What if the goal isn't doing more—but doing what matters most?

On this special episode of That Mom, the tables are turned as my friend Marissa interviews me about the story behind the podcast, the lessons motherhood has taught me, and why I believe moms deserve more than validation for how hard things are.

We talk about the realities of modern motherhood, the impossible standards many women feel pressured to meet, and why conversations about the mental load are only the beginning. Because once we acknowledge what's hard, the next question becomes: Now what?

I share the experiences that shaped my perspective—from becoming a first-time mom and realizing I couldn't "achievement" my way through motherhood, to building a podcast dedicated to helping women create lives that feel more joyful, intentional, and aligned with what matters most.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure how to prioritize yourself alongside everything else you're carrying, this episode is for you.

What We Cover:

• Why I started That Mom
• The missing piece in today's motherhood conversations
• What motherhood taught me about control, achievement, and expectations
• Why validation alone isn't enough
• The cultural pressures shaping modern motherhood
• What ruthless prioritization actually looks like on a Tuesday morning
• Why a confident "no" is only possible when you know your real priorities
• The 5-minute morning practice that keeps me off the hamster wheel
• How to identify what matters most in your current season
• Why you don't actually want to do everything
• The fear of putting yourself out there—and what happened when I did
• How small mindset shifts can create more joy and meaning every day

Whether you're navigating young kids, building a career, dreaming about something bigger, or simply trying to enjoy your life a little more, this conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and intentionally create a motherhood that feels right for you.

About the Guest

In this episode, the guest is me.

I'm Maria Woods, host of That Mom, brand marketer, anthropologist-at-heart, legally-trained working mom of two, and someone deeply curious about how we can create lives that feel more meaningful, joyful, and aligned with what matters most.

Links + Resources

• Follow ThatMom: Instagram
• Join the ThatMom Community: EMAIL
• Learn more: That Mom Website

Maria's Style Pick:

One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying.

This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway.

Try it here with 50% off

If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long.

And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.