The Real Mom Hub

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In this episode, Cally and Emily flip the script and talk directly to their pre-mom selves about all the amazing parts of motherhood that often get overshadowed. Moving beyond the common narratives of challenge and sacrifice, they illuminate the profound joys and unexpected gifts that motherhood brings. The sisters get real about their personal transformations through matrescence—sharing how they've grown emotionally, how their relationships have evolved, and the strength they never knew they had. Whether you're pregnant and feeling nervous about what's ahead or just wondering if kids might be in your future, this episode offers an honest look at the beautiful ways motherhood changes you. Cally and Emily don't sugarcoat the challenges, but they make sure to shine a spotlight on the rewards that make the journey so worthwhile.

Topics of Discussion:

Your Capacity for Joy Increases 10X 
Remember when you thought you knew what joy was? Yeah, motherhood blows that definition wide open. Cally and Emily chat about how becoming a mom creates room for a kind of love, and therefore, joy, that's impossible to explain until you're in it—it's intense, primal, and completely transformative. 

Your Marriage Becomes Something New (And Actually Better)
Cally and Emily get candid about how having kids changed their marriages in ways nobody warned them about. They chat about navigating the craziest chapter of their relationships while simultaneously feeling a deeper connection than they did before. Sure, the spontaneous date nights and uninterrupted conversations might be on hold, but they talk about the unexpected intimacy found in parenting together.

Meeting the New You (And She's Actually Cooler)
The biggest plot twist of motherhood? Discovering versions of yourself you never knew were waiting to emerge. Cally and Emily chat about how becoming moms kicked off journeys of personal growth that they never saw coming. They laugh about how motherhood pushed them past their comfort zones and straight into becoming more authentic versions of themselves. Far from losing themselves to motherhood as they once feared, they've found stronger, braver versions waiting on the other side. The sisters get real about how this transformation created healing opportunities for old wounds an

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Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together. 

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

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Show Notes In this heartfelt episode, Cally and Emily welcome Elise Hoogendyke, a mother of four whose story spans decades and embodies two profound journeys of matrescence. Married at 19 against everyone's expectations, Elise's first transformation began with her oldest children, now 23 and 20. Years later, she experienced a second matrescence with her younger children, now 6 and 4, with her youngest facing extraordinary medical challenges including heart surgery and feeding difficulties. Through hyperemesis pregnancies, NICU stays, and learning to tube-feed her son, Elise's journey showcases the incredible resilience of mothers. Her story beautifully illustrates how motherhood can both shatter us and forge us into something entirely new. This episode offers powerful insights for mothers at any stage and anyone seeking to understand how we can find profound joy even in our most difficult seasons.

Main Topics & Discussion

Finding Your Path:  Elise's motherhood journey began when she married at 19 – a decision that went against her family's expectations and her own previous plans. As a student valued for her academic potential, choosing early motherhood left her without support from friends or family who understood her choice. Through creating community with mothers who validated her decisions, Elise eventually found her footing and built confidence in her path, teaching an invaluable lesson about trusting yourself even when your choices don't align with cultural norms.

A Second Matrescence: After raising two children into their teenage years, Elise experienced what she describes as a complete "second matrescence" with her younger children. The birth of her son Remy, who was born with Down syndrome, FPIES, a collapsed lung, and a heart condition, transformed her understanding of motherhood. Through NICU stays, learning to tube-feed, and countless medical appointments, Elise discovered a new dimension of maternal strength. The lesson: every milestone is a precious gift, and despite extraordinary challenges, ultimately, she experienced a deeper joy than she had ever known before.

Cultivating Marriage: Throughout Elise's two-decade marriage and four children, her relationship has remained a cornerstone of stability while continuously growing stronger. Elise shares pract

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8Sheep Organics: Click this link for 10% off your purchase!

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15 for 15% off!

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together. 

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

Like what you hear? Let us know!

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Ever feel paralyzed by the “what ifs” of motherhood, marriage, or major life decisions? How about unsure about major choices? Us too. In this episode, Cally asks Emily to walk through the powerful Fear Setting exercise she and Kyle recently did—a tool that’s been a total game changer for handling tough choices with clarity and confidence. They break down how they handled a big choice they had to make together earlier this year, and take you through how they arrived at a unified decision. The framework they used ultimately helped reduce stress and overwhelm, and also helped them get clear on how to handle potential failures. Whether you’re a mom, mom-to-be, or just someone navigating big decisions, this episode will help you tackle fear head-on and move forward with more peace of mind. Side effects may include: feeling more convicted in the choices you’ve made and capable in executing towards your chosen path. Let’s rationalize your anxieties, plan for risks, and move forward with confidence.

Grab your FREE fear setting framework here:  https://the-real-mom-hub.kit.com/97102ab896

Links & Discount Codes:

8Sheep Organics: Click this link for 10% off your purchase!

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15 for 15% off!

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together. 

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

Like what you hear? Let us know!

• Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify – Help others discover the show!
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In this episode, we chat with our friend Emily, who is deep in the trenches of mom life, about the wild transformation that happens when you become a mother. We’re talking about the surprising emotional shifts (hello, mom rage), learning how to do something purely for enjoyment without guilt, and why stepping into motherhood means shedding old versions of yourself—whether you like it or not.

We also dive into homesteading with kids, the need for self-preservation in motherhood, and why carving out space for yourself isn’t just nice—it’s necessary for survival. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re the only one struggling with these massive changes, consider this episode your permission slip to feel it all, drop the guilt, and remember that you’re still you. Emily is incredibly thoughtful and intentional in her parenting and lifestyle choices. We walked away from this conversation feeling uplifted and inspired and we’re sure you will, too.

Links & Discount Codes:

8Sheep Organics: Click this link for 10% off your purchase!

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15 for 15% off!

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together. 

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

Like what you hear? Let us know!

• Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify – Help others discover the show!
• Join the Conversation – Join us on social (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), or send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you'd like to hear more of.
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In this real and funny episode of The Real Mom Hub, Kevin, Cally’s husband, gets candid about the nitty-gritty challenges and changes of parenthood. From likening newborns to squishy fruit to declaring potty training as one of his proudest achievements, Kevin’s perspective is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. He opens up about being a younger dad, the loneliness of being the first in his friend group to become a father, and the immense joys that fatherhood brings. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s navigated the uncharted waters of parenting.

Links & Discount Codes:

8Sheep Organics: Click this link for 10% off your purchase!

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15 for 15% off!

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together. 

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

Like what you hear? Let us know!

• Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify – Help others discover the show!
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In this episode, we delve deeper into the transformative journey of matrescence, exploring what it means to leave behind old identities, embrace new ones, and rediscover parts of ourselves after motherhood. We unpack the origins of the term "bounce back" and challenge its limiting implications, reframing the narrative to celebrate creativity, curiosity, and the newfound power that motherhood brings. From the beauty of mom butts to the joy of exploring personal growth and self-expression, this episode is a love letter to the strength, curiosity, and creative energy of new moms redefining their stories. Let’s find power in motherhood, and celebrate cultivating the courage to grow.

Links & Discount Codes:

8Sheep Organics: Click this link for 10% off your purchase!

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15 for 15% off!

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together. 

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

Like what you hear? Let us know!

• Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify – Help others discover the show!
• Join the Conversation – Join us on social (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), or send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you'd like to hear more of.
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So, you’re a new dad? Congrats—you’ve joined the sleep-deprived, coffee-fueled, diaper-wielding club. In this episode, we’re chatting with Kyle - Emily’s husband and Bbk’s dad. We get his hot take on what fresh fatherhood feels like. We talk all about the birth process from the dad’s front-row seat (awkward cheering included), how to be the ultimate birth partner (both before, during & after the birth), and what really happens during the postpartum phase (spoiler: it’s not all baby cuddles). Relationship shifts? We talk about it. What feels vulnerable? We go there. We also chat about building a solid dad community, surviving the journey into fatherhood with some sanity intact, and hear about the deep joys that come with becoming “dad.” Ready to laugh, learn, and maybe cry a little? Let’s dive in.

Links & Discount Codes:

8Sheep Organics: Click this link for 10% off your purchase!

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15 for 15% off!

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together. 

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

Like what you hear? Let us know!

• Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify – Help others discover the show!
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Join us as we discuss our respective laundry lists of what is 'in' for us in 2025, and what will most assuredly be 'out'. Who's banning phones in the bedroom? Get Cal's hot take on The Minivan. Hear about who's throwing out Pinterest-worthy decor out and learning how to lean into the the joy of the mess. How about the ever-evolving carousel of balancing childcare and mom guilt? We’re sharing what’s sparking joy—and what’s getting the boot. Tune in for laughs, insights, and maybe a few surprises as we explore what’s shaping our lives (and sanity) in the new year.

Links & Discount Codes:

8Sheep Organics: Click this link for 10% off your purchase!

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15 for 15% off!

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together. 

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

Like what you hear? Let us know!

• Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify – Help others discover the show!
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Everyone needs a Baba and we’ve decided to lend you ours for the next hour. In this episode we sit down with our Baba (our Dad's mom) to explore her incredible journey as a wife, mother, and the child of Bulgarian immigrants. Baba shares stories of the vibrant culture she grew up in, from traditions to values that have shaped her life and our whole extended family. We always leave visits with her feeling like we can conquer the world and we hope you get a taste of that while listening in to our conversation.

We delve into her perspective on motherhood, celebrating its richness, beauty, and deep importance. Baba reflects on how she still prioritized pursuing her passions, including her work as a docent at the art museum, while raising a family.

We also talk about her marriage. Baba and Grandpa's relationship continues to inspire us, showing that love can (and should) be enduring, fun, and life-giving (and full of spice). They’ve never been afraid to forge their own path. We’re grateful to be part of one of their many adventures together.

Join us for this uplifting conversation honoring the legacy of family, strong traditions, strong values, and love.

Links & Discount Codes:

8Sheep Organics: Click this link for 10% off your purchase!

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15 for 15% off!

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together. 

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

Like what you hear? Let us know!

• Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify – Help others discover the show!
• Join the Conversation – Join us on social (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), or send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you'd like to hear more of.
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In this episode of The Real Mom Hub Podcast, we dive deep into the concept of matrescence—a term society deserves to know. Much like adolescence marks the transformation from child to adult, matrescence captures the profound, multifaceted shift a woman undergoes as she becomes a mother.

We explore the biological changes, emotional turbulence, identity shifts, and societal expectations that define this transition. By shining a light on matrescence, we highlight the urgent need for this term to become common knowledge—because understanding the enormity of motherhood can help mothers feel seen, validated, and supported.

Tune in as we break down why matrescence matters, how it mirrors adolescence, and what it reveals about the complex and beautiful journey of becoming—and being—a mom.

✨ This is a conversation every mom needs to hear, and one that everyone who may interact with a mother going through matrescence should listen to. Let’s make matrescence a word we all know and celebrate!

Links & Discount Codes:

8Sheep Organics: Click this link for 10% off your purchase!

Kindred Bravely: THEREALMOMHUB15 for 15% off!

Host & Show Info

Hosted by: Cally & Emily O’Leary

About the Hosts: We’re real moms and real sisters. We may look and sound alike, but our motherhood journeys are uniquely ours. We all do Motherhood differently, and thank goodness for that. Let’s learn and grow together. 

Podcast Website: https://therealmomhub.com/

Like what you hear? Let us know!

• Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify – Help others discover the show!
• Join the Conversation – Join us on social (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), or send us a message at [email protected] to let us know what you'd like to hear more of.
• Share this episode – If you e...