Help Them Bloom

In this introspective solo episode of Help Them Bloom, host Evelyn Mendel shares a deeply personal story about taking an unexpected solo trip to Tel Aviv to visit her brother. With two kids, a full-time job, and the ever-present demands of daily life, Evelyn opens up about the internal and external resistance she faced simply for choosing herself—even just for a week.

She unpacks the guilt many parents, especially mothers, carry around the idea of stepping away, and she challenges the myth of “martyrdom” in parenting—that being a “good” parent means being constantly available and self-sacrificing. Evelyn explores the origins of this belief and invites listeners to reflect on the damaging narrative that we must reach the point of burnout before taking care of ourselves.

Using the metaphor of running on an empty gas tank, she offers a powerful reminder: you don’t have to hit zero before you refuel. This episode is a call to action for all caregivers to give themselves permission to pause—not out of necessity, but out of self-respect and love.

STAY CONNECTED:

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Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

What if what you’re really missing in motherhood isn’t more advice — but true connection?

Marika Frumes is the founder of Mysha, an intentional community built for modern mothers. What started as a small WhatsApp group during her pregnancy — born out of a need for honest, vulnerable conversation — has grown into a thriving network of women supporting one another through every season of motherhood.

Marika and Evelyn discuss identity shifts, imposter syndrome, and the quiet loneliness that can come when your closest friends aren’t in the same life chapter. Marika opens up about the personal journey that led to Mysha’s creation, how she transformed isolation into community, and why meaningful connection doesn’t happen by accident — it starts with intention.

Learn more about Mysha: https://myshapods.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 The Birth of a Community

02:45 Creating Connection Through Intentionality

06:07 Navigating Motherhood Together

09:11 The Power of Vulnerability

12:02 Asking for Help: A Common Struggle

14:57 Mothering Ourselves

18:01 Building a Supportive Network

20:55 The Importance of Community for Mothers

Stay Connected:

Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco

Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/

Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

What if the discomfort you’re feeling isn’t a sign something’s wrong—but a sign that you’re finally getting closer to who you really are?

Psychotherapist Liliana Retelny joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mandelt to explore the often uncomfortable—but ultimately empowering—journey of self-discovery. Together, they dive into how parenting can trigger unexpected questions about identity, how anxiety often points to deeper unresolved wounds, and why therapy can be a gateway to a more authentic life. Liliana shares her insights from years in practice, unpacking how cultural and familial expectations shape us, and how letting go of perfection can lead to deeper connection—with ourselves and our children. This conversation is an invitation to embrace discomfort, ask big questions, and grow into the person you were always meant to be.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery

02:54 Understanding Discomfort and Growth

06:01 Parenting Challenges and Reflections

08:52 The Impact of Parenting Styles

11:51 Navigating Children's Individuality

15:07 The Role of Fear in Parenting

18:06 Encouraging Authenticity in Children

20:59 The Weight of Parental Expectations

23:51 The Importance of Personal Growth

27:01 Embracing the Work of Self-Discovery

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco

Visit Hatch and Bloom website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/

Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

What happens when you realize the way you were parented is now affecting how you parent?

Licensed therapist and author Whitney Goodman, LMFT (@sitwithwhit) joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mandel to explore the challenges adult children face when navigating relationships with emotionally immature parents.

Together, they unpack the emotional toll of boundary violations, the patterns that persist across generations, and how becoming a parent can resurface unresolved childhood wounds. Whitney shares powerful insights from her clinical practice, offering guidance on reclaiming personal power, setting and adjusting boundaries, and working toward repair—even in the most complicated family dynamics.

Learn more about Whitney's work: linktr.ee/Callinghome

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Estrangement

05:01 The Importance of Healthy Boundaries

10:10 Recognizing Boundary Violations

21:33 Maintaining Healthy Relationships with Children

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco

Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/

Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How can couples sustain intimacy and connection after becoming parents while also fostering healthy, open conversations about sexuality with their children?

Dr. Lisa Paz (@drlisapaz) returns to Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal to explore the complexities of maintaining a romantic partnership amid the demands of parenthood. They explore the emotional and mental load that often falls on women, the importance of intentionality in scheduling intimacy, and the critical role of communication in sustaining a fulfilling relationship.

Beyond partnership dynamics, the discussion shifts to the crucial topic of guiding children’s sexual development. Dr. Paz and Evelyn emphasize the need for ongoing, open conversations about anatomy, consent, and healthy sexuality—equipping parents with the tools to create a supportive and stigma-free environment for these discussions.

Learn more about Dr. Lisa Paz: https://www.drlisapaz.com/

Explore her courses & training:

https://www.drlisapaz.com/courses/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Navigating the Transition from Parent to Partner

06:02 Creating a Headspace for Intimacy

12:02 Reconnecting as Partners After Kids

18:43 Prioritizing Connection in Relationships

28:50 Establishing Open Communication About Anatomy and Consent

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco

Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/

Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How do you navigate the intersection of motherhood, career, and self-care while maintaining a strong sense of identity?

Zoe Rapoport, a licensed psychologist and leadership consultant dedicated to empowering women to thrive in both their personal and professional lives, joins Evelyn Mendal to explore the multifaceted challenges women face in balancing motherhood, career, and self-care while remaining true to their authentic selves.

Zoe offers profound insights into the complexities of assertiveness, the pressures of societal expectations, and the journey of rediscovering identity, particularly after becoming a mother. They discuss the art of setting intentional boundaries, prioritizing self-care without guilt, and modeling healthy behaviors for children in an age shaped by the influence of social media.

RESOURCES:

Rapoport Psychological Services: https://www.rapoportpsychological.com/

Zoe Rapoport Consulting: https://zoerapoportconsulting.com/

Follow Zoe:  @zoerapoport1360  @zoerapoportconsulting https://www.instagram.com/zoerapoportconsulting

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Empowering Women: A Journey into Leadership

06:07 Setting Boundaries: The Key to Self-Discovery

13:45 Modeling Healthy Boundaries for Kids

18:38 Navigating Social Media and Self-Worth

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How can high-achieving women balance control with connection, joy, and self-care in motherhood?

Priya Rednam-Waldo, a mother of 4, licensed therapist, CEO and coach, joins host Evelyn Mendal on Help Them Bloom to share her expertise in guiding women through this transformative life stage of motherhood. Priya delves into the unique challenges high-achieving women face, from the pressure to excel in parenting to managing cultural expectations and anxiety. She highlights the importance of finding joy in the journey, embracing individual parenting styles, and fostering a supportive community.

Learn more about Priya’s work:

https://priyarednamwaldo.com/

Follow along @priyarednamwaldo https://www.instagram.com/priyarednamwaldo/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyarednamwaldo/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to High Achieving Women and Parenthood

00:58 Priya's Journey: From Military to Maternal Mental Health

04:35 The Control Dilemma in Parenthood

09:11 Cultural Pressures and Achievement in Parenting

13:20 Creating Meaningful Moments with Children

18:30 Understanding and Managing Parental Anxiety

22:54 Balancing Mental Load and Family Time

27:00 Embracing Individual Parenting Styles

30:41 Finding Community and Support in Parenting

34:12 Rediscovering Joy in Parenthood

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco

Visit Hatch and Bloom website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/

Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

How can high-conflict co-parents protect their child’s well-being?

Divorce coach and best-selling author Michelle Dempsey-Multack joins Help Them Bloom to share insights on co-parenting through conflict. With host Evelyn Mendal, she explores how it’s not divorce itself, but how parents handle it, that impacts kids most. From emotional regulation to putting the child’s needs first, Michelle offers practical tools for staying grounded, managing conflict, and fostering resilience in children throughout the divorce journey.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Divorce Coaching and Co-Parenting

06:04 Emotional Impact of Divorce on Co-Parenting

11:58 The Role of Ego in Co-Parenting Dynamics

18:03 Supporting Children Through Divorce

23:52 The Importance of Validating Children's Feelings

30:03 Final Thoughts on Divorce and Co-Parenting

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco

Visit Hatch and Bloom website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/

Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

Can becoming a parent spark an identity crisis?

Marriage and family therapist Jael Toledo, MS MFT, joins Help Them Bloom host Evelyn Mendal to explore how parenthood can reshape identity and relationships. They discuss the power of vulnerability, the impact of childhood trauma, and the emotional weight of differing parenting styles. Jael shares tools for replacing judgment with curiosity, fostering connection through communication, and navigating the chaos of family life with self-regulation, intentionality, and partnership.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Identity Formation

05:59 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects

12:07 Communication and Expectations in Couples

18:04 Stages of Parenting and Their Effects

23:01 Navigating Transitions in Parenting

29:19 The Dynamics of Different Parenting Styles

39:42 Self-Regulation and Communication in Relationships

STAY CONNECTED:

Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco

Visit Hatch and Bloom website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/

Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

Welcome back to a brand-new season of Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal! This season dives even deeper into the challenges, joys, and nuances of modern parenting. From navigating children’s mental health and managing co-parenting dynamics to tackling tough conversations like talking to your kids about sex, Evelyn shares science-based strategies that prioritize connection and empathy. Whether you’re dealing with sibling rivalry, supporting a child labeled as “defiant,” or exploring the mental health impacts of your parenting choices, this podcast is your safe space to embrace the realness of raising kids.

Join Evelyn for a season full of compassionate advice and actionable tools to help both you and your child thrive in today’s world.