The Brave Table with Dr. Neeta Bhushan

358: Why “Good Mothers” Lose Themselves (And How to Reclaim You) with Vanessa Bennett


Listen Later

What if everything you’ve been told about motherhood was a lie?  In this raw and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with depth psychotherapist and bestselling author Vanessa Bennett to explore what she calls The Motherhood Myth. Together, we unpack the hidden expectations placed on women—how they show up in parenting, intimacy, and identity—and why breaking generational patterns is the bravest thing we can do.

This episode isn’t just about motherhood—it’s about the stories we inherit, the pressure to perform, and the radical act of choosing yourself while raising the next generation. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not enough” or struggled under the weight of cultural expectations, this conversation will be the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.


What you'll get out of this episode… 

  • The real truth about why so many women feel unfulfilled despite “having it all”

  • Why “good motherhood” is often a trap society sets for women

  • The hidden cost of societal expectations on mothers and partners

  • Motherhood isn’t for every woman — and that’s okay

  • Navigating rage in motherhood: what it’s really trying to tell you

  • The truth behind the “Martyr Mom” and why we glorify her

  • Practical steps to break generational patterns and reclaim your sense of self

  • Vanessa’s unfiltered advice on redefining success and identity as a modern woman


This Episode is Powered by Health Nag

Turning 40? Feeling the shifts—in your skin, joints, energy, or gut? Same, friend. That’s why I swear by Health Nag’s Bioactive Collagen Jelly. It’s the only collagen with Types I, II, III & IV for full-body support—and your body actually absorbs it. No powders. No fillers. Just one delicious spoon a day.Backed by science. Founded by women. Made to work.

Get 10% off with code BRAVETABLE at ⁠⁠neetabhushan.com/healthnag⁠⁠


Sponsored by Zoime Longevity Clinic

Longevity isn’t just about adding years—it’s about feeling vibrant, energized, and fully alive in the ones you have. Zoime creates personalized health plans that go way beyond supplements—think gut health, hormones, peptides, movement, mindset, and more—so you can thrive at every age.

Get 10% off your consultation with code BRAVETABLE — book yours here: ⁠neetabhushan.com/zoime⁠ 


Connect with Vanessa

WEB / https://www.vanessabennett.com 

IG / https://www.instagram.com/vanessasbennett 

BOOKS / https://www.vanessabennett.com/books 


Want more?

Mama, your nervous system deserves a pause. The Chai Tonics Ritual Starter Kit was made to help you reset with blends that support focus, calm, and energy—without the coffee crash. Create your sacred moment at https://bit.ly/trychaitonics with code BRAVE for 15% off.

🌿 Need focus, recovery, or balance? Take my FREE quiz to find your perfect wellness boost → neetabhushan.com/chaiquiz


Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!

YOUTUBE / @TheBraveTable

IG / @neetabhushan 

IG / @thebravetable 

TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan

WEB / https://neetabhushan.com


If you loved this episode, check out…

Ep. #313: The Power of Devotional Leadership: Redefining Strength, Sisterhood & Receiving with Nisha Moodley (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep. #301: Braving Burnout, Motherhood & Identity: The Unlearning We All Need with Michelle Grosser (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep. #321: The “Good Girl” Lie That’s Keeping You Stuck (And How to Break Free) with Dr. Shefali (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)


To receive a free gift, email a screenshot of your 5-star review of The Brave Table to [email protected] 😘


Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x award-winning author, emotional health advocate, and host of The Brave Table podcast. CEO of Highest Self Institute and author of That Sucked, Now What, she’s been featured in Forbes, ABC, and more. A former dentist turned global speaker, Neeta’s work blends psychology, ancient wisdom, and resilience from her own life experiences. She's also a mom, wellness lover, and chai enthusiast.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Brave Table with Dr. Neeta BhushanBy Dr. Neeta Bhushan

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

147 ratings


More shows like The Brave Table with Dr. Neeta Bhushan

View all
The Higher Self with Danny Morel by Danny Morel

The Higher Self with Danny Morel

836 Listeners

Earn Your Happy by Lori Harder | YAP Media

Earn Your Happy

2,791 Listeners

Life Coaching with Christine Hassler by Christine Hassler

Life Coaching with Christine Hassler

1,623 Listeners

The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes

The School of Greatness

21,196 Listeners

Plenty with Kate Northrup by Kate Northrup, Author, Entrepreneur, and Speaker

Plenty with Kate Northrup

660 Listeners

The Marie Forleo Podcast by Marie Forleo

The Marie Forleo Podcast

1,644 Listeners

Highest Self Podcast® by Sahara Rose

Highest Self Podcast®

5,753 Listeners

The Mark Groves Podcast by Mark Groves

The Mark Groves Podcast

4,724 Listeners

EXPANDED Podcast by To Be Magnetic™ by To Be Magnetic™

EXPANDED Podcast by To Be Magnetic™

3,307 Listeners

On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

27,400 Listeners

Powerhouse Women by Lindsey Schwartz

Powerhouse Women

883 Listeners

Dear Gabby by Gabby Bernstein

Dear Gabby

6,080 Listeners

Jillian on Love by Jillian Turecki | QCODE

Jillian on Love

1,403 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,676 Listeners

A Really Good Cry by iHeartPodcasts

A Really Good Cry

282 Listeners