Motherhood Unveiled

In this episode of Motherhood Unveiled, host Ashley converses with Krystal Chong, a holistic anxiety specialist and mother. Krystal shares her journey through motherhood, discussing the emotional complexities, including postpartum depression and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of being present, letting go of control, and trusting one's intuition. The conversation highlights the evolving identity of mothers, balancing personal fulfillment with parenting, and the societal pressures they face. Krystal's insights offer valuable lessons on self-awareness and the transformative power of motherhood, encouraging mothers to embrace their unique journeys and prioritize their well-being.

Meet Krystal

Krystal Chong is a mental health entrepreneur and the founder of LUMNA and Anxiety Schmanxiety. Previously she was one of the principals running Honey Bun and was instrumental in the company's IPO. She was then a part of the executive team at WhistlePig which was acquired at a 300 M valuation. Wanting to create meaningful change and provide real solutions from her personal journey with anxiety, she then founded Anxiety Schmanxiety. There she developed a holistic, science based program. Using this method, participants consistently report experiencing unprecedented results with anxiety. She currently resides in California with her two children, husband and dog.

Time stamps

Guest Introduction (00:01:19)

Krystal's Identity as a Mom (00:02:56)

Holistic Anxiety Specialist (00:04:04)

Krystal's Children (00:04:50)

Surprises in Motherhood (00:07:57)

Letting Go and Being Present (00:10:40)

Biological Changes in Motherhood (00:13:04)

Intuition in Parenting (00:16:29)

Difficult Emotions and Postpartum Depression (00:17:35)

Shifting Perspectives on Life (00:19:24)

Grief and Identity in Motherhood (00:21:30)

The Importance of Self-Fulfillment (00:21:52)

Navigating Identity Loss (00:23:36)

Rebirthing Through Motherhood (00:24:39)

Emotional Challenges of Transformation (00:25:49)

Health Challenges in Pregnancy (00:26:13)

Balancing Work and Motherhood (00:27:43)

Redefining Success (00:31:22)

The Fragility of Life (00:36:26)

Expectations and Self-Compassion (00:42:23)

The Importance of Balance in Motherhood (00:43:47)

Growth as a Non-linear Journey (00:44:17)

Personal Experiences with Different Stages (00:45:00)

Lessons from "The Conscious Parent" (00:45:30)

Feminine vs. Masculine Energy in Parenting (00:46:51)

Seeking Help and Support (00:47:57)

Ripple Effects of Motherhood (00:48:09)

Generational Impact of Motherhood (00:48:32)

Personal Choice in Family Planning (00:49:00)

Sensitivity and Motherhood (00:49:52)

Navigating Pressure to Conform (00:51:50)

Understanding Highly Sensitive People (00:53:16)

Juxtaposition of Maternal Role Models (00:56:42)

Finding Balance in Motherhood (01:00:19)

Community Support in Motherhood (01:02:01)

Diverse Perspectives on Motherhood (01:03:03)

Demystifying the Joy of Motherhood (01:04:40)

The Fulfillment Beyond Joy (01:05:15)

The Importance of Presence (01:06:08)

Witnessing Their Joy (01:07:01)

Letting Go of Resistance (01:07:59)

Creating Space for Reflection (01:08:49)

Gratitude for the Conversation (01:09:24)

Links & Mentions

Lumna

Connect with Krystal @krystalchong or @lumnalife

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Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this episode of Motherhood Unveiled, host Ashley welcomes guest Sarah Shallwani. Sarah, an occupational therapist and board member of the Cancer Assistance Program, shares her heartfelt story of motherhood, highlighting the significance of being a present and intentional mother. She discusses the unexpected challenges she faced, including a C-section and postpartum physical complications, as well as her journey towards self-discovery and resilience. The conversation dives into maternal health advocacy, the importance of putting mothers' needs first, and Sarah's exploration of spirituality and personal growth. Tune in for an empowering discussion that is sure to resonate with all mothers and those curious about the transformative power of motherhood.

Meet Sarah:

Sarah is a 37 year old Mom living in Hamilton, Ontario with her husband and 18-month old daughter, Lana. She returned to work when Lana was 13 months old and she is currently in daycare. Outside of being a Mom, she is fascinated by concepts related to the nature of our reality and metaphysics. She graduated from Queen's University with her Bachelors in Psychology and from McMaster with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. She has been working as a community Occupational Therapist in the downtown Hamilton area for the last 12 years. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cancer Assistance Program which is a charitable organization providing free services to residents in Hamilton with a diagnosis of cancer.

00:00 Welcome to Motherhood Unveiled

00:35 Meet Sarah Shawwani: A Journey Begins

02:47 The Present Mom: Sarah's Parenting Philosophy

06:27 COVID-19: A Turning Point

18:23 The Challenges of Breastfeeding

21:30 Health Struggles and Seeking Support

26:07 Reclaiming Power and Finding Community

44:59 Challenging Nutritional Norms

49:08 Food as Medicine

52:18 Exploring Metaphysics and Reality

57:26 Reconnecting with My Mother

01:11:44 Debunking Motherhood Myths

01:17:44 Following Your Passion

01:26:45 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn
Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this energizing episode of Motherhood Unveiled, host Ashley sits down with Nicole Pasveer, a matrescence enthusiast, former nurse, and host of the Rewild and Free podcast. They explore the profound transformation of motherhood, self-reclamation, and the intricate balance between societal expectations and personal truth. Nicole shares her journey through pregnancy during COVID, the challenges of untangling self-worth from productivity, and the importance of nervous system support. This episode is a compelling discussion on the layers of identity, the beauty of imperfection, and the continuous journey of self-discovery in motherhood.

Meet Nicole:

Nicole is a mentor for culture disruptors starting or scaling heart led online businesses.  She helps women/mother entrepreneurs awaken beyond the conditioning that’s been keeping them pretty, perfect and pleasing. She is also the host of the REWILD + FREE podcast.  

Website: www.nicolepasveer.com
Connect with Nicole on IG (@nicolepasveer)

00:00 Welcome to Motherhood Unveiled

00:35 Introducing Nicole Pasveer

01:29 Nicole's Journey of Self-Exploration

02:50 The Power of Self-Reclamation

04:11 Navigating Motherhood and Identity

17:49 The Role of Community and Belonging

21:58 Postpartum Reflections and Societal Context

33:47 Nervous System Awareness and Support

35:31 Finding Moments of Reconnection

36:54 The Profound Impact of Co-Regulation

39:46 Entrepreneurship and Motherhood: Parallel Journeys

40:59 Exploring the Matrescence Matrix

45:25 The Seasons and Cycles of Creation

01:00:18 Debunking the Perfect Mother Myth

01:05:39 Final Reflections and Gratitude

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Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this episode of 'Motherhood Unveiled,' host Ashley discusses the transformative journey of motherhood with Hilary Blackstone. Hilary, who became a mother two years ago, shares her experience of feeling unprepared despite a background in education and working with children. The conversation delves into the challenging aspects of motherhood, including sleep deprivation, breastfeeding struggles, and identity shifts. Hilary's story highlights the importance of self-discovery, leaning into passions, and finding balance. This heartfelt discussion aims to inspire and empower other mothers by acknowledging the realities and emotional complexities of their unique journeys.

Meet Hilary:
Hilary became a mother just over 21 months ago and her world has been forever changed. She always dreamed of becoming a mother but felt wildly unprepared for the actual journey of motherhood. She went into education right after graduating from college and it felt like the perfect journey to motherhood... working with kids meant she would be prepared for having children, right?
After returning to work as a teacher for a short time, Hilary decided to not go back to teaching but to have more time with her daughter. She teaches mommy and me workout classes with Ellie, prenatal classes and works at a tutoring center once a week. Hilary is working to find the balance between being all in as a mother and having time for her again. It is a constant balance!

00:00 Introduction to Motherhood Unveiled

00:34 Meet Hilary Blackstone: A Journey into Motherhood

00:59 The Harsh Realities of Early Motherhood

01:12 Identity Shifts and Self-Discovery

04:25 Balancing Work and Motherhood

07:45 Finding Passion and Community

12:29 Navigating Expectations and Realities

28:13 The Transformative Power of Motherhood

34:43 Tapping into Maternal Instincts

36:23 The Role of Ancestral Knowledge

37:25 The Impact of Modern Gadgets

39:49 Navigating Big Feelings

41:44 The Weight of Motherhood

53:41 Comparing Parenting Styles

56:09 Trusting Your Intuition

01:01:27 The Importance of Support

01:03:43 Concluding Thoughts on Motherhood

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Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn
Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this episode of "Motherhood Unveiled," host Ashley converses with Karen Ozeri, a coach for successful businesswomen, about her transformative journey through motherhood. Karen shares how becoming a mother reshaped her identity and professional life, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community support. She candidly discusses her struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, and how these experiences have informed her coaching practice. The episode highlights the need for openness in sharing both the joys and challenges of motherhood, and the continuous journey of growth and adaptation it entails. Karen's insights offer valuable perspectives for high-achieving women navigating similar paths.

Meet Karen:
Karen was born and raised near Chicago, IL, where she lived after college. She later moved to New York City, which she then traded for Scottsdale, AZ after leaving my former career and meeting her now-husband, Liran. In 2019, they moved to Hawai'i, where they live today with their three-year old daughter. She's incredibly passionate about self-care, being out in nature, matrescence, conscious parenting, Human Design and deep, meaningful conversations. Professionally, Karen works as a coach for successful, driven women who want to do something new and more fulfilling. She has been in practice for nine years now, and a large portion of her clients are mothers who are driven by the desire to be more present for their children. Prior to that, Karen worked in the digital advertising and tech world with Fortune 100 clients, where she oversaw hundreds of millions dollars of digital investments and built and managed cross-functional teams. She has a two-year post-graduate certification in Spiritual Psychology and a certification in Soul-Centered Professional Coaching, which is recognized by the ICF. She has received training from a wide variety of master coaches and spiritual teachers, including Nikki McCahon through her amazing Seasons of Matrescence program.

Connect with Karen on IG (@karenozeri)


Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:

Tools and Websites

Seasons of Maternity**: "00:01:20"

Spiritual Psychology Certification**: "00:01:20"

Soul Centered Professional Coaching**: "00:01:20"

Morrison's Program**: "00:30:04"

Somatic Yoga Program**: "00:51:50"

Compassion Training Class**: "00:52:05"

Therapy Group through the Motherhood Center**: "00:50:28"

Motherhood Center in New York**: "00:50:28"

PMDD Therapy Group**: "00:53:35"

Montessori School**: "01:02:08"

Karen Ozeri's Website**: "01:28:53"

Work with Ashley
Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn
Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this heartfelt episode of Motherhood Unveiled, hosted by Ashley, Megan Graham shares her personal journey as a mother of two energetic boys and a communications lead at the Canadian Mental Health Association. Megan discusses the concept of matrescence, the challenges of motherhood, and the critical need for maternal mental health support. Her story highlights the mind-body connection and the impact of significant life changes on a mother's identity and wellbeing. Listen in to discover the importance of kindness, empathy, and understanding, and how Megan's experience with anxiety led to a deeper empathy for others. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that motherhood is a complex, transformative journey that deserves recognition and support.

Meet Megan:
Megan Graham is a communications professional, wife and mother of two energetic boys. Megan lives in beautiful City of Guelph and loves being part of the incredible community. As the Communications Lead at the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington she works to normalize and make people comfortable with the human experience of mental health struggles, especially mothers who are very often carry a very heavy emotional load.

Episode References
1. Nikki MacCahon
2. Matrescence
3. National Library of Medicine - What is matrescence?

00:00 Welcome to Motherhood Unveiled

00:24 Introducing Megan Graham

02:16 Megan's Journey into Motherhood

03:32 The Challenges of Early Motherhood

04:52 Finding Support in a Mom Group

05:04 Returning to Work and New Struggles

16:24 Health Scares and Mental Health

29:14 Modern Motherhood: The Pressure to Be Perfect

29:58 Transformative Experiences: Grace and Growth

30:43 Navigating Motherhood During a Pandemic

32:32 Debunking Myths About Motherhood

36:43 The Mental Load of Motherhood

39:29 The Importance of Maternal Mental Health

41:15 The Journey of Matrescence

47:40 Advice and Reflections on Motherhood

54:21 Conclusion: Sharing Stories to Destigmatize Mental Health

Work with Ashley
Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn
Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this episode of Motherhood Unveiled, host Ashley sits down with Sarah Langer, an educator and mother from Western Canada, to share her deeply personal and challenging journey through motherhood. Sarah opens up about her unexpected and rare diagnosis of pregnancy and lactation osteoporosis, which led to multiple fractures in her spine postpartum. From the highs of welcoming her baby girl, Lucy, to the intense physical and emotional struggles she faced, Sarah's story is a testament to the strength, resilience, and importance of support that mothers need. Through Sarah's candid narrative, this episode sheds light on the underrecognized, yet impactful experiences that many mothers endure.

Meet Sarah:
Sarah has been a mum for just over a year. As a mum, Sarah is still figuring out who she is but can tell you what she wants to strive to be like - Sarah wants to be a mum who listens before she reacts, who approaches her child with curiosity as much as possible and models communication that is positive and productive.  She has learned that she is anxious in motherhood - she worries that something is wrong often and this has been something that has been extremely challenging for her to navigate. Outside of being a mum, she likes to be with her family and friends. Sarah is an extrovert in its truest form and loves being around people. She also loves being by the ocean - whether at her cabin, on the boat, or just sitting by, the ocean is a force in her world. She also loves being in the classroom and being a teacher. Sarah loves her dog an absurd amount. She and her husband love to play crib and her husband is someone who is always looking to create a game and have a meal outdoors over a fire.

Pregnancy and Lactation Osteoperosis Resources

1. National Library of Medicine

2. My Daughter Drank My Bones - Personal story, written by Aimee Lucido, that prompted Sarah to take action.

3. Washington Post article

00:00 Welcome to Motherhood Unveiled

00:24 Meet Sarah Langer: Educator, Mom, and Friend

01:40 Sarah's Journey to Motherhood

04:08 Pregnancy Expectations vs. Reality

06:05 The Duality of Motherhood

08:31 Navigating Early Motherhood Challenges

20:59 Unexpected Health Struggles

31:56 The Shocking Bone Density Scan

33:13 Connecting with Others: Finding Support

35:27 The Rare Diagnosis: Pregnancy and Lactation Osteoporosis

36:57 Adjusting to Life with Osteoporosis

39:29 The Importance of Advocacy and Awareness

40:59 Reflections on Motherhood and Support Systems

43:30 The Emotional and Physical Journey

47:28 The Strength and Resilience of Mothers

51:40 The Gold Nuggets of Adversity

58:29 The Ongoing Process of Healing

01:02:22 The Sisterhood of Motherhood

01:06:09 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Work with Ashley
Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn
Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

In this introductory episode of 'Motherhood Unveiled,' host Ashley sets the stage for a series of heartfelt conversations with mothers from all walks of life. She shares her personal journey through the transformative experience of motherhood and the concept of matrescence. Ashley addresses the societal pressures and personal fears that many mothers face, and emphasizes the importance of validating each mother's unique journey. This episode aims to connect, empower, and amplify the voices of mothers, shedding light on the beautiful complexities and universal truths of motherhood.

Meet Your Host: Ashley

Ashley is a mom of two, certified Motherhood and Self Development Coach, matrescence educator, teacher and lifelong learner. She works with women to use motherhood as the catalyst for self discovery and powerful transformation. Ashley is committed to maternal empowerment by amplifying mothers' voices. 

00:00 Welcome to Motherhood Unveiled

00:11 Host Introduction: Meet Ashley

00:37 The Journey to Podcasting

01:49 Understanding Matrescence

02:25 The Impact of Motherhood Stages

03:22 The Power of Shared Stories

04:36 Acknowledging All Mothers

04:54 Getting Started

Work with Ashley
Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn
Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography

Welcome to Motherhood Unveiled, a podcast dedicated to exploring the transformative journey of motherhood through genuine stories from moms. Hosted by Ashley, an experienced mom and maternal empowerment advocate, the show aims to amplify mothers' voices and build a supportive community. Listeners can expect to uncover the joys, challenges, and personal growth that come with raising children. This episode sets the stage for what Motherhood Unveiled has to offer, making it a valuable resource for new moms, seasoned parents, and anyone curious about the profound impact of motherhood.

00:00 Welcome to Motherhood Unveiled
00:09 Meet Your Host, Ashley
00:25 The Mission of Motherhood Unveiled
00:35 Who Is This For?
00:41 Join the Journey
00:46 Empowerment Through Stories
00:52 Thank You for Being Here

Work with Ashley
Connect with Ashley on IG (@ashleybcoach) or LinkedIn
Cover Art: Abigail Murphy Photography