Experience Motherhood

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

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.

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.

Are you feeling the shift that summer brings—more chaos, less routine, and a quiet craving for space to breathe? In this honest and soul-centered episode, I’m hitting pause and sharing my personal mid-year reset.

Instead of chasing a picture-perfect summer, I’m inviting you into a different kind of reflection—one that starts from within.

✨ What do you need this season to feel grounded, connected, and whole?

Join me as I walk through 3 intentional priorities I’m leaning into this summer—and 3 pressures I’m releasing, for good. If you’re a mom who’s been holding it all together and wondering where you fit in your own life lately, this is for you.

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:
✨ Looking for a SAFE watch/phone option for your child? Gabb watch or phone -- save $25 with code: MOTHERHOOD

🌱 Ready to Go Deeper?
If this episode stirred something in you—if you’ve been living on autopilot and feel disconnected from who you are—I invite you to explore my course on identity in motherhood. It’s a step-by-step guide to rediscovering yourself beneath the roles, reworking old narratives, and creating a life aligned with your values. Learn more here.

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.

Does money make you anxious? Do you feel stuck in guilt, avoidance, or overwhelm every time you try to budget or think about the future? In this episode, we're rewriting the money story many moms have carried for far too long — and replacing it with confidence, clarity, and freedom.

I’m joined by Lindsey, a financial therapist who combines behavioral therapy with practical money education to help women feel excited — yes, excited! — about their finances. Lindsey believes money isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the stories we carry, the habits we’ve formed, and the opportunities we can create.

Together, we explore:

✅ Understand your money story and where to begin.
 Learn how to recognize patterns of anxiety or avoidance around money — and take the first small, manageable steps toward a healthier mindset.

✅ Practice realistic financial self-care in motherhood.
 Discover what it actually looks like to care for your financial well-being when time, energy, and focus are limited — including how to set simple, values-based goals.

✅ Spend with intention, not guilt.
 Shift from impulse or emotionally-driven spending to more mindful, aligned choices that support the life and motherhood you want — even when money feels tight.

✅ Empower your family through better money conversations.
 Get tips for talking about money with your partner (without fighting!) and learn how to start teaching your kids healthy money habits in everyday moments.

Whether you’re working through money stress, trying to set goals, or just want to feel more in control, this episode will meet you with grace and give you tools to move forward — one step at a time.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to create a money story that actually supports the life and motherhood you want.

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:
✨ Looking for a SAFE watch/phone option for your child? Gabb watch or phone -- save $25 with code: MOTHERHOOD

✨Ready for clean ingredient skincare? Check out Oliveda!

Connect with Lindsey:
🔗 Website
📸 Instagram

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 week's episode, I'm joined by Kelsey Cook, a certified teacher, mom of four, and founder of Learning with Kelsey—a hands-on, screen-free subscription box designed to support early childhood education at home.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the "shoulds" around preparing your child for school—or questioned whether you’re doing enough—this episode is for you.

Kelsey shares how her background in early childhood education and real-life experiences as a busy mom inspired her to create a simple, stress-free way for parents to foster learning at home. We explore the power of tactile learning in a digital world, what goes into each Learning with Kelsey box, and how these activities create meaningful connection between parent and child.

Whether you’re new to early learning or just need encouragement that what you're doing matters, Kelsey offers down-to-earth wisdom, practical tips, and a whole lot of reassurance.

What We Cover in This Episode:
✨ How to make early learning feel doable (not overwhelming) for busy moms
✨ What’s inside a Learning with Kelsey box and how it builds connection
✨ Why hands-on learning still matters in a digital world
✨ Encouragement for the mom who feels like she’s not doing enough

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:
✨ Looking for a SAFE watch/phone option for your child? Gabb watch or phone -- save $25 with code: MOTHERHOOD

✨It’s time to feel like you in motherhood. Join the Experience Identity Program today!

Connect with Kelsey:
🔗 Website: Learning with Kelsey
📸 Instagram: @learningwithkelsey

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 speaking straight to the mom who’s doing all the things—spring sports, end-of-year school chaos, family schedules, emotional labor—and silently wondering how she’s supposed to keep it up. If you’ve been feeling overstretched, anxious, and like no one really sees everything you’re carrying, this is for you.

We’ll unpack why this season feels especially heavy, offer simple mental health tools to help you reset, and remind you of this truth: you don’t have to do it all to be a good mom.

Plus, I’ll share how faith, breath, and small pauses can ground you—even when your world feels like it’s spinning. 💛

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

✔️ Why the end of the school year hits moms so hard
 ✔️ How mental load shows up (even when no one else sees it)
 ✔️ A quick self-check-in to help you reconnect with yourself
✔️ 5 practical mental health tools for busy moms
✔️ Encouragement for moms who are burnt out and exhausted

Free Resource for You:

🌟 Download My Free Guide: "5 Tools for the Busy Mom Who Feels Overwhelmed"
If your brain feels cluttered and your soul feels tired, this free printable is for you. You’ll get five simple, powerful ways to reset your mind and spirit—right from your car, your kitchen, or wherever you’re hiding for a minute of quiet.

👉 Click here to download the FREE Busy Mom Guide

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:
✨ Looking for a SAFE watch/phone option for your child? Gabb watch or phone -- save $25 with code: MOTHERHOOD

✨Get back to being present with the help of the ARO app or ARO box. Use Code: experiencemotherhood

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.

How do we raise kids who are confident in their boundaries, respectful of others, and not afraid to talk to us about the hard stuff—especially when we never had those conversations growing up?

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Heidi Croatt, a professor of Communication Studies, family sexual communication researcher, and creator of the “Beyond Birds & Bees” parenting education program. Heidi is passionate about helping parents talk openly and honestly with their kids about sex, consent, boundaries, and values—without shame, fear, or lectures.

In this episode, we get real about:

• What healthy sexual boundaries look like—and how to teach them without just laying down rules
• When (and how!) to start talking to your kids about sex, consent, and their bodies
• How to have honest conversations about porn without freaking out
• Signs your child might be exposed to sexual content (even if they’re not talking about it)
• How to navigate your own awkwardness, shame, or silence and show up with confidence
• What to do if you haven’t had these conversations yet (spoiler: it’s never too late!)
• How to root your conversations in your family’s values while still staying grounded in reality

Whether you’ve started these talks or feel completely behind, this episode will give you the encouragement, language, and perspective to parent with confidence in this often-uncomfortable area.

🎧 Don’t miss Heidi’s first appearance in Episode 47, where we talked about how to lay the foundation for open communication around sex and bodies from an early age.

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:
✨ Looking for a SAFE watch/phone option for your child? Gabb watch or phone -- save $25 with code: MOTHERHOOD

Check out Dr. Heidi Croatt!
Heidi's instagram
Heidi's website

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.

If you’re a busy mom trying to juggle everything — and still get a healthy dinner on the table — today’s episode is for you! I’m joined by Allison Schaaf, a Chef, Registered Dietitian, Founder & CEO of Prep Dish, and a mom of three. After years of working as a personal chef and gourmet chef at high-end spas, Allison knew there had to be a more efficient, cost-effective, and sanity-saving way to put healthy, crowd-pleasing meals on the table. That’s how Prep Dish was born.

In this conversation, Allison shares:

• Why meal planning is a total game-changer for busy moms
• The easiest way to start meal planning (even if it feels overwhelming)
• Three grocery shopping tips to save time and make healthier choices
• How meal planning supports healthier eating habits without adding pressure
• Must-have kitchen tools that make meal prep faster and easier
• Strategies for handling picky eaters and different dietary needs
• How to meal prep efficiently when you only have 30 minutes to spare

Allison’s passion is making mealtime efficient, healthy, and (of course) delicious. Whether you're new to meal planning or just looking for fresh ideas to simplify your week, you'll leave this episode feeling equipped and inspired!

MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:
✨ Looking for a SAFE watch/phone option for your child? Gabb watch or phone -- save $25 with code: MOTHERHOOD

✨Ready for clean ingredient skincare? Check out Oliveda!

Connect with Allison Schaaf and Prep Dish:
Click here to get 14 days free to try out Prep Dish!
Instagram

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.