Down The Well

By Elle RowleySociety & Culture Education Self-Improvement Relationships Parenting Kids & Family

Down The Well episodes

December 16, 2025 When You’re Down the Well: Simple Tools That Work With Jody Moore
Sz 2 Ep 14 | What if emotional overwhelm isn't coming from your life circumstances—but from the sentences running through your mind?
In this intimate, practical conversation, Elle Rowley sits down with master coach Jody Moore to explore the roots of emotional suffering for mothers, especially in life's toughest seasons. Together, they bust the myth that overwhelm, anxiety, and guilt are caused by what’s happening outside of us, and instead reveal how our thoughts—and the judgments stacked on top of them—create our hardest moments.
Jody Moore shares how practicing self-compassion, curiosity, and letting go of perfectionism transformed her experience as a mother, coach, and woman. She explains why striving to be a “good mom” can be counterproductive, and why embracing your “world’s okayest mom” moments might be exactly what you and your kids need.
You'll hear real stories from Elle about navigating complicated grief, her early struggles with self-judgment, and how thought awareness opened the door to healing. Jody dives into practical concepts—from emotional adulthood and curiosity in hard conversations, to the power of raising your “minimum baseline” and owning your choice to stay connected, even when you want to quit.
This episode is a compassionate guide to befriending your emotions, shedding unnecessary suffering, and building stronger relationships—starting with the one you have with yourself.
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Emotions driven by self-compassion.
00:03:00 - Podcast helps mothers in grief.
00:07:00 - Overwhelm comes from our thoughts.
00:12:00 - Handling teen anxiety with validation.
00:16:00 - Bad days versus rough seasons.
00:21:00 - Celebrating "okayest mom" mindset.
00:27:00 - Set practical minimum baselines.
00:33:00 - Moments of connection over work.
00:40:00 - Embracing compassion and self-acceptance.
01:07:00 - Aspirations for matriarch phase.
Episode Links:
Jody's Website - https://jodymoore.com/
Down The Well Links:
Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley
Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley
Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop
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About Down The Well:
Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books.
Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 11 min
December 09, 2025 5 Unexpected Lessons From 3 Divine Mothers
Sz 2 Ep 13 | What if the true power of motherhood isn’t just surviving the day-to-day—but embracing the descent, the grief, and the transformation that follows?
In this solo episode, Elle Rowley invites you to journey down the well of motherhood’s deepest myths, drawing wisdom from three iconic divine mothers: Mary (the mother of Christ), Demeter (Greek goddess), and Isis (Egyptian goddess). Through story and reflection, Elle reframes the narrative that so often reduces motherhood to mere busyness and duty, showing how our real growth comes when we allow ourselves to descend into uncertainty, pain, and mystery.
This is not an episode about sugarcoating the hard parts of mothering. It’s about recognizing the sacredness of our struggle—the cycles of descent and rising, grief and renewal. Elle highlights five powerful lessons for mothers everywhere:
Lesson 1: The mother brings forth the bridge between worlds
Lesson 2: The mother must descend
Lesson 3: Descent awakens the fierce mother
Lesson 4: Death, loss, and the rhythm of return
Lesson 5: Through suffering, the mother reshapes the world.
Share this episode with a mother who may need it, and join the movement to reclaim an empowering, truthful narrative of motherhood.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Descent Is Part Path
00:00:49 – Memorable Thanksgiving Recap
00:02:30 – Purpose: Mothers’ Transformation
00:04:31 – Mary’s Hero’s Journey
00:06:57 – Demeter: Mother’s Grief
00:10:55 – Isis: Restoration After Loss
00:13:47 – Five Lessons from Myths00:22:14 – Embracing Motherhood’s Seasons
Down The Well Links:
Elle's Substack – https://substack.com/@ellerowley
Elle's Instagram – instagram.com/ellerowley
Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop
About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books.
Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
25 min
December 02, 2025 Nurturing Outside of the Box: A Life Dedicated to Service | Yvonne Sinclair
Szn 2 Ep 12 | What happens when the life you imagined disappears—and you say yes to what’s next, one small step at a time?
In this deeply moving Portrait of a Matriarch episode, Elle sits down with Yvonne Sinclair, founder of Naru in Guatemala, whose story is part adventure, part quiet revolution.
Yvonne’s life began in London’s marketing world, where stability looked perfect from the outside. But when her family life didn’t unfold as planned, she found herself stepping into the unknown—first through solo travel in Egypt, and then, unexpectedly, in the rural mountains of Guatemala.
What started as a six-month commitment to help coffee workers became over two decades of living amidst cloud forests, serving thousands of malnourished children, and building bridges between worlds. Yvonne and Elle unpack the inner and outer journeys: from crafting an “escape bottom drawer” to discovering true purpose through service, simplicity, and relentless pragmatism. They discuss finding “enough,” releasing self-judgment, and the freedom that comes with aging and letting go.
This episode is about transformation—not by grand design, but by answering one ordinary yes after another. You’ll hear about the joys and heartbreaks of living and working in remote Guatemala, the realities of sustainable change, and the deep meaning that comes from steady, grounded leadership.
Whether you’re in the midst of personal loss, stuck in the waiting, or longing for purpose in unexpected places, Yvonne’s story will both comfort and challenge you.

Timestamps:
00:00:51 – Episode Introduction
00:04:14 – The Turning Point
00:07:23 – Arriving in Guatemala
00:11:21 – Yvonne's Hero’s Journey
00:18:23 – Why Guatemala?
00:21:34 – The Malnourished Children
00:28:50 – Life in Guatemala
00:50:59 – The Wisdom of Enough
Episode Links:
Naru Guatemala's Website: https://naruguatemala.org/
Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop

Down The Well Links:
Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley
Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley
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About Down The Well:
Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books.
Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own souls. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
59 min
November 18, 2025 Becoming the Matriarch: Finding Your Joy in a New Era with Bev Aron
Szn 2 Ep 11 | What if the next era of womanhood is actually the most powerful, joyful, and creative of all?
In this heartfelt conversation, host Elle Rowley sits down with master coach Bev Aron to reimagine what it means to become the matriarch—not a martyr, but a woman rooted in wisdom, joy, and unwavering self-trust. Together, they explore how motherhood can be a journey of deep healing, not just for ourselves, but across generations.
Bev Aron shares how her work as a coach was born out of her own transformation through motherhood, and why awareness—being a gentle observer of our own emotions—is the key to unlocking lasting change. From moving through overwhelm as a mom, to finally letting go of guilt and old patterns, Bev offers tangible practices to connect with your body, process emotions, and rediscover your light.
This isn’t about having it all together. It’s about uncovering the joy and boldness that’s been inside you all along, no matter what age or stage you’re in. You’ll hear real talk about breaking cycles of self-judgment, tending to your own joy, outgrowing the need for outside validation, and embracing the creative possibilities that midlife brings.
Timestamps:
00:02:25 – Motherhood sparked Bev’s self-discovery journey
00:06:26 – “Awareness is the portal to transformation”
00:09:39 – Generational healing begins with nurturing ourselves
00:11:04 – Layered healing brings natural joy, lightness
00:16:07 – "No thought police" means total mental freedom
00:17:16 – Bev embraces role as family matriarch
00:26:01 – Transition from active parenting to flexible support
00:43:08 – "Too late" is the most common limiting belief
No matter what chapter of life you're in, this episode is a loving invitation to become the matriarch of your own life—full of possibility, light, and self-compassion.
Show Links:
Bev Aron's Deep Dive Coach Institute: http://bevaron.com/
Bev's daughter's blog on parenting books: https://myparentingpearls.wordpress.com/?fbclid=PAdGRleAMttQZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpy7SZqFRmz5p7pwVgXGvUlemZ1rAnr87MK_uYYx_-YfkgnuR4P_2FhmwMpE8_aem_MVa-0829NZpurW6eVtJj8Q
Down The Well Links:
Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley
Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley
Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop
—
About Down The Well:
Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books.
Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
59 min
November 11, 2025 What Ancient Greece Teaches Us About Making Home a Refuge
Sz 2 Ep 10 | What if the greatest act of heroism isn't conquering the world—but creating a home worth returning to?
Elle explores the ancient art of homemaking as sacred work. Drawing from Homer's Odyssey, the Hero's Journey, and hospitality traditions spanning Greek xenia to Japanese omotenashi, she reveals how mothers and matriarchs don't just decorate spaces—they shape culture itself.
Elle breaks down six powerful elements of creating refuge: rhythm, presence, peace, cultivation, welcome, and spirit. Through personal stories—from her grandparents' healing weekly routines to a friend's mother finding peace while caring for a non-verbal son—she shows how the work of tending a home ripples outward to repair the world.This isn't about Pinterest perfection. It's about meaning-making in a distracted world.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Home as sacred act
02:33 - The Odyssey and xenia05:35 - Mother vs. Matriarch archetypes
10:41 - Element #1: Rhythm
13:45 - Element #2: Presence
16:19 - Element #3: Peace
20:22 - Element #4: Cultivation
23:25 - Element #5: Welcome
30:32 - Element #6: Spirit
34:09 - Closing thoughts

Show links:
Wall Street Journal / Wealthy Family Mission Statements / https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/wealthy-family-mission-statements-e08faabd?g[…]SW0O3ESdqHJbt2aaLeE01RCfIa0rUvSg7rl36cN69DHoBl2ARVmr2ySQQ%3D%3D
Systematic Review: Routines and Child Development / https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jftr.12549?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Down The Well Links:
Check out Down The Well on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Down-The-Well
Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley
Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley
Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee" https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop
-----
About Down The Well:
Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley, talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books.
Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
36 min
November 04, 2025 Why Moms Feel Bad About Feeling Bad (And How to Stop)
Sz 2 Ep 9 | What if the hardest part of motherhood isn't the emotion itself—but what we do to ourselves after we feel it?
In this solo episode, Elle unpacks one of the most invisible sources of suffering in motherhood: the pattern of feeling bad about feeling bad. She reveals how we take a natural human emotion—frustration, sadness, overwhelm—and then bury ourselves under layers of guilt, shame, and judgment.
This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending hard emotions don't exist. It's about learning to recognize when we're digging ourselves deeper into the well... and how to stop.
Elle shares personal stories from her early motherhood, a powerful moment teaching emotional skills to young girls, and a real coaching example that shows how one woman's "mess in every area" was actually just one emotion hiding under a mountain of self-judgment.
You'll walk away with a simple three-step practice to drop the unnecessary suffering and befriend the emotions that actually hold the key to your growth.

Timestamps:
01:34 - Feeling bad about feeling bad
04:37 - Primary vs. secondary emotions
06:39 - Something is wrong with me
07:40 - The three-step practice
10:43 - Case study: Coaching a friend
12:45 - Befriending your emotions

Down The Well Links:
Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley
Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley
-----
About Down The Well:
Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley, talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books.
Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
15 min
October 28, 2025 Why Moms Miss Their Own Joy—and How to Get It Back
Sz 2 Ep 8 | Elle invites us to pause... to breathe... to stay for the exhale.
As the leaves turn and the holidays begin, she explores a deceptively simple yet profound concept: truly experiencing the moments we create. It's not about doing more—it's about being more present in what we're already doing.
Elle shares her journey from frantic holiday-maker to intentional memory-creator, offering a mini masterclass in emotional presence. She challenges us: Are we confusing participation with presence? Are we unconsciously fleeing from joy?
From yoga mats to dinner tables, Elle provides practical wisdom for savoring life's exhales. It's time to linger, to ask one more question, to offer our full gaze.
This isn't just about slowing down—it's about showing up fully for the life we're living.
🍂 Ready to transform your fall from frantic to fulfilling? Listen now.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Fall reflections and the nurturer's season
04:06 - The "stay for the exhale" revelation
09:44 - Embracing the matriarch's wisdom
12:17 - The surprising challenge of tolerating joy
17:22 - Practical ways to linger in life's moments

Down The Well Links:
• YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN6YKPAhI1Rstsc4dT2N86w⁠
• Elle's Substack: https://substack.com/@ellerowley
• Elle's Instagram: instagram.com/ellerowley

About Down The Well:
Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
22 min
October 21, 2025 Replenish Your Well: Waking Up to The Need for Authentic Friendships in Motherhood | Andrea Faulkner Williams
Sz 2 Ep 8 | Elle sits down with her longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Andrea Faulkner Williams, to share real and heartfelt reflections on nurturing friendship through the busyness of motherhood.

Ever felt like you're drowning in the demands of life? You're not alone.
Elle and Andrea share raw, honest truths about:
• The tender challenges that shape motherhood
• Keeping friendships strong when life feels busy
• Championing each other's dreams
• Turning comparison into inspiration
Take a moment to laugh and cry along with Elle and Andrea as they show you the positive difference friendship can make in motherhood.
🔔 Subscribe for more soul-nourishing conversations that remind you: You're not alone in this beautiful mess of motherhood and life.
💬 Comment below: In what was is friendship a lifeline for you?

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro: First in-person podcast with Andrea
5:40 Motherhood: The most challenging job ever
11:16 Friendship challenges in adulthood and mothering
19:56 Non-comparative support in friendships
25:43 Handling emotional mismatch in friendships
31:25 How to be a good friend
37:05 Creating a joy list for happiness
42:38 Championing each other's callings and dreams
49:26 Rapid-fire questions about their friendship
55:54 Dealing with insecurities and teen gossip
59:19 Closing thoughts and appreciation

Show Links:
Andrea's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreafaulknerwilliams/?hl=en
Tubby Todd: https://tubbytodd.com/?brand_general&tw_source=google&tw_adid=764490404375&tw_campaign=22807709662&t...
Solly Baby: ⁠https://sollybaby.com/collections/wraps?wickedsource=google&wickedid=CjwKCAjwu9fHBhAWEiwAzGRC_7SVVjW...
"Present over Perfect" by Shauna Niequist
"What in the World?" by Leanne Morgan

Down The Well Links:
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN6Y...
Elle's Substack: https://substack.com/@ellerowley
Elle's Instagram: instagram.com/ellerowley
About Down The Well:
Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley explores the mother's hero's journey—a path different from what you've read in books. It's a descent into the soul, where transformation is inevitable. Let's ensure it's for the better.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 1 min
October 14, 2025 Impossible Standards in Motherhood: Letting Go of the Good Mother Myth | Lisa Marchiano
Sz 2 Ep 6 | We have the pleasure of hearing from Lisa Marchiano for the second time on the Down The Well Podcast, a Jungian analyst and author of "Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself." Lisa and Elle peel back the layers of the "Good Mother" myth and dive deep into the transformative power of shadow work in motherhood.
Are you ready to confront the shadow side of mothering? To embrace the parts of yourself you've been told to hide?
Lisa reveals how the "good mother myth" sets impossible standards, leaving us feeling inadequate and disconnected from our true selves. But here's the kicker—what if those "negative" aspects we try to suppress are actually the key to our growth?Elle and Lisa explore:
• The liberating truth about the "Good Mother" myth [1:27]
• Why your anger might be your greatest teacher [19:44]
• The golden nuggets hidden in your shadow [41:52]
• How to parent from wholeness, not perfection [30:51]
Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and ultimately freed by this raw and honest exploration of motherhood's deepest truths.

🔔 Subscribe for more soul-stirring conversations that light the path to authentic motherhood.
💬 Comment below: What part of yourself are you ready to reclaim in your mothering journey?

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro: The good mother myth
5:34 How the good mom image affects women
8:28 Disempowering effects of perfect parenting ideals
14:11 Letting go of the good mother myth
21:15 Working with difficult emotions in motherhood
28:43 Understanding and integrating your shadow
37:38 Identifying shadow qualities in yourself
44:33 Practical steps for shadow work
49:22 Reintegrating positive aspects of younger self
54:12 Advice for different stages of motherhood

Show Links:
• "Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself" by Lisa Marchiano
• Lisa's website: https://lisamarchiano.com/

Down The Well Links:
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN6YKPAhI1Rstsc4dT2N86w
• Elle's Substack: https://substack.com/@ellerowley
• Elle's Instagram: instagram.com/ellerowley

About Down The Well:
Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
59 min
October 07, 2025 What Nobody Tells You About the Maiden to Mother Transition
Sz 2 Ep 5 | What if the transition to motherhood isn't just about diapers and sleepless nights... but a profound archetypal shift that reshapes your entire being?
In this soul-stirring episode, Elle dives deep into the often overlooked journey from maiden to mother. She peels back the layers of societal pressure, personal resistance, and the bittersweet beauty of this transformation.
Are you clinging to your "maiden" self even as you navigate motherhood? You're not alone.
This isn't just about having kids—it's about saying yes to a fuller, vaster version of yourself. Ready to step into your power?
🔔 Subscribe for more soul-nourishing conversations on motherhood, identity, and becoming.
💬 Comment below: What's been the hardest part of your maiden-to-mother transition?
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
00:40 - Understanding the archetypes
02:43 - Why we resist the mother
09:20 - Three lies holding us back
16:27 - The gifts of motherhood
20:32 - Missed your maiden years?
23:35 - Integrating maiden and mother
Show Links:
Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com/product/rings
Down The Well Links:
Elle's Substack - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@ellerowley⁠⁠⁠⁠
Elle's Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ellerowle⁠y
Listen to Down The Well:
Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6lUJfguVjtso0sPEg2wR6t?si=votEkMgqRiq8b_aEKht1gg⁠
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/down-the-well/id1797861644
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Down-The-Well
About Down The Well:
Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better.

SEO Keywords:
transformational motherhood, maiden archetype, mother archetype, matriarch archetype, women's developmental phases, releasing maidenhood, embracing motherhood, cultural expectations, societal pressures, aging and beauty, body acceptance, self-discovery, personal growth, life transitions, motherhood challenges, work-life balance, self-care for mothers, identity shifts, parenting journey, female empowerment, archetypal psychology, women's spirituality, intergenerational wisdom, life stages, personal transformation

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
27 min

About Down The Well

From the publisher's feed

Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley, talks about how mothers can achieve that meaning and joy by going on their own hero's journey.