April 03, 2026

Nervous System, Money and Self-Worth

38 minutes

EP:186 If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything for everyone and still lying awake at night worrying about your kids, your partner, and your bank account… this episode is for you.

I’m Dr. Brooke Weinstein — mom, widow, occupational therapist, CEO, and nervous system nerd — and in this conversation with Ysenia Rhodes of Talk Rich To Me and Huntress Wealth, I’m opening up about the intersection of mental health, parenting, partnership, and financial literacy.

I share:

How I went from pediatric OT and business owner to completely rebuilding my life after my husband Jonathan’s depression and death by suicide in 2021.

Why regulating your nervous system is the foundation for how you parent, partner, and make money decisions.

The truth about “self-regulation tools” (like box breathing) and why one-size-fits-all wellness advice often does more harm than good.

Why I refuse to give “5 steps to fix your life” solutions online — and what I focus on instead.

The hard money conversations inside relationships: being the breadwinner, financial control, “allowances,” and why your partner should not be the sole decider of your mental health support.

How women’s people-pleasing, guilt, and shame keep them from investing in themselves, even when they’re desperate for help.

My own journey learning financial literacy after separation and widowhood: forensic accountants, building a business (twice), budgeting, and finally being able to sleep at night.

What I taught my sister as she navigates divorce and money for the first time.

Why I believe your mental health is #1 and your financial literacy is #2—everything else comes after.

To me, being “rich” isn’t about how much is in your bank account today. It’s about being able to breathe, knowing you can support yourself and your kids, make aligned choices, and build the life you want — even after unthinkable loss and massive transition.

If you’re a woman, a parent, or a partner who:

Feels stuck financially or emotionally

Is scared to spend money on yourself or ask for help

Has been told “it’s not your money” even though you’re holding the entire family together

…this episode will give you language, validation, and a starting point to protect yourself and gain knowledge, no matter where you’re beginning.

If this conversation resonated with you:

Drop a comment sharing one belief about money or worth you’re ready to challenge.

Share this episode with a friend who feels stuck in their relationship, motherhood, or money story.

If you’re ready to understand your brain and nervous system on a deeper level so you can show up differently in your life, keep following along — this is exactly the work I’m here to do with you.

Links & Resources:

📘 Check out more episodes of Thrive Like a Parent - https://drbrookeweinstein.com/thrive-podcast/

📸 Follow Dr. B on Instagram - https://bit.ly/48VZI5e

🌐 Visit our website for more resources on self-care and well-being - https://drbrookeweinstein.com

#DrBrookeWeinstein #MentalHealthMatters #FinancialLiteracyForWomen #NervousSystemRegulation #ParentingSupport #WomenAndMoney #WidowhoodJourney #SingleMomLife #CycleBreaker #EmotionalRegulation #TraumaInformedParenting #FinancialEmpowerment #TalkRichToMe #HuntressWealth #MoneyAndMentalHealth

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By Dr. Brooke Weinstein

4.7

134134 ratings