Take A Mental Load Off

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Shauna & Rachel open up about the often misunderstood topic of self-care, especially in the context of motherhood. Inspired by a group text with Shauna's close friends and neighbors, we dive deep into the guilt that so many women feel when prioritizing their emotional, mental, and physical needs. With personal stories, honest reflections, and science-backed insights, this episode unpacks what self-care truly looks like and why it's not a luxury — it's a necessity.

Together we challenge the idea that self-care has to be extravagant or time-consuming. We also explore how small daily actions can refill your emotional cup. Plus, we talk about oxytocin, dopamine, and how our brains are wired to seek balance, even if it means mindless scrolling. This one is full of "aha!" moments and practical wisdom for every mom who’s ever felt guilty for needing a break.

Timeline Summary:

[1:33] - The surprising self-care struggle most moms face and why we can't talk about it enough

Closing Thoughts: If this episode helped you rethink self-care and let go of the guilt, we'd love for you to share it with a friend who needs to hear it too. Thank you so much for spending part of your day with us. It would mean a lot to us if you followed the show, rated it, or left a comment. We're on a mission to lift up as many women as possible so they no longer feel stuck in survival mode, and we're honored to have you here. :)

We're Back! Season 2 Kickoff + Life Lately Catch-Up

We’re back, friends! After an unplanned (but very needed) break, we’re so excited to be jumping into Season 2. In this catch-up episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of where we’ve been, what’s been going on in our lives, and why hitting pause was actually the healthiest thing we could’ve done—for ourselves, our families, and this podcast.

From quiet celebrations and major life shifts to slow summers, big feelings, family news, and homeschool chaos—we’re covering it all. We’re sharing real, honest updates about divorce, parenting, new rhythms, pregnancy complications, career changes, and even a cat obsession that may or may not be driving us up the wall. It’s raw, lighthearted, emotional, and full of the good stuff that comes with growth.

Timeline Summary:

[0:35] - Why we took a break and learning to practice what we preach

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[1:15] - The joy and awkwardness of being served—and why we often resist it

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Today Shauna is sharing a conversation she had with her 9-year-old that helped her explain what the mental load of motherhood really feels like—and how something that seems small can actually be a lot when it’s stacked on top of everything else. From prepping for church to managing her jam-packed family calendar, she opens up about the invisible work that often goes unnoticed and how we’re learning to communicate better as a family.

We also talk about a recent miscommunication with Colby that turned into an important moment of growth for both of them—and a reminder that taking something off our plate isn’t as simple as it might look. If you’ve ever felt like everyone’s “shortcut,” this episode will hit home.

Episode Highlights

[1:12] - Explaining the mental load with a stack-of-paper analogy

Links & Resources

Skylight Calendar – Shauna's favorite family tool for syncing schedules, chores, and more

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, share, and review! Your support helps the podcast reach more moms (and dads!) doing the invisible work every day.

In this episode, we are sharing some of our favorite tools and strategies for building trust, responsibility, and emotional resilience in our kids—without shame or labels. From how Shauna uses her Skylight Calendar to manage chores and rewards, to navigating honesty, sneaky behavior, and those classic “he said, she said” moments, we're getting real about what’s working (and what definitely hasn’t).

We’ll also dig into how lying is actually a developmental milestone (yep, for real), and how to have meaningful, shame-free conversations that build connection and long-term character. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your kids be more honest, while keeping the peace at home, this one’s for you.

[2:05] - Why we love the Skylight Calendar for family organization and chore tracking

If this episode made you think—or laugh—please follow, rate, and share it with a friend. Your support helps the show grow and helps more parents feel empowered in the messy middle of raising good humans. 💛

In this episode, Shauna opens up about a recent experience that challenged the way she thinks about grief, emotional capacity, and the constant comparison we all fall into. From a funeral that stirred unexpected emotions to a family trip that left Rachel feeling “less than,” we share how we're learning to validate our feelings and recognize that capacity is personal—and always shifting.

If you’ve ever told yourself you “shouldn’t” feel a certain way, or felt guilt over not being able to do more, this episode is your reminder that pain doesn’t need to be ranked, and you don’t need to earn rest or compassion. Your experience is enough.

[1:02] – Feeling unexpected grief and questioning if it’s valid

If this episode hit home, I’d love it if you rated, followed, shared, or left a review. It really helps others find the show—and I so appreciate your support. 💛

This week, Rachel hit her first hard pass as a mom: playing Pokémon. Yep, she's officially found the one thing her kids are obsessed with that she just cannot get behind—and she's letting herself be okay with that. In this episode, we share why this moment hit deeper than expected and how it’s opened up a conversation about identity, motherhood, and the tricky transition of letting go.

[1:05] – Why Pokémon is my personal nightmare (and my parenting boundary)

Enjoyed this episode?

In this episode, Rachel and Shauna unpack the messy emotions around doing “too much” or “not enough” as a parent. We talk about how guilt and resentment can be helpful signals, explore Erikson’s stages of development, and share how our different parenting values play out in everyday choices. This is one of those honest, back-and-forth chats that’ll have you thinking about your own version of medium vs. maximum.

⏳ Episode Highlights & Time Stamps

[3:10] – What guilt and resentment are really trying to tell us

🔗 Links & Resources

💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If this episode sparked something in you, made you laugh, or just made you feel seen—please rate, follow, and share the podcast! Your reviews help more moms find their way to this community. And hey, if you’re feeling like you’re stuck in the “medium club,” just know—we see you, and you’re not alone.

Mom guilt is real, but are we being too hard on ourselves? In this episode, we dive into the tension between sacrifice and self-care, exploring why we feel guilty even when we're spending plenty of time with our kids. We share personal experiences with working motherhood, homeschooling, and shifting seasons of parenting—plus, a reality check on what enough really looks like. Whether you struggle with overextending yourself or wonder if you're doing too little, this conversation will help you rethink balance in a way that actually works.

[0:45] – Are we sounding too unbalanced when talking about self-care?

If this conversation resonated with you, we’d love for you to share it with a friend, leave a review, or subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your support helps us keep these honest and heartfelt discussions coming! ❤️