Now What? Podcast

In this episode I’m joined by Fiona, the founder of Mama Matters, for a deeply grounding conversation about what it really means to be a good enough parent.

We unpack the origins of the term, why it’s become such an important reframe for modern parents, and how releasing the pressure to be “perfect” can radically transform the way we show up for our kids — especially when we’re parenting on our own.

Fiona breaks down how good enough parenting supports single mums through overwhelm, decision fatigue, guilt, and the invisible load, offering practical ways to soften the self-criticism and hold more compassion for ourselves in the hardest seasons.

We also dive into Circle of Security, the attachment-based framework Fiona teaches, exploring how understanding our child’s emotional needs — and the patterns we bring from our own upbringing — can strengthen connection, reduce conflict, and create more ease in the everyday moments.

This is an episode for anyone craving reassurance, clarity, and a kinder way to navigate the complexities of solo parenting. You’ll walk away feeling steadier, more supported, and better equipped to trust yourself.

Follow Us:

Rachel: @rachel.maksimovic

Fiona: @mamamatters.au

Now What Podcast: @nowwhat.podcast

Mama Matters website: https://www.mamamatters.com.au/

Circle of Security program: https://www.mamamatters.com.au/circle-of-security-1

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this short introductory episode, Rachel shares the story behind the evolution from Mothering On My Own to Now What?.

This podcast has always held space for the realities of single motherhood - the heartbreak, the rebuilding, the identity shifts, the co-parenting dynamics, the dating again, the courage it takes to start over. But as every single mother knows, the journey doesn’t really end once the dust settles. It changes shape. It stretches you. It asks new questions at every turn.

Now What? reflects that evolution. It’s still the same honest, grounded conversations you’ve come to expect - just expanded to honour everything that happens when a family changes shape, and everything that unfolds in the chapters that come after.

In this mini episode, Rachel walks through why the name felt right, what this shift means for the stories ahead, and how the podcast will continue to grow with you, no matter where you are on your journey.

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in a moment you didn’t plan for, wondering what comes next - you’re in the right place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Mothering On My Own, Rachel is joined by financial advisor and coach Rebecca Pritchard for a real and relatable chat about money—because let’s be honest, it can feel super overwhelming, especially when you’re doing life solo.

Rebecca breaks down some of the biggest fears and myths around personal finance, particularly for single or separated women, and shares how shifting your mindset can completely change how you manage money. We talk about building confidence with your finances, learning the basics (without the jargon), and taking small, practical steps toward feeling more in control. If you're in the middle of a financial shake-up or just want to feel more empowered with your money, this one's for you.

FOLLOW US:

Instagram:

Podcast: @motheringonmyown.podcast

Rach: @rachel.maksimovic

Rebecca: @rfpritch and @risingtidefs

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rachel sit down with Julia Allen—one of Australia’s leading sexologists—for a real, down-to-earth chat about all things intimacy, relationships, and sex. Julia opens up about her own journey and shares loads of wisdom from her work helping people reconnect with themselves and each other.

We talk about how easy it is to lose that spark in the thick of parenting, the biggest mistakes couples make when it comes to intimacy, and how to keep (or rediscover) connection—even when you're exhausted, juggling solo parenting, or trying to date with very little time (or energy!).

It’s an honest, empowering convo full of takeaways for anyone wanting to feel more connected—to themselves, their partner, or a future one.

FOLLOW US:

Instagram:

Podcast: @motheringonmyown.podcast

Rach: @rachel.maksimovic

Juliet: @juliet_allen

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat with Hannah Keys about her journey from fashion creator and thrifter to navigating life as a single mum. We dive deep into co-parenting—Hannah shares how she’s learned to be okay with time away from her kids and how she’s reframed that space as something she honours, so her children get to see a thriving, happy mum.

We also talk about the emotional rollercoaster of separation, modern relationships, and how grief can be a catalyst for growth. It’s a real, heartfelt conversation about resilience, self-love, and finding joy in the messiness of life and parenting.

FOLLOW US:

Instagram:

Podcast: @motheringonmyown.podcast

Rach: @rachel.maksimovic

Hannah: @hannahrosekeys

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Mothering On My Own, we’re gifting you a moment to pause. Charlotte Terray, Calm State kinesiologist, guides us through a gentle meditation created especially for mothers—to help you come back to yourself, reconnect with your inner calm, and create space to just be.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply craving a moment of quiet, this is your invitation to breathe, reset, and return to your day feeling more grounded—both as a mother and as you.

Work with Charlotte (Calm State Kinesiology):

Charlotte Terray: https://calmstate.co/workwithcharlotte

Code: MOMO20 for $20 off,

*Charlotte will be going on her Maternity leave at the end of August, so make sure to book in before then.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Rachel Maksimovic and Charlotte, a trauma-informed kinesiologist, explore the transformative power of kinesiology in healing emotional and physical ailments. They discuss the importance of understanding the nervous system, the impact of trauma on the body, and how kinesiology can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and release stored stress. The conversation delves into the unique challenges faced by mothers, particularly single mothers, and emphasises the significance of self-responsibility in the healing process. Rachel has worked closely with Charlotte over the last 12 months and they share more about her own personal challenges, what has come up for Rachel in her own emotional blocks and how Kinesiology was able to help her navigate this time.

Work with Charlotte (Calm State Kinesiology):

Charlotte Terray: https://calmstate.co/workwithcharlotte

Code: MOMO20 for $20 off,

*Charlotte will be going on her Maternity leave at the end of August, so make sure to book in before then.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Mothering on My Own, Rachel sit down with Montana Lower to talk all things love, healing, dating, and solo motherhood. We get real about the emotional rollercoaster of finding yourself post-separation, the unexpected complexities of dating as a single mum, and the societal expectations that often leave us feeling like we can’t be sexy, desirable, or free while also being devoted mothers.

Rachel & Montana share openly about navigating the grief of not having another child yet, to the deeply healing relationships they are both now in, and how building healthy independence, strong boundaries, and emotional safety has changed everything. We also unpack the guilt and judgment that can come with dating as a solo parent, how motherhood can deepen our connection to our bodies and pleasure, and why being loved (and yes, f*cked properly!) is a gift not just for us—but for our kids too.

This is one of those expansive, raw, laugh-out-loud and deeply validating conversations that reminds you how powerful, complex, and worthy we are as women and mothers. Whether you’re single, dating, or redefining what family looks like for you—this one will land deep.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this raw and reflective episode, I sit down with Montana Lower to unpack the emotional journey of rebuilding life after a family unit break up—especially when you’re parenting on your own.

We talk about growing up without strong relationship models, the beliefs we carry into motherhood, and what it really takes to come out of the haze after heartbreak.

She shares her experience of living in community with other women, navigating identity loss, doing the emotional work, and slowly learning to feel whole again. It’s an honest, vulnerable conversation about grief, growth, and finding a way forward—bit by bit.

This episode is Part 1 of Montana's journey so make sure you subscribe for next weeks Part 2 episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, Rachel dives into one of the most common yet rarely spoken about experiences in solo motherhood — the feeling of being stuck. Whether it’s emotional, mental, financial, or just that nagging sense that you’re not where you thought you’d be, this episode offers practical, empowering guidance to help you understand and gently work through it.

Rachel unpacks why feeling stuck isn’t actually a feeling — it’s a thought pattern — and shares how journaling can be a powerful, affordable tool to get out of your own head and back into momentum. You’ll be guided through key mindset reframes, relatable examples from the single mum journey, and a set of powerful journal prompts to help you gain momentum again.

Journal Prompts from the Episode:

1. Why do I feel stuck?Start with these types of prompts so we can dig into exactly the concept above and figure out where the disconnect is starting:

•What is the pattern in your life you are most frustrated by? What do you think this pattern means about you?•What areas in your life do you feel like you have no control over or feel powerless to change? If you are not able to affect this, who do you feel like is in control or has the power to change things?•What do you need to let go of that you might be holding on to?•How might you have been hiding or avoiding something you know you need to address but are hesitant or scared to face?

2. What do I want instead?

These prompts are going to shift your attention to the desired state so you can begin identifying what to do next (take that power back gal!):

•What do you want for your life that you might have been scared, ashamed or felt was greedy to want?•Who do you admire? What about them do you admire? If you could select pieces of their life that you’d copy+paste in to yours what would they be?•Who are you envious or jealous of? What are you drawn to about them? If you could select pieces of their life that you’d copy+paste in to yours what would they be?•If you had a magic time machine and could wake up tomorrow inside of your life a year from now and be living your absolute dream, what would it look like? What your day would look like at 6a, 9a, 12p 3p, 6p and 9p.

-Many people have an idea of the logistics of their dream life - what kind of house they’d be living in, their relationships status, and how much money they’d be making - but they haven’t often considered what the experience of that life will be in between their ears. So while your external circumstances might change, the thoughts inside your head wont! A perfect example of why mindset and thought work is THE missing piece for many of us.

3. How to start getting "unstuck":

Taking the insights gained from the previous section, we’re now going to shift our focus to the future. These prompts are going to focus you in on what is within your control and to zero in on the actions you want to take next to create change:

•What stops me from having the thoughts (and eventually the beliefs) about myself that I want?•If you feel like you have amassed evidence that is counter to the beliefs that you want to have, what evidence might have you accidentally overlooked that would support your desired thoughts? (We are very selective in our memory and biased in our narration of our lives!) If you had to look for it, what proof could you find that you can have the thoughts you’d like about yourselves?•Considering the thoughts of those I admire, envy or dream life me, what could I change about my schedule that would make it easier for me to have those thoughts? What could I change about my logistics or surroundings to have those thoughts? What could I change about how I take care of myself to have those thoughts?

FOLLOW US:

Instagram:

Podcast: @motheringonmyown.podcast

Rach: @rachel.maksimovic

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.