top Causes of Chronic Fatigue and Powerful Energy-Boosting HabitsTired, Anxious, and Overwhelmed? The Step-by-Step Process to Heal Burnout and Regulate Your Nervous SystemFeeling Overwhelmed with Work-Life Balance? 3 Mindset Shifts for Working MomsUnlocking Calm Powerful Somatic Practices to Shift out of Fight, Flight or Freeze 3 Body-Based Tools to Shift Out of Fight-or-Flight (Fast)— >>>

If you've ever felt guilty for struggling because “you should be grateful,” this one's for you.Because real mental wellness isn't about pretending everything's fine.It's about having science-backed tools that help you navigate the real stuff—burnout, anxiety, parenting stress, and all the emotions in between.In this episode, I'm joined by Marc Fussell, founder of Take 2 Minutes—a nonprofit using tech and positive psychology to make nervous system regulation doable (and actually effective).We're diving into: ✔️ What positive psychology actually is (and how it helps rewire your brain for joy) ✔️ Why your gratitude practice might not be working (and how to fix it in 2 weeks) ✔️ A simple grounding tool to help calm your nervous system in real time ✔️ How to model emotional regulation for your kids—even on the messy Marc's approach is science-backed, simple, and surprisingly doable—even in a busy season.If you've ever felt like you're trying to be grateful but it's not landing—or like you've lost touch with joy—you're going to love this one. It's hopeful, honest, and full of tangible takeaways.

If your body feels like it's stuck in overdrive—wired, tired, inflamed, and just plain off—it might not be just stress. It could be high cortisol.In this first episode of Alive & Well, we're pulling back the curtain on your body's main stress hormone. Because if you've been walking around feeling anxious, foggy, overstimulated, or exhausted by 2 p.m., there's a good chance your cortisol levels are out of whack—and your nervous system is sounding the alarm.In this episode, you'll learn:Why common symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog could all be traced back to high cortisolHow chronic stress disrupts your energy, sleep, focus, and moodThe science behind your stress response (no jargon—just what you actually need to know)4 simple, science-backed ways to calm your nervous system and bring your body back into balanceThe best part? You don't need to overhaul your whole life. Just a few small shifts to help your body feel safe again.

If you wake up already anxious, overstimulated, or feeling behind—you're not imagining it. Mornings can be brutal when your nervous system is stuck in survival mode. And no amount of coffee, planners, or morning routine hacks will fix what's really happening in your body.In this episode, we're unpacking what's actually going on when mornings feel hard—and how to shift it with nervous system-based tools that work in real life (not just on someone's aesthetic IG grid).We're diving into: ✔️ What a dysregulated nervous system looks like first thing in the morning ✔️ The sneaky habits making AM anxiety worse (even when they feel “normal”) ✔️ Simple, body-based shifts to start your day feeling grounded—not reactiveIf you've been telling yourself you're just “not a morning person,” it might be time to look deeper. Your body is asking for safety. Let's help it find it.

You're crushing it on paper—but inside? You're feeling fried.If your standards are sky-high, your to-do list never ends, and your nervous system feels like it's hanging on by a thread, this episode is your wake-up call.In today's episode, we're breaking down what happens when perfectionism becomes a nervous system survival strategy—and why it's one of the earliest (and sneakiest) signs of burnout.We're diving into: ✔️ The real root of perfectionism (hint: it's not just about high standards) ✔️ 5 subtle but powerful signs you're burning out—and might not know it ✔️ How to rewire the pressure to “get it right” and build nervous system safety insteadIf you've been wondering why you can't relax… why nothing ever feels good enough… or why success feels so exhausting—this one's for you.