On a quiet Saturday morning, I turned on the mic to share something that’s been on my heart this week: letting go of perfection.

As I step into a season filled with new chapters, from motherhood and homeownership to a new job and closing the breastfeeding chapter with my son, I’m realizing that so many of these “firsts” require me to release the pressure to get everything right.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on what it looks like to practice imperfection in real time. From recording this podcast without overthinking it to stepping into a new DIY era in our home, I’m learning that growth often asks us to experiment, play, and make room for mistakes along the way.

If you’ve been holding yourself back from starting something because it might not be perfect, this conversation is an invitation to begin anyway.

Let’s embrace being imperfect together.

Special welcome from my two-year-old son,

Jace 🥰

Welcome to the very first episode of The Mama’s Bag Podcast (formerly The Know Body Podcast)!

As we step into the first week of 2026, I’m introducing the mantra that is guiding my heart this year: Firm Hope, Soft Hold.

In this episode, I explore the delicate balance of staying anchored in faith and intention while remaining flexible enough to handle the "life-ing" that happens when plans go left.

From navigating holiday grief and family medical scares to the evolution of this very podcast, I’m sharing how I’m choosing to move through this year with groundedness rather than hustle.

Connect with the Community

• ​Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.themamasbag.com
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• ​Support the Show: If this episode spoke to you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who needs a reminder to hold things gently today.

After an unplanned (but much-needed) pause, I’m back on the mic to share where I’ve been, what rest has been teaching me, and why this podcast is still so close to my heart—even when I’m not showing up perfectly. In this episode, I talk about motherhood, therapy, giving up coffee (yes, really), and the grace we give ourselves when we stop performing and start honoring where we are.

This space is still evolving—just like me—and I’m learning to keep showing up even when it’s not polished or perfect. Thank you for holding space for that. For me. For us.

Let’s get back into rhythm, together.

Rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s about real restoration. But in this season of my life, deep rest has been hard to come by. In this episode, I’m having a heart-to-heart about exhaustion, running on autopilot (especially in motherhood), and the signs my body has been giving me that something needs to change.

I’ll share my experience with infrared therapy, why true relaxation felt almost unfamiliar, and how I’m learning to answer my body’s call for rest. Plus, I’ll leave you with a powerful reminder: just like seeds in nature, sometimes we have to be still before we can truly grow.

Join me in examining our rest—because we deserve it.

 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

Motherhood changes everything—including sisterhood. In this episode of The Know Body Podcast, I sit down with my sister to talk about how becoming moms transformed our bond in ways we never expected. From navigating new challenges to showing up for each other in the hardest seasons, we reflect on how our relationship has grown stronger through the chaos and beauty of motherhood.

We’re getting real about the joys, the struggles, and the unspoken ways we support each other as moms. Plus, we’re wrapping things up with a fun rapid-fire round where we call each other out on who’s most likely to forget picture day, handle tantrums like a pro, and pack the perfect diaper bag.

Whether you have a sister, a best friend who feels like one, or just love hearing about the evolution of relationships through motherhood, this episode is for you.

And before we go, shoutout to my sister and her amazing tooth gem and whitening business @gemsbyevon! She’s a licensed dental professional helping people level up their smiles—because moms deserve to shine, too! You can book with her here: Gems by Evon Booking Page.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me on Instagram @valaenciathompson and follow the podcast at @theknowbodypodcast.

Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe even send this to your sister!

Mental health is just as important as physical health—and honestly, the two are more connected than we think. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal therapy journey, how I’ve learned to manage anxiety through lifestyle changes, and why building a strong community has been essential to my well-being. We’re also talking about how stress impacts the body, why isolation is not a coping mechanism, and what we can control in a world that feels overwhelming.

If you’ve been thinking about therapy, struggling with anxiety, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone, this one’s for you.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me:

 @valaenciathompson

 @theknowbodypodcast

Listen now and take care of your mind and body, y’all.

Episode 3: Delays Are Not Denials – Embracing Motherhood and Finding Your Identity

Struggling to find your identity as a mom? Wondering how to balance motherhood and personal growth? In this episode of The Know Body Podcast, host Valaencia T. dives into why delays in life and motherhood are not setbacks, but opportunities for growth. Discover a 3-step plan to rediscover your voice within motherhood, redefine progress, and embrace your journey without losing who you are. Perfect for women navigating identity shifts, balancing priorities, and learning to thrive in this beautiful season of life.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to explore motherhood, mental health, and personal growth.

Follow @theknowbodypodcast on Instagram!

Follow the host: @valaenciathompson

Episode 2: Preparing for Motherhood in My 30s: A Deliberate Journey

In this episode of The Know Body Podcast, host Valaencia opens up about navigating societal pressures around the “right” time to have kids, how therapy helped her prepare emotionally for pregnancy, and the importance of making informed decisions about motherhood.

She also dives into the process of tracking her cycles, understanding her body, and the ups and downs of her pregnancy—including the persistence of morning sickness and the joy of feeling connected to her baby.

This episode is an honest, empowering conversation for anyone preparing for or reflecting on their journey to motherhood, whether planned or unexpected. Tune in for insights, encouragement, and a reminder that you deserve to decide what’s right for you.

Trigger Warning: Brief mention of early miscarriage.

Follow @theknowbodypodcast on Instagram!

Follow the host: @valaenciathompson

Kick off The Know Body Podcast with host Valaencia T. as we explore womanhood in your 30s+, self-awareness, and body changes. This episode is a safe space for women navigating pregnancy/motherhood, mental wellness, and identity shifts. Join us for candid conversations, inspiration, and insights tailored for women embracing growth and transformation.

Follow @theknowbodypodcast on Instagram!

Follow the host: @valaenciathompson