Mom's Guide to Finding Herself: Rediscovering Identity and Joy in Motherhood

Are you laying in bed at night replaying everything you should've done differently as a mom?

You're not alone. From yelling too much to not playing enough, the guilt hits hard—no matter what kind of mom you are.

But here's the kicker: guilt isn't proof you're failing—it's proof you care.

In this episode, we get brutally honest about the guilt spiral and why it won't stop on its own. But more importantly? You'll learn how to challenge the stories in your head, set better boundaries, and build your "guilt-free" muscle.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• Why mom guilt is biologically wired—and how to stop letting it control you
• How social media fuels feelings of failure and what to do about it
• Simple, research-backed ways to reframe your thoughts and start prioritizing YOU again

You deserve joy, not just survival.

👩‍👧‍👦 Like this episode? Follow the show, leave a quick rating/review, and share it with a mom friend who's carrying too much.

✨ Tag me on Instagram @momidentityproject and let's talk about it in the DMs.

❤️ Support the show: http://momidentityproject.com/support

📩 Want real connections with real moms? Grab the FREE "Make a Mom Friend in 7 Days" guide: https://www.momidentityproject.com/make-a-mom-friend-in-7-days

🎙️ Want your story featured? Leave me a 90-second message: http://momidentityproject.com/podcast

💬 Need help reconnecting with yourself after motherhood? Book a free discovery call: https://app.simplymeet.me/momidentityproject/1743206330

LEARN MORE FROM KRISSY BOLD: Website: https://www.momidentityproject.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momidentityproject/

We've been taught to laugh it off, cross our legs when we sneeze, and never talk about the pain or pressure we carry after becoming moms. But that silence? It's not serving us.

In this episode, Dr. Sara Reardon—aka The Vagina Whisperer—is back to talk about the shame so many moms carry in their bodies and their identities. From pelvic floor problems to the way we disconnect from ourselves, this episode is a must-listen if you've ever thought, "Why didn't anyone tell me it could be like this?"

We cover:

• Why so many moms silently struggle with leaking, pain, and pressure
• How shame keeps us from seeking help (and what to do instead)
• The hidden ways we sabotage our healing—without even knowing it
• How to start reconnecting with your body, no matter how long it's been

This conversation is about more than pelvic health—it's about reclaiming your identity and letting go of the shame you never asked to carry.

Pre-Order Sara's Book

Floored: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage — Out June 10, 2025 A must-read guide for understanding and supporting your pelvic floor through every season of life.

About Dr. Sara Reardon

Sara is a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist and founder of The V-Hive, an online workout platform for pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, painful sex, and core recovery. Known online as The Vagina Whisperer, she has helped hundreds of thousands of women better understand their bodies. Sara lives in New Orleans with her husband and two sons. Floored is her first book.

Connect with Sara

• Website: thevagwhisperer.com
• The V-Hive: Pelvic Floor Support
• Instagram: @the.vagina.whisperer
• TikTok: @thevagwhisperer
• YouTube: The Vagina Whisperer

💗 Support & Connect with Krissy

• Tag me on Instagram: @momidentityproject
• Support the show: momidentityproject.com/support
• Leave a voice message: momidentityproject.com/podcast
• Book a free discovery call: Schedule here

🌱 Learn More from Krissy Bold

• Website: momidentityproject.com
• Instagram: @momidentityproject
• Making Mom Friends: 4-Week Guided Program Starts June 3 – rebuild your confidence and learn how to make real mom friends.

Don't forget to follow and rate the show—so more moms can feel less alone.

In this raw and relatable conversation, I sit down with Dr. Sara Reardon—aka The Vagina Whisperer—to talk about the parts of postpartum nobody prepared her for. From nipple shields and neighbor support to that unforgettable first poop after birth (yep, we go there), Sara shares how her personal experience shaped the way she now helps others heal.

We also dive into:

• What surprised her—even as a pelvic floor expert
• The shame moms carry when things don't "go back to normal"
• Why making mom friends saved her sanity
• How her relationship shifted after kids
• The poop story she shares in every talk (and why it matters)

If you've ever felt like you're doing it wrong or you're the only one still struggling after birth—this episode will make you feel so seen.

Pre-Order Sara's Book

Floored: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage — Out June 10, 2025 A must-read guide for understanding and supporting your pelvic floor through every season of life.

About Dr. Sara Reardon

Sara is a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist and founder of The V-Hive, an online workout platform for pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, painful sex, and core recovery. Known online as The Vagina Whisperer, she has helped hundreds of thousands of women better understand their bodies. Sara lives in New Orleans with her husband and two sons. Floored is her first book.

Connect with Sara

• Website: thevagwhisperer.com
• The V-Hive: Pelvic Floor Support
• Instagram: @the.vagina.whisperer
• TikTok: @thevagwhisperer
• YouTube: The Vagina Whisperer

💗 Support & Connect with Krissy

• Tag me on Instagram: @momidentityproject
• Support the show: momidentityproject.com/support
• Leave a voice message: momidentityproject.com/podcast
• Book a free discovery call: Schedule here

🌱 Learn More from Krissy Bold

• Website: momidentityproject.com
• Instagram: @momidentityproject
• Making Mom Friends: 4-Week Guided Program Starts June 3 – rebuild your confidence and learn how to make real mom friends.

Don't forget to follow and rate the show—so more moms can feel less alone.

Why do birthdays feel so lonely after becoming a mom? You're not imagining it—once motherhood enters the picture, birthdays can start to feel less like "your day" and more like just another Tuesday with a to-do list. In this episode, Krissy shares why moms often feel forgotten on their own birthdays and how to reclaim that sense of celebration—even if no one else is throwing the party.

Inside this episode, you'll discover:

• Why birthdays lose their sparkle after motherhood (and how that's totally normal)
• The unspoken mistake many moms make that leads to disappointment
• Small, doable ways to actually feel celebrated again—even with kids in tow

Because you deserve to be celebrated, too.

🎁 Want to feel more like yourself again—even on the busiest days? Grab the free Snack-Size Self-Care Guide here: https://momidentityproject.kit.com/snacksizedselfcare

Follow and rate the show so more moms can feel less alone.

📸 Tag me on IG @momidentityproject

💗 Support the show: http://momidentityproject.com/support

🎙️ Leave a 90-sec voice message: http://momidentityproject.com/podcast

📅 Book a free discovery call: https://app.simplymeet.me/momidentityproject/1743206330

LEARN MORE FROM KRISSY BOLD:

https://www.momidentityproject.com/

https://www.instagram.com/momidentityproject/

00:59 Personal Story: My First Birthday as a Mom

01:45 The Reality of Birthdays After Kids

03:08 Why Birthdays Feel Disappointing

04:54 Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings

05:57 Taking Control: How to Celebrate Yourself

06:25 Practical Tips for a Special Birthday

09:16 Mindset Shifts and Final Thoughts

10:35 Free Self-Care Guide

Ever feel sick of disappointing Mother's Days that leave you feeling overlooked and worn out instead of celebrated? If you're tired of waiting for others to "get it right" or scrambling to make the day special only to end up exhausted, you're not alone.

This episode is for every mom who's ready to take Mother's Day back into her own hands and create simple, meaningful traditions that actually feel good—no more pressure, guilt, or extra work. If you've tried to make Mother's Day magical by planning big events or hoping someone else will finally read your mind, it's time to try something new.

Inside this episode, you're going to learn:

• Why waiting for someone else to make Mother's Day special leads to disappointment—and what actually feels nourishing instead
• 10 simple, zero-guilt Mother's Day traditions you can start this year (and repeat every year!)
• How to anchor your celebration in small, personal rituals that honor your motherhood journey—even in the middle of chaos
• Creative ways to make the day feel personal (not "Pinterest perfect")—including tools and resources to make it easy with almost no mental load
• The overlooked power of celebrating how YOU'VE grown, not just what your kids have done

Get the Mother's Day Made Simple GPT: https://momidentityproject.kit.com/mothersdaymadesimple

Download 25 Creative Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day https://momidentityproject.kit.com/b70b108ab4

Next Episode: Are birthdays for moms just another Tuesday? Why do we often feel invisible on our special day—and how can we take back the joy of celebrating ourselves? Stay tuned!

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me, @momidentityproject!

While you're there, make sure you follow me on Instagram so you can see behind the scenes how I help moms rediscover their identity & passions and find out how you can, too.

Like this show? Pay it forward and share it with a friend. Love this show? Leave a rating and review and follow the show!

Support the show to help keep episodes like this coming! http://momidentityproject.com/support

Check out the More Than Mom Community https://www.momidentityproject.com/more-than-mom-community

Have a question or a story you want me to share on air? Leave me a 90 second or less voice message! http://momidentityproject.com/mip/podcast

Need some support reconnecting with yourself after becoming a mom? Book a Free Discovery Call to see if my services are the right fit for you. https://app.simplymeet.me/momidentityproject/1743206330

LEARN MORE FROM KRISSY BOLD: https://www.momidentityproject.com/ https://www.instagram.com/momidentityproject/

Are you feeling trapped in a cycle of endless demands, unable to find peace in the chaos of motherhood? Burnout can sneak up on you, leaving you frazzled and longing for a break. This episode of Mom's Guide to Finding Herself tackles the real, tangible ways to combat burnout, navigate parenthood's challenges, and rediscover joy in daily life.

In this episode, we're delving deep into the secrecy of burnout in motherhood, exploring why so many moms hit capacity without a way out, and uncovering practical paths to healing and revitalization.

Inside this episode, you're going to learn:

• How suppressing certain emotions can actually numb your joy and happiness.
• The surprising power of play and its role in signaling safety to your body.
• How even five minutes of intentional stillness can start to lift the fog of mental overload.

00:40 Understanding Burnout: Symptoms and Signs

01:43 Michelle Grosser's Insights on Burnout

02:53 Practical Steps to Prevent Burnout

07:41 Foundational Habits to Combat Burnout

15:13 Rediscovering Joy Through Play

16:35 The Power of Laughter and Fun in Motherhood

18:23 Embracing Emotions and Vulnerability

24:47 Healing Burnout: A Free Podcast Resource

26:30 The Calm Mom Podcast and Other Resources

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me, @momidentityproject!

While you're there, make sure you follow me on Instagram so you can see behind the scenes how I help moms rediscover their identity & passions and find out how you can, too.

Like this show? Pay it forward and share it with a friend. Love this show? Leave a rating and review and follow the show!

Support the show to help keep episodes like this coming! http://momidentityproject.com/support

Start doing the things you've put on the back burner for just 10 days at a time with moms who get it in the More Than Mom Community. https://momidentityproject.substack.com/freetrial

Have a question or a story you want me to share on air? Leave me a 90 second or less voice message! http://momidentityproject.com/podcast

Need some support reconnecting with yourself after becoming a mom? Book a Free Discovery Call to see if my services are the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/4misG68hJzJKny9k9

Connect with Michelle Grosser:

www.michellegrosser.com www.instagram.com/itsmichellegrosser

"Heal Your Burnout" Free Private Podcast www.michellegrosser.com/burnout

LEARN MORE FROM KRISSY BOLD: https://www.momidentityproject.com/ https://www.instagram.com/momidentityproject/

Have you ever felt like the never-ending cycle of being overwhelmed and exhausted is just part of being a mom? You're not alone, but it's not something you have to endure forever. In this episode, we're confronting the often misunderstood reality of burnout in motherhood. Many moms accept chronic fatigue, anxiety, and feeling frazzled as unavoidable, but host Krissy Bold and guest Michelle Grosser from The Calm Mom Podcast reveal that these symptoms are common, yet not normal—and that there is a way out.

Inside this episode, you're going to learn:

• Why common symptoms like feeling constantly overwhelmed and irritable aren't a normal part of motherhood.
• The surprising distinction between postpartum depression and chronic burnout.
• How dysregulated nervous systems contribute to burnout and physical symptoms like chronic fatigue.
• Simple, actionable steps to regulate your nervous system and reclaim your joy and energy.

Next Episode: Michelle Grosser returns to break down exactly what burnout is and how to distinguish it from everyday stress, along with three simple actions to prevent entering the burnout cycle.

04:04 Michelle's Pre-Motherhood Life

06:37 The Reality Check: Motherhood and Marriage

11:07 Career Pivot: From Attorney to Life Coach

14:35 Recognizing the Signs of Burnout

16:08 Motherhood and Burnout

18:22 Seeking Help and Finding Solutions

20:56 Life After Burnout

23:04 Resources for Healing

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me, @momidentityproject!

While you're there, make sure you follow me on Instagram so you can see behind the scenes how I help moms rediscover their identity & passions and find out how you can, too.

Like this show? Pay it forward and share it with a friend. Love this show? Like the video and subscribe to my channel!

Support the show to help keep episodes like this coming! http://momidentityproject.com/support

Start doing the things you've put on the back burner for just 10 days at a time with moms who get it in the More Than Mom Community. https://momidentityproject.substack.com/freetrial

Have a question or a story you want me to share on air? Leave me a 90 second or less voice message! http://momidentityproject.com/podcast

Need some support reconnecting with yourself after becoming a mom? Book a Free Discovery Call to see if my services are the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/4misG68hJzJKny9k9

Connect with Michelle Grosser:

www.michellegrosser.com www.instagram.com/itsmichellegrosser

"Heal Your Burnout" Free Private Podcast www.michellegrosser.com/burnout

LEARN MORE FROM KRISSY BOLD: https://www.momidentityproject.com/ https://www.instagram.com/momidentityproject/

Ever felt utterly alone despite being surrounded by people? Motherhood can be surprisingly isolating, leaving many moms feeling disconnected and lonely.

In this episode, we're diving deep into the often unspoken struggle of loneliness in motherhood. We'll explore the reasons why so many moms feel isolated, the impact it has on their well-being, and most importantly, what you can do to find connection and support.

Inside this episode, you're going to learn:

• The common reasons why moms feel lonely.
• The impact of loneliness on your well-being.
• Actionable steps to rebuild connections and find joy in your relationships.

00:50 Personal Struggles and Isolation

03:22 The Painful Shift in Friendships

06:17 Understanding Why Moms Feel Lonely

10:20 Rebuilding Connections and Finding Joy

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me, @momidentityproject!

While you're there, make sure you follow me on Instagram so you can see behind the scenes how I help moms rediscover their identity & passions and find out how you can, too.

Like this show? Pay it forward and share it with a friend.

Love this show? Write a 5-star review — even one sentence ensures we keep bringing you the content you want to hear.

Support the show to help keep episodes like this coming!

Have a question or a story you want me to share on air? Leave me a 90 second or less voice message!

Need some support reconnecting with yourself after becoming a mom? Book a Free Discovery Call to see if my services are the right fit for you.

LEARN MORE FROM KRISSY BOLD:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM| FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

Have you ever wondered how some podcasts quickly climb the charts while others seem to go unnoticed? As a busy mom, breaking into the top podcast rankings might feel impossible. In this episode, I'm revealing the strategic steps I took to launch my podcast, which debuted at number three in the parenting category. Discover why your current approach might be holding you back and what you should focus on instead to make your podcast dreams a reality.

Inside this episode, you're going to learn:

• The surprising impact of launching with multiple episodes.
• How understanding your audience can completely change your podcast's success.
• The unexpected power of local events and community engagement.
• How to leverage your personal network and social media strategically.
• The role of high energy and consistent interaction in channeling excitement.

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Podcast Launch Fears

01:53 The Importance of Foundational Work

04:55 Crafting a Launch Strategy

09:10 Building Community and Engagement

14:57 Final Thoughts and Advice

Are you thinking of starting a podcast but don't know where to start? I wrote a step-by-step guide that will walk you through every part of the process. Check it out on https://www.momidentityproject.com/offers/p/moms-guide-to-starting-a-podcast-pdf-workbook

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me, @momidentityproject!

While you're there, make sure you follow me on Instagram so you can see behind the scenes how I help moms rediscover their identity & passions and find out how you can, too.

Like this show? Pay it forward and share it with a friend. Love this show? Like the video and subscribe to my channel!

Support the show to help keep episodes like this coming! http://momidentityproject.com/support

Have a question or a story you want me to share on air? Leave me a 90-second or less voice message! http://momidentityproject.com/mip/podcast

Need some support reconnecting with yourself after becoming a mom? Book a Free Discovery Call to see if my services are the right fit for you. https://app.simplymeet.me/momidentityproject/1743206330

LEARN MORE FROM KRISSY BOLD:

https://www.momidentityproject.com/ https://www.instagram.com/momidentityproject/

Are you tired of your identity revolving around snacks, tantrums, and bedtime battles?

You're not alone!

Motherhood can sometimes feel like an all-consuming role, leaving little room for your own passions and interests. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Inside this episode, you're going to learn:

• How to find a side hustle that fits your busy mom life.
• Why starting small is key to avoiding overwhelm.
• How to experiment with different side hustles without guilt.
• Why it's okay to pivot if something doesn't feel right.
• How to balance your side hustle with your family responsibilities.

Next Episode: If you're feeling isolated or lonely in motherhood, the next episode is for you.

Want to jumpstart your journey to rediscovering your passions and spark new ones?

Download the Mom Identity Jumpstart Guide. Get access here: https://momidentityproject.kit.com/jumpstart

00:36 The Struggle of Losing Identity

01:49 Starting Small: Experimenting with Hobbies

03:37 Avoiding Common Pitfalls

06:38 Book Club Journey

09:38 Designing Kids Activities

12:18 Social Media and Content Creation

16:02 Podcasting: Sharing and Learning

Mentioned in this Episode: Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself by Dr. Morgan Cutlip https://amzn.to/3D4KO1a

Love this show? Write a 5-star review — even one sentence ensures we keep bringing you the content you want to hear.

Support the show to help keep episodes like this coming!

Have a question or a story you want me to share on air? Leave me a 90 second or less voice message!

Need some support reconnecting with yourself after becoming a mom? Book a Free Discovery Call to see if my services are the right fit for you.

LEARN MORE FROM KRISSY BOLD:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM| FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE