The Expressive Mom Show

My guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Sarah Moore. Sarah is a Women’s Leadership Coach with over a decade of experience helping women embrace their power, overcome self-doubt, and create meaningful change.

She’s also the author of Full of Herself: Finding the Audacity to Love Who You Are, a guide to living boldly and authentically, reframes the phrase as a celebration of confidence and self-love.

Her mission and expertise align beautifully with the podcast’s focus on intentional living and personal transformation. We discuss the issues that so many women face regarding confidence.

How Women Can Truly Own Their Power

True confidence doesn’t come from external validation—it’s built from within. Women often face societal pressures to meet unrealistic standards, but real confidence emerges when they embrace their authentic selves, flaws and all.

The first step is self-awareness. Understanding your strengths, passions, and values allows you to ground your confidence in something deeper than appearances or achievements.

Practicing self-compassion is equally crucial—treat yourself with the kindness you’d offer a close friend.

Setting boundaries is another essential element. Confident women know their worth and don’t hesitate to protect their time, energy, and emotional well-being. Saying “no” without guilt is a powerful affirmation of self-respect.

Surrounding yourself with supportive, uplifting people also fosters confidence. When you engage with those who celebrate your successes and encourage your growth, you naturally begin to believe in yourself more.

Finally, embracing personal growth keeps confidence strong. Stepping outside your comfort zone, pursuing new skills, and facing fears head-on build resilience and reinforce the belief that you are capable.

True confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about self-acceptance, inner strength, and owning your unique brilliance. When a woman believes in herself, she becomes unstoppable.

Connect with Sarah on her site: https://www.mooresoulsessions.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moore.soul.sessions/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mooresoulsessions

Buy her book: Full of Herself: Finding the Audacity to Love Who You Are

This will wrap up the interviews for a while. From April and beyond, I will be doing a number of solo podcast episodes on topics I want to focus on.

Will I invite guests to interview again? Probably, but I am not sure when that will be. I want to focus more on the serious impacts of toxic positivity next week.  

In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show.

My guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Melissa Heathers. 

Melissa Heathers, the author of Dear Ego, Dear Heart, presents a poetic exploration of the inner battle we all face—the relentless war between the ego and the heart.

 This deeply introspective work captures the fierce struggle within, where our emotions stir the very core of our soul. 

As we navigate the highs and lows of our personal empires, we endure the wounds inflicted by our own inner conflicts. Yet, through it all, we fight to heal, drawing strength from the love that resides within us.

Losing the Connection with Ourselves is Easy

 It’s easy to forget who you truly are. Society, family, and culture impose expectations, shaping you into someone who fits their mold.

Over time, external conditioning buries your authentic self beneath layers of approval-seeking and fear of judgment. But living for others disconnects you from your true essence, leading to dissatisfaction and emptiness. 

Finding your authentic self means unlearning imposed beliefs and rediscovering what genuinely fulfills you. When you embrace who you are without masks, you attract people and opportunities aligned with your soul.

True freedom lies in authenticity—because the world needs the real you, not a version designed to please others.  

Connect with Melissa at https://soulsecrets.ca

Buy your copy of Dear Ego, Dear Heart through Amazon. 

Connect with Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abeenamedzoey13

Next week, I will interview to a guest who is a leader at the intersection of mental health, youth empowerment, and arts education. We discuss how art can be great for mental wellness in youth. In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show.   

My guest on The Expressive Mom Show today is Enneagam master and author, Nhien Vuong. Nhien is a former Stanford lawyer, is now a Certified Somatic Enneagram Facilitator and a certified Enneagram professional through the ATA Enneagram. She is also the author of The Enneagram of the Soul: A 40-Day Spiritual Companion for the 9 Types.
Drawing from over two decades of deep personal and professional exploration, The Enneagram of the Soul offers a transformative journey.

Nhien guides readers toward wholeness, helping them move beyond rigid identification with their personality type so they can embrace life more fully and connect with their divine nature.
Nhien offers a pathway to personal wholeness, guiding readers with both gentleness and clarity beyond the limitations of solely identifying with their personality type. Through her approach, she helps individuals embrace a fuller, more authentic life, rooted in their divine nature.
During the interview, we discuss how parents usually parent based on their Enneagram type.
Parenting and the Enneagram
Parenting is a journey of love, growth, and self-discovery, and the Enneagram can be a powerful tool for understanding both ourselves and our children.

By recognizing our own Enneagram type, we become aware of our strengths, triggers, and unconscious patterns that shape our parenting style.

Likewise, understanding our child’s tendencies helps us nurture them in a way that aligns with their unique needs. The Enneagram fosters deeper empathy, patience, and communication, allowing us to parent with greater self-awareness and intention.

Through this lens, we create a more harmonious family dynamic, guiding our children toward authenticity and emotional resilience.
Preorder. https://www.calameo.com/red-wheel_weiser-books/read/005570974a0126a8e3eeb
Connect with Nhien on her website: https://evolvingenneagram.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvingenneagram/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revnhien/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evolvingenneagram
Next week, I will interview the author of a book that represents the war within as it highlights the important struggles we have within ourselves.

It will be fascinating to look at it from this author's perspective. In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show.    

My guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Dr. Tom Ingegno, DACM LAc. He is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, an integrative health specialist, and Charm City Integrative Health founder.

Futurist David Houle praised him as the “Future of Medicine.” With over 20 years of experience, he blends traditional and cutting-edge therapies to reduce inflammation and enhance well-being.

He has served as chair of the Maryland State Board of Acupuncture, adjunct professor, and Director of Acupuncture for wellness centers. A sought-after speaker, he has lectured at Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland, and Walter Reed Hospital.

Beyond human care, he is a certified animal acupuncturist, treating rescue animals, including pit bulls from Michael Vick and a camel in Egypt. He authored You Got Sick—Now What? and has contributed to leading Oriental Medicine journals. His mission is to make health accessible and transformative for all.

We discuss the benefits of cupping as we discuss cupping therapy. 

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is a gentle, effective way to support children’s health by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system.

It helps with common childhood ailments like colds, congestion, digestive issues, and muscle tension. Unlike medications, cupping is natural and non-invasive, making it a safe alternative for parents seeking holistic wellness for their children.

For kids, light or silicone cups are often used with gentle suction to avoid discomfort. Pediatric cupping can help clear mucus, improve sleep, and ease growing pains. Sessions are quick, relaxing, and well-tolerated when performed by a trained practitioner or a parent with proper guidance.

Parents can benefit from cupping too, using it to relieve stress, muscle tension, and chronic pain. It’s an excellent self-care tool that complements family wellness. Learning basic cupping techniques empowers parents to support their children’s health while enhancing their own well-being.

Check out the Charm City Integrative HealthCheck out Tom's book, The Cupping Book: Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Healing

Next week, I will interview a guest who is an Enneagram master, a personality typing system. We will discuss the Enneagram and how it impacts parenthood. 

In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show.  

My guest today on The Expressive Mom Show is Brittany Racine, a resilient single mother of two boys who has defied the odds to build a successful real estate career.

Brittany's journey is one of perseverance, determination, and transformation. After experiencing the heartbreak of a failed business and enduring a traumatic divorce, she refused to let adversity define her.

Instead, she turned her struggles into fuel for success, carving out a fulfilling and independent life for herself and her children. In this episode, Brittany shares her inspiring story, her lessons, and how she empowers other women to rise above challenges.

Overcoming Adversity Is Far From Easy

Overcoming adversity requires resilience, determination, and a willingness to rebuild. When life takes an unexpected turn—whether through personal loss, financial hardship, or career setbacks—it can feel like starting over is impossible.

Yet, challenges often serve as catalysts for growth. Those who refuse to let obstacles define them find strength in persistence, learning from failures rather than being defeated by them.

Success is not about avoiding hardship but about rising after each fall. By embracing change, seeking new opportunities, and believing in their rebuilding ability, anyone can transform setbacks into stepping stones toward a stronger, more fulfilling future.

You can connect with Brittany via IG: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyracine_/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittany.racine.79/
Next week, I will interview a guest with over 23 years of experience in integrative medicine as a doctor of acupuncture and East Asian medicine.

He empowers moms to take control of their family’s health using natural and effective methods. 

In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show. 

Today, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Sasha Saidman. Sasha is a beloved children's author who brings stories of wonder and wisdom to life from her home in the vibrant Washington, D.C. area.

As someone with dyslexia, she understands the power of storytelling in overcoming challenges and fostering connection.

Alongside her supportive husband and their two energetic toddlers, Sasha crafts heartfelt tales that celebrate the richness of family life, drawing from her own experiences.

Her stories explore themes such as open adoption, miscarriage, dyslexia, divorced parents, and the joys and struggles of raising young children.

With a contagious optimism, she aims to inspire courage and joy in her readers, encouraging them to embrace their own journeys with love and acceptance.

Best known for her books First Night and Melonade, Sasha’s work is more than storytelling—it’s an invitation to embrace life’s adventures and find joy in every moment.  

Embracing Life’s Story: The Beauty of Imperfect Journeys

Every family has a unique story, woven with moments of joy, challenge, and transformation. For Sasha Saidman, storytelling is a way to honor these experiences—her own and those of others.

From navigating dyslexia to embracing the complexities of open adoption and parenting, her journey fuels tales that inspire courage and connection. Through books like First Night and Melonade, Sasha reminds readers that every challenge holds a lesson, and every joy is worth celebrating.

Her stories encourage children and families to embrace their imperfections, find strength in their struggles, and discover the magic in their own unfolding narratives.

Connect with Sasha: https://www.sashasaidman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sasha_saidman/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_kowalskis

Facebook and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Theworldofsashasaidman

Next week, I will interview a mother who has built a life and a business and showed true resilience despite challenges involving divorce and struggle. She has a great story. 

In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show. 

My guest onThe Expressive Mom Showis Kourtney Walker. Kourtney understands that life as an ambitious woman and working mom can be a whirlwind. Balancing work, family, and personal dreams often makes it easy to lose sight of oneself and what truly matters.

She recognizes these challenges and is dedicated to helping women reconnect with their true selves, deepest values, and highest goals because they deserve nothing less.  

Kourtney and I discuss how women lose themselves while sacrificing for others. We also discuss the importance of women finding their values and authentic voices as they matter. 

Women Often Lose Themselves in Giving to Others

Many women pour their hearts into their families, careers, and communities, often putting the needs of others ahead of their own. As nurturers and caregivers, they take on countless roles—mother, wife, daughter, employee, friend—until their own identity becomes secondary.

Over time, this self-sacrifice can leave them feeling disconnected from who they truly are. Dreams get pushed aside, passions fade into the background, and personal well-being is neglected in the name of responsibility.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of giving endlessly, especially when society praises women for their selflessness. But when every ounce of energy is spent tending to others, there’s little left for personal growth, joy, or even basic self-care.

The result? Burnout, resentment, and a sense of emptiness. Many women wake up one day realizing they no longer recognize the person staring back at them in the mirror.

Reclaiming oneself doesn’t mean abandoning loved ones—it means recognizing that self-care and self-discovery are essential, not selfish.

By prioritizing their own dreams and well-being, women not only become happier but also set a powerful example for future generations. It’s time to break the cycle of self-sacrifice and embrace a life where they, too, matter.

Connect with Kourtney Walker on her site: https://kourtneywalker.co/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kourtneydwalker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kourtney.strategiclife.co/ 

Next week, I will interview a children's book author who faces dyslexia and highlight the importance of diversity in children's books. In the meantime, head over toExpressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at@anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack,expressivemom.substack.com. Also, followThe Expressive Mom Show.   

My guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Callia Zimmerman. She is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field.

She holds a Master’s in Social Work and additional certifications in perinatal mental health, clinical supervision, and drug and alcohol counseling.

Callia is the owner and founder of Birch Grove Therapy, a private practice she established in 2018 specializing in perinatal mental health and women’s issues.
Based in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Callia is passionate about mental health advocacy and is a proud pet lover who never says no to dessert.

When not working, she can often explore the outdoors with her two children or curl up with a good book. Our conversation covers mental health, moms, and the unfair expectations that society places on them.
Society Expects Mothers to Do It All

Mothers are expected to do it all—raise children, maintain a spotless home, excel at work, and stay emotionally available—yet they rarely receive the support they need.

Society glorifies "supermoms" while shaming those who struggle and ignoring the unrealistic standards imposed on them. If a mother prioritizes her career, she's labeled neglectful; if she stays home, she's seen as unambitious.

Meanwhile, fathers are often praised for doing the bare minimum. This double standard fuels guilt and burnout, making it nearly impossible for mothers to prioritize their well-being.

It’s time to dismantle these expectations and recognize that mothers deserve support, not scrutiny.

Connect with Callia: https://www.calliazimmerman.com/. 

Next week, I will interview a mindset and purpose coach for working moms and busy women. She believes empowered women lift others and create stronger communities, so we chat more about her perspectives.  

In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show. 

My guest today on The Expressive Mom Show is Maureen Kane. Maureen is a mental health therapist based in Bellingham, WA, specializing in EMDR therapy and clinical supervision.

She is a certified EMDR therapist, an approved EMDR International Association consultant, and a Washington State clinical supervisor.

With a passion for guiding individuals through self-discovery, Maureen authored A Guide Back to You, an award-winning workbook designed to help people reconnect with their identity.

Her writing has appeared in Time Magazine and various anthologies, and she is a Sue Boynton Poetry Walk Award winner. Her poetry collection, The Phoenix Requires Ashes: Poems for the Journey, reflects her deep insight into transformation and healing.  

How to Connect with Your Identity

Connecting with your identity is a deeply personal journey that requires introspection, self-compassion, and a willingness to explore who you truly are beneath external expectations.

Life changes—such as career shifts, parenthood, illness, or loss—can sometimes make us feel disconnected from ourselves. Rebuilding that connection starts with self-awareness.

Take time to reflect on your values, passions, and the experiences that have shaped you. Journaling, meditation, and mindfulness exercises can help you recognize recurring themes in your thoughts and emotions, providing insight into what truly matters to you.

Another powerful way to reconnect with your identity is through self-expression. Engage in activities that make you feel most like yourself—whether it’s writing, painting, dancing, or simply spending time in nature.

Creativity often reveals hidden aspects of our identity that we may have overlooked. If you’re unsure where to start, remember childhood interests or past dreams that brought you joy. Exploring these parts of yourself without judgment can help rekindle a sense of authenticity.

Relationships also play a crucial role in identity formation. Surround yourself with people who see and support your true self. Pay attention to how different relationships impact your energy—do they uplift you or make you feel lost?

Setting boundaries with those who diminish your sense of self, embracing connections, and encouraging growth can help you cultivate a strong and stable identity.

Connecting with your identity is an ongoing process, not a final destination. Life will continue to change, and so will you. The key is to remain open to self-exploration, listen to your inner voice, and honor what feels most aligned with your truth.

Connect with Maureen: https://www.maureenkanecounseling.com/

Get A Guide Back to You Therapy Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCCSSHN7/

Next week, I will talk with a licensed clinical social worker who is a passionate mental health advocate. We have an in-depth discussion around that. In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show. 

Mark Papadas is my guest on The Expressive Mom Show today. He is an award-winning speaker, author, and visionary behind I AM 4 Kids, the groundbreaking program revolutionizing elementary education and youth entertainment.
With over two decades in the self-development field, Mark has collaborated with legends like Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, and Anthony Robbins to bring powerful tools of self -empowerment directly to children.
Mark's passion for personal growth began in high school, shaped by a challenging upbringing. These experiences allow him to connect deeply with many children's struggles today. His innovative programs, such as I AM…
The Power of Your True Identity™, I AM 4 Kids™, and Power to the Pupils™ have transformed lives, empowering kids to discover their true potential. Join Mark on this empowering journey to help your children create their own empowering identities and lead successful, fulfilling lives.
Empowering Children to Shape Their Own Identities

Helping children create empowering identities is essential for their confidence, resilience, and future success. When children are encouraged to discover their identity, they develop a strong sense of self-worth and autonomy.

This self-awareness allows them to pursue paths aligned with their passions and strengths, laying the foundation for a fulfilling life.
Fostering individuality helps children build emotional resilience. Understanding and embracing their unique qualities makes them better equipped to face challenges and setbacks.

Instead of internalizing negativity, they view obstacles as opportunities for growth, which supports their mental well-being and encourages lifelong learning.
Encouraging children to embrace their authenticity also nurtures deeper, more meaningful relationships. When they feel safe to express their true selves, they connect with others on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding.

These skills enhance their personal lives and prepare them to contribute positively to their communities.
Empowering children to shape their own identities is an investment in their future and the world. By celebrating their individuality and teaching them to value themselves, we help them build lives of purpose, confidence, and joy while fostering a more diverse and compassionate society.

Connect with Mark:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markpapadas.thebegreatguy/X: https://x.com/MarkPapadas

Websites: www.iam4kids.com andwww.thebegreatguy.com 

Next week, I will be talking with a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice in Bellingham, WA, specializing in stress, anxiety, life changes, illness, caregiving, trauma, and career.

In the meantime, head over to Expressivemom.com, follow on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and head over to Expressive Mom on Substack, expressivemom.substack.com. Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show.