In this episode of Moms Unboxed, Melanie Carolyn speaks with relationship expert Lee Baucom about the challenges couples face in maintaining connection within their marriages. They discuss the common issues of disconnection, the importance of prioritizing relationships, and the three levels of connection: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Lee emphasizes the need for effort in relationships, the impact of communication, and strategies for rebuilding connection, especially in the context of parenting. He also introduces the Unpause app, designed to help couples reconnect and strengthen their marriages.

You can find the Save Your Marriage questionare HERE

Want more resources that will help save and stabalize your marriage? Go to https://savethemarriage.com/

Share this episode with all your friends!!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Relationship Challenges 03:22 Understanding Disconnection in Marriages 06:20 The Importance of Prioritizing Relationships 09:01 The Three Levels of Connection 12:07 The Impact of Emotional and Physical Connection 15:14 The Role of Communication in Relationships 18:01 Navigating Connection in Parenting 20:57 Building Rapport Over Reporting 25:06 The Depth of Communication 25:40 Rebuilding Connection After a Pause 29:04 Finding the Right Pace in Relationships 31:08 The Power of Presence 32:38 Creating a Supportive 'We' in Relationships 34:00 Navigating Parenting Differences 38:07 Consequences and Conversations in Parenting 41:32 The Domino Effect of Relationship Struggles 43:09 Resources for Unpausing Your Marriage

Join the Moms Unboxed Telegram for in-depth conversations about self-discovery, healing, and transformation that will empower you to embody the woman who lives confidently, sensually, and liberated.

In this episode of Moms Unboxed, Melanie Carolyn strips away the myth that brave people aren't afraid. If you've been waiting to feel "ready" before starting that business, joining that dance class, or asking for that raise, this conversation is your wake-up call. Courage isn't something you have; it's something you do—one micro-movement at a time.

Melanie shares a raw look at how childhood shame can stay frozen in our bodies for decades, and how she finally "unboxed" her lifelong desire to dance by stepping onto a burlesque stage. It wasn't about being fearless; it was about acknowledging the "sweaty-palmed, heart-racing" reality of fear and doing it anyway.

• The "Cautious Bestie": Why we need to stop trying to kill our fear and start treating it like a protective friend who just wants us to be prepared.

• The Power of Micro-Movements: How to eat the "proverbial elephant" of your dreams by taking tiny, regulated steps that won't fry your nervous system.

• The Identity Shift: Why being a "good mom" doesn't mean abandoning your womanhood, and how pursuing your joy is actually a gift to your children.

• The "Arena" & Accountability: Finding your "daring greatly" circle—people who see your mess-ups (like a wig falling off mid-performance!) and cheer you on anyway.

• Outgrowing Your Reality: Navigating the scary truth that as you evolve, your relationships and environments might have to change with you.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Courage and Fear 03:11 The Role of Fear in Courage 06:07 Building a Support System 08:52 Micro Movements Towards Goals 11:34 Embracing Mistakes and Learning 14:18 Evolving Relationships and Personal Growth 16:08 Understanding and Regulating Fear 18:40 Taking Action Towards Desires 21:26 The Importance of Emotional Anchors 24:14 Conclusion: Living a Courageous Life

This week on Moms Unboxed, Melanie Carolyn sits down with Dr. Dana Culp, a midlife medicine expert who learned the hard way that even doctors aren't always prepared for the "hormonal chaos" of perimenopause.

In this transparent and vital conversation, Dr. Dana shares her personal journey of being dismissed by the medical system and how she reclaimed her "zest for life." We dive deep into the symptoms no one warns you about—from the "spreading hair" and graying to the sudden loss of libido and the rise of "menopause rage."

In this episode, we discuss:

• The 10-Year Window: Why perimenopause can start as early as your mid-30s.

• Medical Gaslighting: How to spot a provider who isn't trained in midlife care and the specific questions you must ask at your next appointment.

• The Intimacy Gap: How hormonal shifts affect desire and why "foreplay is an all-day event."

• The "Second Act": Why aging doesn't have to be a "slow slide into irrelevancy," but can actually be your most powerful season yet.

Mamas, this information is too important to keep to ourselves. The "menopause gap" in healthcare only closes when we start talking about it. If this episode helped you feel seen or gave you the courage to advocate for your health, please share it. Send this link to a friend who is struggling, or share it in your family group chat so the people you love can understand the transition you're navigating. Let's help every woman move into her "second act" with confidence.

Tag us @MomsUnboxed when you share!

Want to know more about Dr. Dana Culp:

Dana Culp is the founder of Thrive Midlife Medicine, a virtual medical practice focused on providing evidence-based care for women in perimenopause and menopause. She is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Nurse Practitioner, and a Certified Menopause Expert with over 25 years of clinical experience.

Find her here:

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Menopause and Its Impact 03:12 Understanding Libido and Desire Changes 05:28 Mental Health Challenges During Menopause 08:16 Personal Experiences with Healthcare 13:52 Empowering Women in Healthcare 19:07 Restoring Sexual Health and Intimacy 21:48 Building Confidence Through Education 26:57 Conclusion and Resources for Women

Join the Conversation: Ready to turn your shame into fame in March? Join the Moms Unboxed Telegram group for free mentorship and a community of women mastering themselves. Link in the description!

In this episode of Moms Unboxed, Melanie Carolyn gets real about the "nervous sh*ts," snowboarding mishaps, and the sweaty palms of a solo burlesque debut. We've all been there—standing at the edge of a big promotion, a new relationship, or a bold new hobby—only to freeze at the finish line. But is that feeling actually "protection," or is it self-sabotage in a clever disguise?

Melanie breaks down a powerful framework to help you acknowledge your fear, locate it in your body, and dialogue with it so it no longer holds you back. You'll learn how to build a "testimony of bravery" by pulling from your past wins and adopting the courage of the powerhouse women around you.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Difference Between Fear and Protection: How to know when your gut is saving you and when it's just scared of being "humiliated."

• The Physicality of Fear: Why we feel it in our gut and throat, and how to soften those sensations with tenderness.

• Building Your Testimony: How to use your history as a "warrior woman" to prove to your fear that you've got this.

• The Power of Small Action: Why micro-movements are the secret to reaching your goals without blowing out your nervous system.

• Community & Mentorship: Why surrounding yourself with evolving women is the ultimate shortcut to your own growth.

Stop letting fear dictate your actions. It's time to use Fear as a diving board and project yourself toward the life you Desire!

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Fear and Overcoming Challenges 03:28 Understanding Fear: Protection vs. Self-Sabotage 05:42 Acknowledging and Naming Our Fears 08:14 Building Testimony: Evidence of Our Strength 11:19 Using Fear as a Catalyst for Growth 13:50 Surrounding Ourselves with Empowering Women 16:43 The Role of Vulnerability in Overcoming Fear

Follow me on Instagram: @momsunboxed

Facebook: Melanie Carolyn

Email: [email protected]

Hi babe!!

Listen to this quick life update and I'll be back next week to chat about walking hand in hand with Fear and how you can move with Courage!

In the meantime, join me in the Moms Unboxed Telegram for in-depth conversations about self-discovery, healing, and transformation, so you can step into the woman who lives sensual, liberated, and unboxed.

Join the Moms Unboxed Telegram for in-depth conversations about self-discovery, healing, and transformation that will empower you to transform the relationship with yourself, so you can step into the woman who lives confidently, sensually, and liberated.

In this episode of Moms Unboxed, Melanie Carolyn speaks with Njadika Olatunde, a naturopathic healthcare practitioner, about the multifaceted approach to pain relief. They discuss the connection between pain and stress, the impact of trauma, and the importance of self-awareness and empowerment in the healing process through mind-body connection.

Njadika emphasizes the healing power of touch, particularly through reflexology, and provides practical techniques for managing stress and pain. The conversation highlights the significance of generational trauma and the need for women to reclaim their power and prioritize self-care.

Be sure to share this episode with your bestie so she can get pain relief too!

Want to know more about Njadika Olatunde?

Dr. Njideka N. Olatunde, is a visionary and creative energy behind Focus On Healing Wellness Institute, she is an accomplished Naturopath and a leading authority on the cultural integration of traditional health practices with conventional medicine for mind, body and emotional wellness. She is an author, acclaimed thought leader, Podcast Host, Master Reflexologist, Pain Relief Educator and consultant who has helped thousands of chronic pain suffers relieve pain first with addiction and medication-free pain relief treatment, using the power of touch and Reflexology, as an alternative in addressing the opioid and addiction epidemics plaguing our community.

Social Media:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/njidekanolatunde

Instagram: https://instagram.com/evolving_butterfly

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@changingliveswithtouchology

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/PainReliefwithReflexology

Podcast: touchologywellnessexperience.com

Book: Reflexology Today A Family Affair

Link: focusonhealing.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pain Relief and Healing 02:48 Understanding the Pain-Stress Connection 06:02 The Role of Trauma in Physical Pain 09:06 Generational Trauma and Healing 11:42 The Healing Power of Touch 14:44 Empowerment Through Self-Awareness 17:55 Listening as a Healing Tool 20:45 Reflexology: A Path to Pain Relief 23:43 Taking Back Control of Your Health 26:35 Understanding Stress and Its Impact 29:16 Practical Techniques for Stress Relief 32:22 Creating Time for Self-Care 35:23 Conclusion and Gift for Listeners

Join the Moms Unboxed Telegram for in-depth conversations about self-discovery, healing, and transformation that will empower you to transform the relationship with yourself, so you can step into the woman who lives confidently, sensually, and liberated.

This is a JUICY episode! From having an Exit Affair to Sobriety, this episode of Moms Unboxed, Melanie Carolyn speaks with Ashley Jo, a transformative woman who shares her profound journey through grief, addiction, and healing.

Ashley recounts the challenges of motherhood while dealing with the loss of her son, navigating toxic relationships, and ultimately finding her path to sobriety and self-acceptance.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, the duality of life experiences, and the need to prioritize personal growth and healing.

Want to know more about Ashley Jo 👇

Ashley Jo is a sober mom, wife, and executive balancing a blended family and a thriving career. She writes with grit, humor, and honesty about faith, loss, addiction, and healing. Proof that you can love Jesus, curse a little, and rise again, she lives with fierce intention and relentless grace.

Find Ashley Jo here 👇👇

Website: thisisashleyjo.com

Instagram: @thisisashleyjo

Purchase her Memoir, Tides of Grief, Waves of Grace: A Memoir of Sobriety, Scandal, Heartbreak, and Healing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing Journeys 02:10 The Impact of Grief on Motherhood 05:55 Navigating Loss and Relationship Challenges 10:22 The Struggle with Addiction and Self-Identity 14:07 Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Purpose 18:14 The Ongoing Battle with Shame and Failure 20:43 The Power of Self-Discovery and Healing 25:40 The Complexity of Toxic Relationships 30:30 Embracing Vulnerability and Sharing Stories 34:07 Finding Balance in Life's Dualities

Join the Moms Unboxed Telegram for in-depth conversations about self-discovery, communication, healing, and transformation that will empower you to transform the relationship with yourself as you become the confident, sensual, and liberated Woman!

In this raw and unfiltered finale to the "Healing from Toxic Relationships" series, Melanie Carolyn dives deep into the messy, non-linear reality of release and integration. Living in the Pacific Northwest, Melanie opens up about her current battle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how mental health struggles can often make us feel isolated. She reminds every "badass mama" listening that it is okay to not be okay—and that true self-leadership starts with honesty.

Melanie shares a personal story of "contracting and expanding," discussing a recent business misalignment and the lingering grief from her own divorce. This episode isn't just about leaving a toxic partner; it's about the lifelong journey of trauma recovery, processing triggers, and reclaiming your power.

Warning: This episode contains a serious discussion regarding domestic violence statistics and safety planning for those looking to exit abusive cycles.

If you're in a toxic relationship, please reach out for help.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or Text "START" to 88788.

• Instagram: Follow Melanie at @momsunboxed to join the community and share your story.

Join the Moms Unboxed Telegram for in-depth conversations about self-discovery, communication, healing, and transformation that will empower you to transform the relationship with yourself as you become the confident, sensual, and liberated Woman!

In this episode of the Moms Unboxed podcast, Melanie Carolyn delves into the journey of healing from toxic relationships. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and investigating trauma, understanding its effects on emotional well-being, and the necessity of self-awareness in the healing process. The conversation explores various methods of releasing trauma, including emotional expression and self-discovery, while encouraging listeners to confront their past experiences to foster personal growth and empowerment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing from Toxic Relationships 02:54 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects 10:10 The Process of Investigating Trauma 16:48 Methods of Releasing Trauma 22:42 The Importance of Self-Discovery in Healing 26:45 Radical Self-Awareness and Moving Forward

Join the Moms Unboxed Telegram to heal, grow, and transform the relationship with yourself so you can live a liberated, sensual, and unboxed life.

In this episode of Moms Unboxed, Melanie Carolyn introduces a four-part series focused on healing from toxic relationships. She emphasizes the importance of awareness as the first step in the healing process, discussing how trauma affects the body and mind. The conversation explores the necessity of facing the truth about toxic relationships, the significance of self-love, and the transformative power of awareness. Melanie encourages listeners to engage in self-reflection and to seek support as they navigate their healing journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing from Toxic Relationships

02:05 The Importance of Awareness in Healing

05:27 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects

10:30 Facing the Truth of Toxic Relationships

12:42 Choosing Yourself and Healing

16:40 Transforming Through Awareness and Honesty