Down The Well

Sz 2 Ep 4 | In this soul-stirring episode, Elle dives deep into the heart of modern motherhood's greatest paradox: How do we find wholeness in a role that seems to demand we shatter ourselves into a million pieces?

Drawing inspiration from Ann Morrow Lindbergh's timeless wisdom, Elle explores the concept of "Zerissinheit"—that torn-to-pieces feeling so many mothers know all too well. But here's the plot twist: What if fragmentation isn't our destiny, but our chrysalis?

Elle challenges the notion that mothers must sacrifice everything on the altar of caregiving. Instead, she offers a radical new vision: motherhood as a catalyst for profound personal growth and self-discovery.

🔔 Ready to revolutionize your approach to motherhood? Hit subscribe and join the wholeness revolution!

💬 Share below: What fills your "source" and makes you feel most alive?

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

03:03 - Unpacking "Zerrissenheit"

08:40 - The audacity of maternal time off

15:49 - Your motherhood HR department

23:00 - Restoration through deep presence

Show Links:

"Gift from the Sea" by Ann Morrow Lindbergh: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-50th-Anniversary-Anne-Morrow-Lindbergh/dp/0679732411

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:

motherhood challenges, work-life balance, self-care for mothers, Ann Morrow Lindbergh, Gifts from the Sea, torn-to-pieces-hood, wholeness in motherhood, maternal burnout, solitude for mothers, nurturing source, creative pursuits, maternal identity, family dynamics, personal growth, maternal well-being, time management for mothers, maternal mental health, parenting strategies, maternal restoration, mindful motherhood, maternal boundaries, purposeful giving, maternal self-reflection, maternal resilience, balancing motherhood roles

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

Sz 2 Ep 3 | Elle dives deep into the often-overlooked middle years of marriage with couples coach Natalie Clay. They explore the hidden treasures and challenges of long-term partnerships, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to truly grow together.

Are you feeling more like roommates than soulmates? Struggling with communication or emotional self-reliance? This episode can be your lifeline.

Natalie shares powerful insights on:

• The importance of emotional self-reliance (without losing connection)

• Transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth

• Embracing vulnerability as the key to deeper intimacy

It's time to rewrite the narrative of the "boring" middle years. Let's discover how this phase can be the most transformative and rewarding chapter of your love story.

🔔 Subscribe for more soul-nourishing conversations about relationships, personal growth, and the journey of becoming.

💬 Comment below: What's been your biggest challenge (or unexpected joy) in the middle years of your relationship?

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro: Middle years of marriage discussion

5:12 Emotional self-reliance in relationships

10:12 Dealing with insecurities in marriage

20:24 Why couples feel like roommates

25:05 Physical intimacy and mismatched desire

36:29 Parenting differences in marriage

42:42 Radical acceptance in relationships

49:41 Navigating different parenting approaches

55:41 The role of mystery in marriage

57:05 Hidden strengths of middle years

1:02:15 Lightning round: Marriage advice

Show Links:

Natalie Clay Coaching

Couples Coaching with Natalie Clay podcast

@Natalieclaycoaching on Instagram

Down The Well Links:

Elle's Substack - ⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@ellerowley⁠⁠⁠

Elle's Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ellerowle

_____

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

Amazon: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0p4aFo3SlBSNWNpUzhiNkt⁠

_____

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: marriage coaching, emotional self-reliance, middle years of marriage, couples communication, vulnerability in relationships, conflict resolution, parenting differences, intimacy challenges, personal growth in marriage, marriage struggles, emotional connection, self-compassion, relationship dynamics, marriage expectations, long-term commitment, marital conflict, relationship coaching, marriage counseling, emotional intimacy, relationship vulnerability, marriage longevity, relationship autonomy, marriage challenges, relationship growth, marriage satisfaction

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

Sz 2 Ep 2 | What if the key to unlocking your creative genius lies in the pages of a century-old novel?

In this episode, Elle Rowley shares another installment in her series of Portrait of a Matriarch. She takes us on a journey through the life of the matriarch, Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of Anne of Green Gables and unexpected mentor to generations of dreamers.

From Prince Edward Island's red-clay roads to the depths of personal struggle, we explore how Montgomery's resilience and creativity shaped a literary legacy that still resonates today.

Elle shares her 5 favorite lessons she learned from studying Maud’s complex life, and the gems of wisdom she took from her matriarchal years:

Success comes from small and simple things done consistently

Creativity can offer resilience and beauty in the bleakest of circumstances

What other people think of you is none of your business

Nature is a constant source of wonder and healing

The matriarch is the wise woman

Are you ready to find your own "Green Gables" of the soul?

Share with us what lesson resonates with you as a current or future matriarch.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro: Lucy Maud Montgomery's impact

5:07 Childhood and early life of Montgomery

10:15 Writing career and publishing Anne of Green Gables

15:23 Marriage, motherhood, and personal struggles

20:35 Five lessons from Lucy Maud Montgomery's life

25:44 Creativity as resilience in difficult circumstances

31:25 Overcoming fear of others' opinions

37:33 Nature as inspiration and solace

42:38 Montgomery's message to future generations

47:13 Reflecting on Montgomery's legacy and impact

Show Links:

"Lucy Maud Montgomery: The Gift of Wings" by Mary Henley Rubio: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Lucy-Maud-Montgomery-Gift-Wings/dp/0385667604⁠

Anne of Green Gables (1985) starring Megan Follows

Anne of Green Gables, 1908 edition: https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Green-Gables-Original-Montgomery/dp/B0BTNNMXBV

Down The Well Links:

Elle's Substack - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@ellerowley⁠⁠⁠⁠

Elle's Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ellerowle⁠

_____

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

Amazon: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0p4aFo3SlBSNWNpUzhiNkt⁠

_____

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: Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, Canadian literature, Prince Edward Island, creative writing, childhood imagination, resilience through creativity, matriarchal lessons, mental health struggles, literary success, consistent writing habits, nature inspiration, character development, female authors, early 20th century literature, overcoming rejection, balancing motherhood and career, societal expectations, personal journals, childhood abandonment, community gossip, self-doubt in writing, nature as solace, literary legacy, historical fiction

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

Sz 2 Ep 1 | What if motherhood isn't just about raising children, but a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation?

Elle is back with another season and starts us out with this soul-stirring episode, she dives deep into the concept of the "mother's hero's journey," inspired by Lisa Marchiano's groundbreaking work. She unravels the seven stages of this journey, from the initial call to adventure to the triumphant return—each step a potential for growth, challenge, and rebirth.

The 7 Stages Elle discusses:

1. Departure from ordinary world

2. The call to adventure

3. The descent

4. Meeting the shadow

5. Receiving help and inner wisdom

6. Integration and transformation

7. Return and Contribution

This episode goes beyond theory. Elle shares deeply personal stories from her own journey through motherhood—the disorientation, the growth, the unexpected beauty. From sleepless nights that unravel the ego to moments of reckoning with fear and identity, her reflections offer something every mother will recognize.

If you've ever wondered whether the everyday trials of motherhood hold deeper meaning, this conversation is for you. What if the hero’s journey isn’t out there—but right here, in your own kitchen, carpool, and quiet breakdowns?

Subscribe for more spirit-awakening explorations of motherhood, identity, and personal growth.

Comment below: What stage of the mother's hero's journey resonates most with you right now?

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the mother's hero's journey

06:00 - Breaking down the seven stages

12:00 - Ego death and motherhood

18:00 - Shadow work and integration

24:00 - Finding wisdom in unexpected places

30:00 - The alchemy of transformation

36:00 - Returning with gifts: How mothers change the world

42:00 - Elle's personal childbirth story

Show Links:

"Motherhood: Finding and Facing Yourself" by Lisa Marchiano - https://lisamarchiano.com/books/

Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey - https://www.amazon.com/Heros-Journey-Joseph-Campbell-Collected/dp/1608681890/ref=asc_df_1608681890?m...

Down The Well Links:

Elle's Substack - ⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@ellerowley⁠⁠⁠

Elle's Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ellerowle

_____

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

Amazon: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0p4aFo3SlBSNWNpUzhiNkt

_____

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

Sz 1 Ep 11 | In a world that feels increasingly fractured, overwhelmed, and chaotic—what if peace begins not with politicians, but with parents?

In this powerful episode, Elle explores how world peace starts at home. She draws a straight line between how we engage with our children and how we shape the future of our society. This is not about perfection—it’s about presence, intention, and radical gentleness.

🔔 Subscribe for more soul-grounded conversations from the edge of motherhood, identity, and becoming.

💬 Comment below: What does peace look like in your home?

04:38 - 3 Keys to Peace at Home

04:45 - Teaching peace

09:45 - Safeguarding our homes

18:56 - Cultivating inner peace

24:29 - World Peace Begins at Home t-shirts

Show Links:

World Peace Begins At Home t-shirts

The Humble Village

Down The Well Links:

Check out Down The Well on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode on YouTube found ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠

Elle's Substack - ⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@ellerowley⁠⁠⁠

Elle's Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ellerowley⁠⁠

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

Sz 1 Ep 10 | What happens when your body changes… and the world doesn’t talk about it? In this honest episode, Elle speaks with Chelsea Etheridge, founder of Not Young, a supplement company geared towards women in perimenopause.

Chelsea shares how navigating perimenopause became the unexpected spark for personal transformation and the creation of her platform, Not Young. She opens up about aging, identity, and why the “maiden-obsessed” culture is due for a rewrite. Take a listen...

09:05 - Story of Not Young

10:25 - Signs of perimenopause

19:03 - Plot twist!

20:18 - Husband's health

26:44 - Mothering today

35:20 - Future of Not Young

Show Links:

Not Young

Discount Code: SR69JVRINV

Not Young Instagram

Down The Well Links:

Check out Down The Well on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

This episode on YouTube found ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

Elle's Substack - ⁠⁠https://substack.com/@ellerowley⁠⁠

Elle's Instagram - ⁠⁠instagram.com/ellerowley⁠

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

Sz 1 Ep 9 | Motherhood can feel like a storm—loud, chaotic, and completely overwhelming. But what if the key to peace isn’t fixing the storm... but learning how to stand still within it?

In this episode of Down the Well, Elle dives into six timeless Stoic principles that can transform the way you approach parenting. These lessons offer clarity, peace, and strength for the mother. Take a listen...

Timestamps:

01:22 - What is Stoicism

01:59 - Principle #1

04:40 - Principle #2

05:32 - Principle #3

06:15 - Principle #4

07:54 - Mantras

08:30 - Principle #5

10:40 - Principle #6

Down The Well Links:

Check out Down The Well on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

This episode on YouTube found ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

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

Sz 1 Ep 8 | On the path of the mother's hero's journey, we are often confronted with challenges. As we strive to navigate these obstacles with open-heartedness, curiosity, and humility, sometimes we fall short and allow our emotions to take control. A certified life coach, Elle teaches proven and practical techniques for on-the-spot emotional regulation that will help any mom become the person she wants to be. Take a listen...

Timestamps:

00:21 - Understanding the Mother's Hero's Journey

01:26 - Challenges and Emotions in Motherhood

06:13  - Tools for Self-Coaching: The 1-2-3 Approach

16:02 - Thought Model - CTFAR 

27:53 -  Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Down The Well Links:

Episode 2 with Lisa Marchiano here & on YouTube

Check out Down The Well on ⁠YouTube⁠

This episode on YouTube found ⁠here⁠

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

Sz 1 Ep 7 | Education is an essential part of parenting. Yet, the decision of how to best educate your children when you're down the proverbial well may feel overwhelming from the number of options, the best fit for each child, or frustration with your current situation. Elle speaks with Liz Black, an education specialist and consultant, about the benefits of homebased schooling. Take a listen...

Timestamps:

03:15 - why homeschool is gaining popularity

09:40 - homeschool vs. homebased education

14:06 - what and how to teach

15:43 - will my child get into college with a homeschool education

16:55 - will my child fall behind

18:32 - phases of learning

24:12 - enough socialization

26:40 - extra curricular activities

28:15 - where to start homeschooling

28:58 - can I work and homeschool

30:31 - can families without financial resources homeschool

33:43 - what if I mess this homeschool thing up

39:29 - markers of success

47:17 - what if you're feeling homeschool is not hitting the mark

Down The Well Links:

Alcott Learning

Check out Down The Well on YouTube

This episode on YouTube found here

Elle's Substack - 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

Sz 1 Ep 6 | In our pursuit of a meaningful life, perhaps the answers we seek are found in the past. In this episode of Down The Well, Elle talks about the 5 life-changing lessons from the well known American matriarch, Grandma Moses. Find out how this humble woman led a life of pure inspiration. Take a listen...

Timestamps:

08:42 - Lesson #1

15:57 - Lesson #2

22:46 - Lesson #3

29:29 - Lesson #4

34:05 - Lesson #5

Down The Well Links:

Check out Down The Well on YouTube

This episode on YouTube found here

Elle's Substack - 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