Now What? Podcast

In this episode of the Mothering on My Own podcast, Rachel and Melissa Mai dive into the multifaceted experience of solo motherhood, discussing themes of loneliness, emotional and physical health challenges, and the complexities of re-entering the dating scene as a single parent.

They explore the weight of responsibility that comes with solo parenting, the importance of community support, and the journey of navigating relationships while raising children.

Both Rachel and Melissa share very transparently about how they have navigated dating as solo mothers, how they feel about dating single dads or men without children and how it really looks to navigate dating with children.

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Podcast: @motheringonmyown.podcast

Rach: @rachel.maksimovic

Melissa: @_melissa_mai

PRE ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mothering-Our-Own-Navigating-Motherhood/dp/1761451251/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

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In this episode of Mothering on My Own, host Rachel sits down with Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia NSW, for an insightful conversation on the challenges faced by Australian families within their relationships and the evolving landscape of relationship support. They explore the impact of social media on loneliness, key findings from relationship research, and the crucial role of self-awareness in building healthy connections.

Elisabeth sheds light on the complexities of domestic violence, the importance of counseling programs, and the lasting effects of trauma on men’s behavior. She also discusses the need for dedicated support services for children affected by domestic violence and how societal awareness is shifting. This powerful discussion underscores the value of education, early intervention, and accessible support systems in fostering healthier relationships and safer communities.

Here’s some key resources:

Men’s Behaviour Change Program, Taking Responsibility: https://www.relationshipsnsw.org.au/support/services/taking-responsibility-mens-behaviour-change/

Women’s Choice and Change (free DFV support group): https://www.relationshipsnsw.org.au/group-workshops/womens-choice-change/

Children’s Contact Service (for supervised visits and/or changeovers): https://www.relationshipsnsw.org.au/support/services/childrens-contact-service/

Parenting After Separation (group workshop): https://www.relationshipsnsw.org.au/group-workshops/parenting-after-separation/

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In this episode of Mothering on My Own we dive into the transformative story of Angie Kent—once a beloved face on Gogglebox, Bachelorette, I'm a Celebrity and now the daring star of a new TV series, Big Miracles that puts her fertility under the microscope. Angie opens up about the deeply personal challenges of navigating fertility treatments and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood. We explore her decision to take this risky leap, the emotional and physical toll it exacts, and what it reveals about modern reproductive choices.

Angie delves into dating experiences, the pressures of finding a partner. They also discuss the complexities of fertility challenges, the process of choosing a sperm donor, emphasising the significance of putting away the personal checklists when it comes to choosing the right donor.

Angie is part of a rising number of single women choosing to do IVF to pursue potential solo parenthood and she hopes to help educate and empower others to consider the options.

You can follow Angie's story on Big Miracles tomorrow night at 9.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

FOLLOW US:

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Podcast: @motheringonmyown.podcast

Rach: @rachel.maksimovic

Angie Kent: @angiekent_

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At the beginning of this episode, Rachel shares a little more about her grief following the loss of her beloved dog, Kobe. She reflects on the huge impact Kobe had on her life, especially as as a solo mother and how her presence provided so much comfort during challenging times.

In this episode, we are joined with Josie Tomic, a retired Olympic athlete, who shares her journey as an elite athlete and how she achieved one of the greatest sporting achievements, going to the Olympics. Like many athletes do, she got into a relationship with a fellow Australian cyclist, got married and they had their first child together, Amelie. After retiring from the sport she realised what little values they shared outside of the sport, mixed with the personal challenges her ex husband was facing.

After co-parenting for some time her ex-husband was sentenced to jail. This conversation explores the complexities of parenting while her partner was incarcerated and how she was able to create a positive environment to continue to love and build on her relationship with her dad during that time.

FOLLOW US:

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Podcast: @motheringonmyown.podcast

Rach: @rachel.maksimovic

Josie Tomic: @josiemtomic

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As single mums, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders—raising our kids, managing finances, and keeping life moving forward. But too often, we unknowingly devalue ourselves in the process. In this episode, we’re breaking down six common ways single mums diminish their worth and where these beliefs come from—whether it’s societal expectations, outdated stereotypes, or our own inner critic.

From feeling like we have to “do it all” to believing we’re not enough, we’ll unpack the hidden pressures placed on single mothers and, more importantly, how to shift our mindset and reclaim our confidence. If you’ve ever felt guilty, overwhelmed, or like you’re falling short, this conversation is for you.

Charlotte Terray, Kinesiologist-@calmstate.co

Charlotte has kindly offered me a code for a 1:1 session with her - online or in person. MOMO25 for $25 off

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In this conversation, Natalia Lydford shares her experiences as a single mother navigating the complexities of co-parenting with two different ex partners. She shares some of the emotional challenges her children navigate between siblings and with their differences in co parenting situations.

Natalia shares her experiences as a single mother navigating relationships, parenting, and personal growth.

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Podcast: @motheringonmyown.podcast

Rach: @rachel.maksimovic

Natalia: @natalialydford

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Welcome back to the poddy in 2025! In the first episode of 2025 we are joined by a very familiar face- Jess Dover. If you are new to this community Rachel & Jess started the podcast together in 2023, Jess had growing work commitments and could no longer continue with the podcast but we are so grateful we still get to connect with her here.

In this conversation, Jess and Rachel chat through the challenges of solo motherhood and how they have shifted and evolved over the years. They discuss how even though they feel fearless, they are actively working on the underlying sub conscious beliefs that have them both fearful in their journey as solo mums.

Jess shares her proud moment of finally moving into her own home after years of hard work, reflecting on her childhood experiences and the emotional weight of providing a stable environment for her son.

Jess shares her experiences of starting a new business while managing personal life, reflecting on the balance between ambition and emotional well-being, her co-parenting relationship and how she manages her long distance relationship.

It was so great to have Jess back on the mic, so we know you will love this one!

FOLLOW US:

Instagram:

Podcast: @motheringonmyown.podcast

Rach: @rachel.maksimovic

Jess:@jessicadover

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After a busy end of year period and the challenges that come with navigating the holiday period it is so important to make sure we take the time for ourselves.

Gift yourself these minutes and keep coming back to it whenever you feel the need to take a pause or fill up your own cup. This Guided Meditation is shared by my Kinesiologist Charlotte.

Charlotte Terray is a Melbourne-based Kinesiologist specialising in female wellness and the energetics of conscious relationships. As the founder of Calm State, Charlotte is dedicated to empowering women from all walks of life. She guides her clients through the complexities of intimacy, motherhood, femininity, and personal empowerment, offering deep insights into the energies within and around them.

Charlotte has kindly offered listeners of the Mothering on my own podcast an introductory offer of $30 off an initial consult with the code MOMO30, as well as a further 10% off her 6 week intensives that include further accountability and support inside a 1:1 container with Charlotte. This is a powerful way achieve success in your healing and growth journey — you can also book a free discovery chat with Charlotte via her booking page. Code MOMO10.

All of Charlotte’s sessions can take place in person in Melbourne or Online. Due to the nature of energy defying time and space, Charlotte is able to use surrogate muscle testing for your energetic body, ensuring you receive the same profound benefits as in-person experience from the comfort of your own home.

Charlotte's Instagram: @calmstate.co

https://www.calmstatekinesiology.com.au/

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In this final episode of 2024, Rachel reflects on her journey as a single mother over the past year, emphasising the importance of celebrating small victories and personal growth. She discusses the challenges of the holiday season, particularly for those navigating separation, and encourages listeners to create their own traditions while also creating our own magic this Christmas, even if it looks a little different to what we imagined it to be.

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In this conversation, Rachel and Jordan explore the emotional challenges that arise from trauma, the decision-making process behind becoming a parent alone, and the impact of past experiences on current parenting.

Jordan shares her journey of navigating motherhood while dealing with her own trauma, the importance of therapy, and the challenges of co-parenting with someone who has been absent.

In this conversation, Jordan and Rachel dive deep into the balance of career aspirations alongside motherhood and why Jordan let go of her successful business in pursuit of how she wanted to do her motherhood journey.

*Trigger warning on this episode as it does discuss Jordan's childhood and her experience with sexual assault as a child.

FOLLOW :

Instagram:

Podcast: @motheringonmyown.podcast

Rach: @rachel.maksimovic

Jordan: @jordanhartley

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