Lately, I’ve been feeling the familiar tension of wanting to grow, be productive, and say yes, while also craving a slower, more present way of living. In this episode, I’m reflecting on a recent family trip that completely shifted my perspective on pace, presence, and what it really means to slow down in motherhood. What I realized surprised me: slowing down isn’t just about doing less, it’s about becoming different internally. Together, we explore why so many moms feel pulled in every direction, how our internal urgency gets shaped, and what it looks like to live at a more human pace, even in a very full life.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing
• The hidden pressure of modern motherhood and constant urgency
• How environment and pace shape your nervous system
• What a slower pace can reveal about clarity, peace, and presence
• Simple ways to disrupt autopilot and create micro-moments of calm
• How to embrace the both/and of motherhood
• Practical shifts to help you slow down

This episode is an invitation to breathe, reflect, and consider how a simple shift in pace might bring more clarity, connection, and calm into your everyday life.

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

If you want to dive further into the topic of the invisible mental load of motherhood, check out episode 89, The Invisible Mental Load of Motherhood (And How to Start Letting Go): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/experience-motherhood/id1678603043?i=1000750125345 

Interested in a deeper space beyond the podcast? I’m gathering an interest list as I listen and discern what support might come next. Join the list here: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/a-place-to-go-deeper

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)

Experience Motherhood more!

• Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhood
• STAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAIL
• Sign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m
• Get access to other free guides
• Website: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com

-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
Your support is incredibly meaningful!

Support the Show
A small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!

Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.

Motherhood doesn’t always come naturally and when it feels hard, it’s easy to assume we’re doing something wrong. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Shayla of Hey Shayla, a mom of three and creator known for her honest conversations about motherhood, mindset, and intentional living. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that joy isn’t something we earn by getting it right; it’s something we choose, even in the middle of exhaustion, mess, and uncertainty.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why motherhood can feel harder than we expect and why that doesn’t mean you’re failing
• The identity shift of matrescence and learning who you are after becoming a mom
• How comparison and social media quietly steal joy from everyday motherhood
• Practical mindset shifts to help you find joy in your current season
• How to create pockets of rest, fulfillment, and peace inside full, busy days
• Letting go of perfection and embracing what works for your family
• Why joy is a daily practice, not a destination

This conversation is gentle, grounding, and deeply relatable, especially if the joy of motherhood has started to feel distant.

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyshayla 

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heyshayla 

Check out Shayla’s website to get her Mindset Guide and Positive Mindset Flip Book: https://www.heyshayla.com/shop/ 

Listen to Shayla’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hey-shayla-judgement-free-motherhood/id1589893217  

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)

Experience Motherhood more!

• Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhood
• STAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAIL
• Sign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m
• Get access to other free guides
• Website: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com

-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
Your support is incredibly meaningful!

Support the Show
A small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!

Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.

In this episode, I’m inviting you into an honest, couch-conversation style reflection on the mental and emotional weight so many of us carry in motherhood. From the never-ending “open tabs” in our minds to the invisible labor of keeping everything running smoothly, I’m sharing what I’ve been noticing in my own life and how this constant vigilance can quietly become part of our identity, shaping not just what we do, but who we believe we need to be.

In this episode, I talk about:

• The invisible mental load and emotional labor many moms carry
• Why “resting” doesn’t always mean our nervous system is actually resting
• How motherhood wires us for constant vigilance and awareness
• The concept of “mom math” and what it reveals about mental load
• When being responsible turns into control and how control can stem from anxiety
• How resentment can quietly build when we carry more than we need to
• What it might look like to loosen your grip by just 10%
• Letting go of perfection without letting go of care

If motherhood feels heavy right now, if your mind never seems to slow down, or if you’re craving more peace, presence, and emotional breathing room, this episode is for you.

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

Interested in a deeper space beyond the podcast? I’m gathering an interest list as I listen and discern what support might come next. Join the list here: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/a-place-to-go-deeper

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)

Experience Motherhood more!

• Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhood
• STAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAIL
• Sign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m
• Get access to other free guides
• Website: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com

-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
Your support is incredibly meaningful!

Support the Show
A small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!

Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.

Lately, I’ve been noticing that the most meaningful shifts in my life haven’t come from adding more, but from gently letting things go. In this episode, I share some of the pressures, expectations, and beliefs I’m loosening my grip on in this season of motherhood and invite you to reflect on what you might be carrying that no longer needs to be yours.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Letting go of the idea that there’s a “right” way to do motherhood
• Releasing constant self-monitoring and second-guessing yourself
• Stepping back from being the emotional manager for everyone in your family
• Why the “perfect mom” fantasy disconnects us from ourselves and our kids
• Untangling your worth from productivity and being needed
• Letting go of the “I’ll get back to myself later” lie
  
  
  

If you’re feeling weighed down by invisible expectations, exhausted by carrying everyone else’s emotions, or longing for a version of motherhood that doesn’t require you to disappear, this episode is for you.

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)

Experience Motherhood more!

• Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhood
• STAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAIL
• Sign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m
• Get access to other free guides
• Website: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com

-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
Your support is incredibly meaningful!

Support the Show
A small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!

Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.

In this episode of Experience Motherhood, I’m joined by therapist, business owner, and mom of three Kristin Mervich for an honest conversation about what happens when motherhood and life take an unexpected turn. We talk about how ambition, identity, and expectations can shift when everything feels off script, and what it really looks like to redefine success during seasons marked by uncertainty and change.

Kristin shares how navigating her child’s cancer diagnosis reshaped both her personal and professional life and offers a grounded perspective for moms learning how to let go of the plan they once had. This conversation is reflective, steady, and full of wisdom for anyone moving through an unexpected season and trying to honor what matters most now.

In this episode, we cover:

• Redefining success in unexpected seasons of motherhood
• How hardship can reshape ambition and identity
• Navigating major life transitions while caring for your family
• Motherhood, career shifts, and evolving definitions of balance
• Mom guilt, limited capacity, and internal pressure
• Releasing perfectionism and trusting yourself in uncertain seasons

If you’re a mom navigating an unexpected season, questioning who you are now, or learning how to let go of the plan you once had, this episode is for you.

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

Grab a copy of my free Busy Mom Guide: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/busy-mom-guide

Connect with Kristin Mervich!

Follow Kristin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resourcedmother/ 

Follow Kristin’s therapy practice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsmartingocd/ 

Learn more about Kristin’s group practice: https://outsmartingocd.com/ 

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)

Experience Motherhood more!

• Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhood
• STAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAIL
• Sign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m
• Get access to other free guides
• Website: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com

-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
Your support is incredibly meaningful!

Support the Show
A small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!

Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.

In this episode of Experience Motherhood, I’m talking about a side of mom anxiety that doesn’t always get named: the kind that looks responsible, capable, and “on top of everything.” I share why managing anxiety isn’t about getting rid of it or becoming a calmer, less sensitive version of yourself, but about learning how to relate to it in a way that doesn’t cost you who you are.

I reflect on a season in my own life when I could manage everyone else’s emotions with ease, yet felt quietly disconnected from myself. From the outside, things looked fine. Inside, I was constantly bracing, anticipating the next need, and holding everything together. That experience opened my eyes to how often anxiety in motherhood shows up as control, vigilance, and over-functioning, and why it’s so easy to confuse anxiety with competence.

In this episode, I gently unpack why control deserves compassion, how anxiety often acts as a strategy rather than a flaw, and a few small but meaningful shifts that can help you soften without letting everything fall apart. We explore what it means to notice anxiety without letting it lead, and how staying connected to yourself inside of motherhood doesn’t require a drastic change, just awareness, permission, and trust.

If you’re a mom who carries the mental load, keeps things running, and feels both capable and exhausted, this episode is for you. You don’t have to become less driven to feel calmer. You can be responsible and rested, present and imperfect, and you’re not doing motherhood wrong.

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)

Experience Motherhood more!

• Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhood
• STAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAIL
• Sign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m
• Get access to other free guides
• Website: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com

-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
Your support is incredibly meaningful!

Support the Show
A small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!

Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.

In today’s episode of Experience Motherhood, I’m welcoming back someone I truly adore — Abby Rose Green. Abby is a mom of three, a podcaster, influencer, and Down syndrome inclusion advocate. She has a gift for helping women feel less alone in motherhood while empowering them to take the next small step forward, even on the days when everything feels heavy. This conversation is filled with honesty, humor, and plenty of laughter, especially as two very type A women reflect on ambition, control, and the realities of modern motherhood.

Abby first joined me back in episode two, and so much has evolved since then. In this episode, we talk about what it really looks like to honor your ambitions while raising kids, and how Abby has navigated building meaningful work alongside motherhood without losing the parts of herself that matter most. We reflect on why doing work that aligns with who you are — rather than just what looks successful on paper — can be deeply fulfilling.

We explore the idea of alignment, not as a buzzword, but as the practice of listening to your gut, checking in with your values, and noticing when something no longer feels sustainable. Throughout the conversation, we touch on the mental load of motherhood, navigating partnership and shared responsibilities, and how loosening control, redefining productivity, and letting go of perfection can make everyday life feel more manageable.

This episode is for the mom who feels ambitious and stretched thin, who wants to pursue meaningful work while staying present in her life right now. Abby’s perspective is grounding, relatable, and a reminder that you can care deeply, want more, and still do it imperfectly — because that’s the point.

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

Grab a copy of my free Busy Mom Guide: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/busy-mom-guide

Connect with Abby Rose Green!

Follow Abby on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyrosegreen/ 

Listen to the HERself podcast here

Listen to Abby’s previous episode: Parenting When You Are Tired With Abby Rose Green

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)

Experience Motherhood more!

• Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhood
• STAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAIL
• Sign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m
• Get access to other free guides
• Website: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com

-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
Your support is incredibly meaningful!

Support the Show
A small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!

Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.

In this episode of Experience Motherhood, I’m gently unpacking one of the most exhausting lies so many moms carry — the idea that being a good mom means doing it all, perfectly, all the time. I share a moment from my own life when the weight of managing everyone else’s needs left me feeling depleted and unseen, and how that moment revealed just how quietly this myth shows up in our everyday lives.

I talk about the subtle ways perfectionism and guilt creep into motherhood through “shoulds,” unrealistic expectations, and the pressure to hold everything together without rest or support. This episode invites you to pause, notice where that guilt may not even belong to you, and begin questioning the script you’ve been handed.

I also introduce a simple but powerful reframe — moving from an either/or mindset to a both/and way of living. You can be devoted to your kids and still want something for yourself. You can be grateful and overwhelmed. I share a few small mindset shifts that have changed how I move through my days, including how to reframe “I should” into “I choose,” how to give yourself permission without guilt, and one question that can help you discern what’s truly aligned versus what’s merely expected of you.

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, quietly questioning yourself, or wondering if it’s okay to want more while still loving motherhood deeply, this episode is for you.

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)

Experience Motherhood more!

• Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhood
• STAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAIL
• Sign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m
• Get access to other free guides
• Website: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com

-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
Your support is incredibly meaningful!

Support the Show
A small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!

Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.

In this episode of Experience Motherhood, I’m chatting with Kate Strickler, creator behind Naptime Kitchen and author of her new book I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen. Kate has been inspiring moms online for nearly a decade through her blog and Instagram, and now she’s sharing how to transform “I just wish” moments into contentment, joy, and intentional living.

Kate and I dive into how the little moments of comparison—whether it’s a messy countertop, a perfectly styled kitchen, or the highlight reel of someone else’s life on social media—can slowly chip away at our peace. This episode isn’t just about your home; it’s about shifting your mindset to step out of scarcity and perfectionism and into freedom, presence, and purpose right where you are. Kate shares how we can reclaim our joy, set healthy boundaries around social media, and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of our own lives.

Whether you’re struggling with comparison, perfectionism, or just want to feel more present in your home and motherhood, this conversation will leave you with practical insights and encouragement to live a more intentional life.

If you haven’t already, go back and check out Episode 18, where I first talked with Kate—it’s a great companion to this episode!

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

Busy Mom Guide: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/busy-mom-guide

Connect with Kate Strickler!

Follow Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naptimekitchen

Check out Kate’s blog: www.naptimekitchen.com

Grab a copy of Kate’s book “I Just Wish I Had A Bigger Kitchen”

Listen to Kate’s previous episode: Transforming Your Home, Freezer Hacks, and Self-Care in Motherhood with Kate Strickler

This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)

Experience Motherhood more!

• Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhood
• STAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAIL
• Sign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m
• Get access to other free guides
• Website: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com

-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
Your support is incredibly meaningful!

Support the Show
A small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!

Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.

After taking a much-needed break, I’m back and this episode feels like a homecoming.

Over the past season, I intentionally stepped away from the podcast to be deeply present with my kids, navigate some big family transitions, and allow space for growth in my private practice. During that pause, I also spent time reflecting on what I truly want Experience Motherhood to be and how I want this space to support you moving forward. Listen in to hear more about the direction I feel called to take and what that means for the conversations ahead.

In this short, reflective episode, I share why it was necessary for me to press pause, what I learned during that season, and how those experiences helped clarify the vision for this podcast. I talk about what you can expect going forward, including weekly episodes that blend honest solo reflections with thoughtful guest conversations you can learn from.

I also invite you to gently reflect on the year ahead, not by asking what you want to accomplish, but how you want to feel. I guide you through a few questions to help you consider what you may be ready to release and what values you want to live more boldly into as we step into 2026.

If you’ve ever felt torn between being a devoted mom and honoring your own dreams, I want you to know you’re not alone. I’m so excited to explore this both/and space with you - imperfectly, honestly, and together.

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

Ep. 18 with Kate Strickler: Transforming Your Home, Freezer Hacks, and Self-Care in Motherhood with Kate Strickler

This episode was brought to you by Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message :)

Experience Motherhood more!

• Follow over on Instagram: @experiencemotherhood
• STAY CONNECTED THROUGH EMAIL
• Sign up for the Experience Motherhood Newsletter: https://experiencemotherhood.myflodesk.com/kac05b818m
• Get access to other free guides
• Website: https://www.experiencemotherhood.com

-->Take one minute to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
Your support is incredibly meaningful!

Support the Show
A small donation of $5, $10 or more is an amazing way to keep this podcast going and support me! Thank you so much for listening!

Until next time. . . Go Experience Motherhood!


Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. In no way is this therapy or clinical advice.