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Why can one small parenting moment bring up such a big reaction? Motherhood coach and therapist Rachel Brown joins The Mommy Pod to talk about emotional overwhelm, the beliefs we carry from earlier in life, and what it can look like to respond to our children with more awareness and compassion.

Rachel shares how living with a chronic illness and trying to meet others’ expectations led her to listen more closely to her own needs. She also introduces The Self Method, her approach to helping mothers reconnect with themselves beneath their many roles.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why did that moment affect me so much?” this conversation offers a place to start—without shame.

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

Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012159249120

Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/consciousmotherhoodcollective

Rachels Free Guide: Reactive to Regulated The 3-Step, 5-Minute Reset When You’ve Just Snapped

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Do you find yourself yelling at your child—and then feeling guilty afterward?

In this episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta’ speaks with Sapna Radhakrishnan, a Parenting Success Coach, speaker, NLP practitioner, and author of Yelling to Zenning.

Sapna opens up about becoming constantly frustrated with her child and recognizing that those difficult interactions were damaging their connection. Through inner work and practical parenting skills, she learned how to bridge the gap and rebuild their relationship.

Sapna explains why connection should come before correction, how our own emotional patterns affect the way we respond to our children, and why conscious parenting begins with connecting to ourselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why parents yell even when they don’t want to
• How to reconnect after losing your temper
• Connection before correction
• Understanding the need beneath a child’s behavior
• Releasing parenting guilt
• Becoming aware of your own triggers
• Sapna’s book, Yelling to Zenning
• Practical ways to create a calmer home

This episode is for every parent who wants to stop reacting, begin connecting, and build a healthier relationship with their child.

 Sapna Radhakrishnan, is a Parenting Success Coach, speaker, NLP practitioner, and the author of Yelling to Zenning.

Sapna’s parenting philosophy centers around one powerful idea: Connection comes before correction.

Book: Yelling to Zenning
Social Media: @sapnaradcoaching

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How can parents encourage healthy eating without turning every meal into a battle?

Award-winning children’s author, Registered Dietitian, and Registered Sanitarian Jessica Nicole McAnelly joins The Mommy Pod to discuss picky eaters, food safety, family meal planning, exercise, confidence, and creating healthy habits that work in real life.

Jessica also introduces her three educational children’s books: Birdie’s Picnic Party, Birdie’s Cooking Class, and Birdie’s Fitness Fun. Through Birdie’s colorful adventures, children learn that staying safe, eating well, cooking together, and moving their bodies can be fun.

This episode is filled with practical support for busy parents who want healthier families without guilt, shame, pressure, or perfection.

Connect with Jessica:

Website: www.jessicanicolemcanellybooks.com
Instagram: @birdsbenchpublishing

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Ambreuka Garcia has been trained to fight—as a former professional wrestler and military service member. But one of the most difficult battles of her life was finding the strength to leave an abusive relationship while navigating motherhood.

In this episode of The Mommy Pod, Ambreuka shares how she survived narcissistic abuse, faced the challenges of single motherhood, and leaned on Jesus and her village while rebuilding her life.

Now happily married, Ambreuka reflects on learning to recognize healthy love, restoring her confidence, setting boundaries, and creating a safer, more peaceful life for herself and her family. She also discusses her journey into esthetics, the deeper meaning of self-care, and what becoming a business owner represents after years of survival.

This faith-centered conversation reminds mothers that accepting help is not weakness, healing does not have to look perfect, and the chapter that nearly broke you does not have to be the final chapter of your life.

Connect with Ambreuka on Instagram at @esthyamber.

This episode includes personal experiences involving emotional and narcissistic abuse. It is intended for education and encouragement and does not replace individualized safety, mental-health, medical, or legal guidance.

Learn more about The Mommy Pod at themommypod.net.

Because we bend—we do not break.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ86RF9S

Living with ADHD: Getting Clean and Organized is not another rigid “how-to” guide that demands perfection—it’s a compassionate roadmap designed for real people with real ADHD challenges.  Living with ADHD will help you take back control—one small step at a time.

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What happens when the motherhood you imagined doesn’t look anything like the motherhood you’re living?

In this powerful episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta sits down with Dr. Radhika

, a board-certified behavior analyst, growth mindset coach, and founder of Analyze and Act.

Dr. Radica brings more than 15 years of clinical experience—but her connection to this conversation is deeply personal. Before becoming a mother, she experienced years of infertility and IVF, navigating grief, uncertainty, financial and emotional stress, and the pressure to remain hopeful when there was no guarantee of success.

Then motherhood brought another unexpected chapter: raising a neurodivergent child.

Dr. Radhika opens up about what it was like to recognize developmental differences in her own child, the guilt and self-doubt that came with being both a professional and a parent, and the moment her son said, “It’s too many changes for me.”

That moment became a powerful reminder that our children don't always need us to fix everything. Sometimes they need us to slow down, listen, acknowledge what they're feeling, and help them build the skills to navigate what comes next.

We also talk about:

✨ The emotional reality of infertility and IVF
✨ Why toxic positivity can make difficult seasons feel even lonelier
✨ Finding community when the people around you don't understand
✨ Sharing the “fails” instead of only celebrating the wins
✨ Recognizing that a diagnosis can open doors to resources and support
✨ Parenting a neurodivergent child without trying to “fix” everything at once
✨ Why parents don't have to pursue every therapy simultaneously
✨ Helping children understand and communicate when there are too many changes
✨ Growth mindset, resilience, and what we can actually control
✨ Preparing neurodivergent teens for college and greater independence
✨ Why academic skills aren't always enough to prepare students for life

This conversation is a reminder that our children's journeys don't have to look like everyone else's—and neither do ours.

You don't have to have every answer.

You don't have to do everything at once.

And you don't have to pretend everything is fine.

Sometimes, being honest about where you are is the first step toward figuring out where you're going.

Because on The Mommy Pod, we bend—we do not break.

Estimated Length: 30 minutes
Instagram: @analyze_n_act
Website: analyzeandact.com

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What happens when parenting a child with ADHD involves far more than managing extra energy or creating a new routine?

In this honest episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta’ speaks with Nicky Currie, a South African business owner and single mother of two. After her youngest child received an ADHD diagnosis, Nicky’s life changed dramatically. She found herself navigating divorce, extended hospital admissions, disrupted work, financial pressure, changes in family relationships, and the exhausting responsibility of advocating for her child.

Nicky challenges the casual way ADHD is sometimes discussed and explains why proper professional evaluation matters. She also shares the realities of single parenting, dating, supporting siblings, maintaining faith, and receiving advice about “self-care” when what a parent truly needs is meaningful help.

This is not a perfectly packaged story told after every problem has been solved. Nicky is speaking from the middle of the struggle—and reminding other mothers and single fathers that their unfinished stories still deserve to be heard.

Please note: This conversation reflects one family’s personal experience and is not medical or legal advice. Specific institutions and private individuals are not identified.

Connect with Nicky and VIBE Consult on Facebook.

Visit The Mommy Pod at themommypod.net.

Because we bend—we do not break.

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Can you be a devoted mother without losing yourself along the way?

In this powerful episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta’ sits down with Trish Lacy—a divorced single mother, award-winning author, podcast host, speaker, People and Culture executive, and mental health coach in training.

As the mother and advocate of a neurodivergent teenager navigating autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, Trish understands the pressure of fighting for your child while managing career demands, financial strain, relationships, and your own emotional healing.

Trish shares how she rebuilt her identity after an emotionally harmful relationship and transformed painful chapters into purpose. She also introduces her award-winning book, Erased in My Home, and The unErased Journal Collection, created to help women reflect, rebuild, and reclaim their voices.

This honest conversation explores:

• Advocating for a neurodivergent teenager
• Healing while continuing to mother
• The pressure to appear as though you have everything together
• Rebuilding after divorce and emotional harm
• Asking for support without shame
• Pursuing dreams and purpose beyond motherhood
• Turning personal pain into books, music, and meaningful platforms

Trish reminds every mother that she does not have to erase herself to prove her love. Her needs, dreams, healing, and voice matter too.

Find Trish at trishlacy.com.

Follow her on Instagram at @syncerely_trish, TikTok at @iamunerased, and YouTube at @trishlacyunerased. Listen to UnErased with Trish Lacy on podcast platforms.

Erased in My Home and The unErased Journal Collection are available on Amazon.

Please note: This episode discusses neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, divorce, and emotionally harmful relationships. Personal medical details, workplace information, and the identities of individuals connected to Trish’s experiences are intentionally kept private.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ86RF9S

Living with ADHD: Getting Clean and Organized is not another rigid “how-to” guide that demands perfection—it’s a compassionate roadmap designed for real people with real ADHD challenges.  Living with ADHD will help you take back control—one small step at a time.

Support the show

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Send us Fan Mail

Does your child sleep with their mouth open, snore, grind their teeth, toss and turn, or wake up tired? These patterns can affect more than bedtime—they may influence the well-being of the entire family.

In this episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta’ sits down with myofunctional therapist and Mind Body Mouth founder Tiffany Ludwicki to discuss mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea concerns in children, TMJ discomfort, and the connection between sleep and our mental and physical health.

Tiffany explains which signs parents should pay attention to, how poor sleep can appear during the day, and why parents should feel empowered to ask questions and advocate for further evaluation. She also shares her personal journey from never planning to have children to raising two young girls—and how mindset, grace, resilience, and divine timing help her navigate motherhood.

This conversation offers hope to exhausted parents and reminds us that noticing a concern is not a reason for guilt—it is the first step toward finding support.

Connect with Tiffany:

Facebook: Mind Body Mouth
Instagram: Mind Body Mouth Coach
YouTube: @mindbodymouth

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A breakup—especially after an abusive relationship—can feel like the end of everything. But what if it could also become the beginning of a stronger, more authentic life?

In this episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta’ speaks with Leanne Hutchinson, founder of Life After +1, single-parent coach, podcast host, and survivor based in Australia.

Leanne shares how she walked away from a domestic-violence relationship with nothing and began rebuilding while raising her daughter, dealing with a difficult co-parent, losing friendships, and struggling financially. She opens up about the loneliness of starting again, accepting that no one was coming to rescue her, and learning to change her life one step at a time.

Together, Shanta’ and Leanne discuss co-parenting, dating after a harmful relationship, establishing healthy boundaries, rebuilding confidence, and rediscovering who you are beyond your breakup.

This conversation is a reminder that you do not need to have everything figured out. Your breakup did not ruin your life, and it does not have to be the end of your story.

Follow Leanne and discover more from Life After +1 on Instagram: @lifeafterplusone.

This episode includes discussion of domestic violence and emotional abuse. If you or your children are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Coaching and podcast conversations are not substitutes for individualized legal, medical, or mental-health care.

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What if becoming a more conscious mother begins with bringing the focus back to yourself?

In this episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta’ speaks with Urvi Shah, a certified coach and spiritual healer who helps mothers reconnect with themselves and learn how to regulate their emotions. She openly shares her experience with severe postpartum depression and how therapy and mindfulness supported her healing.

Together, they discuss conscious motherhood, emotional regulation, overstimulation, asking for help, repairing after difficult parenting moments, and releasing the pressure to be the “perfect” mom. This conversation is a powerful reminder that caring for yourself is not selfish—you are already whole, you lack nothing, and you are doing an amazing job in your own way.

Connect with Urvi Shah on Instagram: Inner Serenity Life Coaching www.innerserenitylifecoaching.com

Learn more about The Mommy Pod at themommypod.net.

This episode discusses postpartum depression and mental health. It is intended for encouragement and education and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

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