the anastasiya podcast

This week we dive right back into the messy middle of becoming “mom.” The journey into motherhood hasn’t been linear - especially since I was never the girl who “dreamed of being a mom.” I knew I would be a mom (one day), but I didn’t think about it much more than that- which I feel made my transition into motherhood a little more complex. BUT like any challenge in life, that is where faith steps in. When I lift it all up in prayer, the weight lightens even if the circumstances don’t. I am also learning that accepting AND asking for help is its own kind of strength. It’s not easy, but it’s a season of becoming stronger and more grounded- one day at a time.

I’m opening up about how the enemy doesn’t go after you where you’re strong, he targets the areas where we’re most vulnerable. For me, that’s been the transition into motherhood. After nine months of sleepless nights and constant change, it honestly felt easier to go back to work and feel “useful” than to sit still and face the storm of becoming “mom.” But this season has reminded me, once again, that our mindset is everything. When we fill our hearts and minds with truth from above, even the hardest days begin to shift.

You are called into motherhood, you are capable, and you are worthy of this new identity coexisting with your previous one. The time for your dreams will come again- but for now, your greatest calling might just be right where you are. What’s meant for you will never pass by you, so take heart in that while you’re in the thick of a different season.

This week it’s just me, coming to you solo with my sights set on the long game for The Anastasiya Podcast. I’m sharing where I see this podcast heading, the kinds of stories I can’t wait to share- entrepreneurial journeys, soul-mate love stories, and marriages that thrive through different seasons. The deeper purpose behind it all? I want this podcast to be a constant place of encouragement and real connection. We’re all in this thing called life together, and I want every listener to walk away reminded that God’s plans for you are good- so take heart in that.

I also open up about my social media fast for the month of October and what I’m hoping this reset brings me. Plus, some thoughts on why I wish maternity leave lasted a full year and what that could mean for mothers emotionally and mentally. And finally, I’m talking about my goal to read the entire Bible in a year, and why I’m craving truth that isn’t watered down. I don’t want surface-level faith- I want the real deal, even if it challenges me.

When life feels impossibly hard: sleepless nights, endless weeks, and the same struggles on repeat, it’s easy to think that you’re failing. In this episode, we talk about giving yourself grace, lowering the bar when you need to (especially while trekking through uncharted territory), and the little things we cling to that help us stay grounded in blurred hard seasons. Because no matter how heavy it feels right now, it ALWAYS gets better.

PS: We have entered the phase where the baby gives kisses. So, nine months straight of no sleep has been forgiven!

We’re back from our first extended family vacation and sharing all the details: what we loved, what challenged us, and what we’d redo if we had the chance. Our cozy beachside rental was the perfect backdrop for lifelong memories, and we all (Volkie included!) felt the post-ocean blues as soon as we got home. We’re especially grateful that we adjusted our expectations ahead of time for how this vacation would go. It made a huge difference.

We’re thankful to have made it through the “hard” infant stage, but teething has taken over our lives and no one has slept through the night in over a month- send help! Even with the exhaustion, we know we want more babies (in due time, of course) because Noli needs a sibling. Maybe even siblings, who knows! And hey, where are those angel investors when you need them? We’re dying to renovate a beach house!

We pause our usual podcasting style to sit with some heartbreak unfolding behind the scenes and across the world. While we don’t claim to have all the answers, I felt called to speak honestly about the weight many of us are carrying. Even when the divide feels impossibly wide, I believe most hearts, on each political side desire the same thing: safety & security for the people we love, and for humanity as a whole.

We reflect on guarding our hearts against overwhelming despair, leaning on your faith (especially) when the heartbreak of the world feels too great, remembering that future generations depend on us to work through turmoil and trauma, and embracing the truth that there’s no age limit on “figuring it out.” Every day that you show up, try again, and move forward with a pure heart: you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

This week we lean into the less than glamorous feeling of living groundhog day in motherhood. How solo parenting can quickly take its toll on your attitude and how perspective, gratitude and the G-man are always there to not only turn things around, but remind you how blessed you truly are. I ponder why we try to run from a God given calling when it feels heavy and hard, but we stick it out at corporate jobs we loathe way longer? How do we navigate exhaustion while remembering that this season, while our babies are itty-bitty, will be over before we know it? We give a shout out to girlfriends who are the real ones: who lovingly call you out before you spiral into grinch mode.. All so we can be reminded that taking ownership of our attitude allows us to be the type of wife, mom, and friend we want to be.

This week we unpack self sabotaging doom-loops that seem to appear every time packing for a vacation is on the horizon... running for 20+years straight without fail. (Hint: it's always baking & staying up way too late.) In this new season of life we are reaching for understanding why the brain reacts this way when overwhelmed, instead of slipping into deeper frustration. Breaking the cycle starts with you and when we identify what systems are broken, we are able to focus energy on what needs tweaking.

I also give a glimpse into The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin and share how understanding your personal ability to meet inner and outer expectations can be the most helpful revealing guide to living a fulfilling life. Where my fellow Rebel & Obligers at??

In this continued episode we share how we found realistic rhythms with fitness, balancing household roles, & how the gift of marriage has made the journey of parenthood even more special. We share why choosing your spouse wisely matters, the blessing in leaning into hard conversations, how they are essential for lifelong connection, & how self worth isn’t just about you- it’s about family legacy.

Whether you’re a new parent, navigating marriage, or working on becoming more honest with yourself; this episode is a reminder that growth comes from leaning into hard things, choosing wisely, and that not everyone deserves a seat at your table.

6months in and someone's teeth finally broke through! But not after the wildest string of all nighters and a sleep regression that made us rethink becoming parents. I ended my pumping journey and a mastopexy just got added to my neverending to-do list! We also share what inspired us to make it a point to have Noli (& all our future kids) grow up loving movement. Hiking, surfing, skiing, and every adventure in between starts with taking care of yourself and we’re excited to nurture a positive relationship with health from the beginning.