People often imagine that parenthood clicks into place the moment a baby arrives. For many, the emotional changes, the exhaustion and the adjustment to a new sense of self are far more complex than expected.

In this episode, I speak with Accredited Mental Health Social Worker Bronte Taylor about what it really feels like to lose and rebuild parts of yourself after becoming a parent.

We talk about how motherhood can bring joy and pride while also bringing grief, disorientation and a sense of invisibility. Bronte shares her own experience, the concept of matrescence, and why mums often feel guilty when they try to meet their own needs.

We explore:

• What matrescence is and why more people need to know about it
• Why motherhood can shake your sense of identity
• How childhood and family patterns show up in parenting
• Why mums struggle to put themselves first
• How to start setting boundaries without drowning in guilt
• The power of being seen, heard and validated instead of being fixed

Connect with Bronte

• Instagram: @bronte_heartfelttherapy
• Centre Self Collective
• Heartfelt Therapy

Resources mentioned

• If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie
• Dr Sophie Brock’s Motherhood Studies
• Motherkind  Book by Zoe Blaskey
• https://www.heartfelttherapy.com.au/
• https://centreself.com.au/ 
• Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood Book by Lucy Jones
• https://self-compassion.org/

Connected Teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

ADHD is often misunderstood, especially in therapy. In this episode of This Complex Life, I talk with ADHD coach Ron Souers about what happens when therapy meets the realities of living with ADHD.

We explore what it means to understand ADHD beyond the label, how it impacts emotions, relationships, and self-worth, and why self-compassion and curiosity make all the difference.

You’ll hear about:

• The emotional side of ADHD (and how grief can show up after diagnosis)
• Common misconceptions in therapy and how to address them
• The importance of validation, empathy, and communication
• How to support emotional regulation and connection
• Why therapy needs to focus on skills, not just medication

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Resources:

Listen to previous ADHD episode:

Turning ADHD Struggles into Strengths:  How understanding your ADHD brain and practicing self-compassion can help you thrive.

Connect with Ron Souers:

Don’t Mind Me, I Just Have ADHD Podcast

Connected Teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

ADHD can bring creativity, energy, and passion, but it can also make everyday life feel chaotic or overwhelming.

In this episode of This Complex Life, I talk with Ron Souers, ADHD coach and host of Don’t Mind Me, I Just Have ADHD. We explore how understanding your ADHD brain can turn struggle into strength, and how self-compassion plays a huge role in that process.

You’ll hear about:

• Why ADHD is more than distraction or forgetfulness
• The emotional side of ADHD (and why self-blame makes it worse)
• What happens when we stop trying to “fix” ourselves
• Practical ways to work with your brain, not against it
• How support, structure, and self-understanding build confidence

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or you’ve always suspected your brain works a bit differently, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and hopeful.

Resources:

• Ron Souers – https://dadhdwss.com/
• Don’t Mind Me, I Just Have ADHD podcast

Connected Teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

We all like to think of ourselves as grown-ups, but what does it really mean to grow yourself up? And how does that shape every relationship you have at home, at work, and with the people you love most?

In this encore episode, I’m joined by Dr Jenny Brown, author of Growing Yourself Up: How to Bring Your Best to All of Life’s Relationships. We explore what maturity actually looks like in practice, why we can’t change others without first managing ourselves, and how family patterns shape the way we love, work, and connect.

You’ll hear about:

• The difference between genuine maturity and “borrowed” maturity
• How family systems influence the way we manage stress and relationships
• What self-differentiation really means (and why it’s so important)
• Why emotional independence isn’t the same as disconnection
• How to stay calm and connected during family stress
• Why growing up is a lifelong process, not something we finish in adulthood

If you’ve ever found yourself reacting to your family dynamics or wondering why certain patterns keep repeating, this conversation will help you see yourself and your relationships in a whole new way.

Learn more about Dr Jenny Brown: https://parenthopeproject.com.au/ 

Resources:

Previous conversation: Building Stronger Parent-Child Relationships: A Conversation with Jenny Brown

Connected Teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

Does it ever feel like your teenager just doesn’t hear you?

You remind them about chores, offer advice, try to connect  and all you get back is silence, an eye roll, or a quick “whatever.”

In this encore episode, I unpack one of the biggest frustrations parents face: why teens seem to tune parents out and what’s really going on beneath the surface.

You’ll hear about:

• Why advice often makes teens shut down
• How to shift from “fixing” to listening
• Why chores and constant reminders can backfire
• What brain changes make teens focus on peers over parents
• How to respond in ways that build connection, not conflict

If your teen feels like they’ve stopped listening, this episode will help you understand why. and what small changes can help rebuild your connection.

Listen now and find practical ways to reconnect with your teen.

Resources:

Explore my Connected Teens Course: https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

As kids grow into teens, they start to need more independence, and for many parents, that shift can feel like rejection. When your child pulls away, stops talking, or wants less of you, it’s easy to take it personally.

In this encore episode of This Complex Life, I unpack why this happens, what it means for your relationship, and how you can respond in ways that protect connection instead of widening the gap.

We’ll explore:

• Why parents often feel rejected as their children grow up
• What’s actually happening when teens pull away
• The shift from being your child’s “manager” to their “consultant”
• How to stay connected without guilt or control
• What healthy boundaries look like during this stage
• How to model accountability and repair after conflict

Listen now and learn how to stay close, even when your teen seems far away.

Resources:

Part of this conversation: https://marievakakis.com.au/the-psychology-of-rejection-and-what-to-do-about-it/ 

Learn more about Connected Teens™, an on-demand program to help you rebuild communication and strengthen connection: https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens 

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

Rejection stings,  whether it’s a friend pulling away, not getting the job, being ghosted, or a partner feeling distant. Our brains don’t like ambiguity, so they fill in the blanks with painful stories about not being good enough, smart enough, or lovable.

In this encore episode, I explore:

• Why rejection hurts so much and how it’s linked to survival wiring
• The ways we often respond, withdrawing, lashing out, or people pleasing
• How our brains make up unhelpful stories when we don’t have answers
• Practical tools from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• The role of mindfulness, values, and diffusion in managing rejection
• Why self-compassion and support are essential in moving forward

Part one focuses on understanding rejection and building strategies to cope. In part two, I’ll explore rejection in parenting, especially as teens start to need more independence.

Resources:

The Future of Friendships: Are We Getting Lonelier?

Connected Teens :

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Connect with Marie :

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast:

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

It can feel heartbreaking when your teenager pulls away, shows little interest in your life, or seems dismissive of family connections. This is a common experience for many parents,  and while it can feel personal, it’s often just part of healthy adolescent development.

In this episode, I talk through what’s happening for teens at this stage, and what parents can do to stay connected without pushing their kids further away.

You’ll hear about:

• Why teenagers turn toward peers and away from parents
• How to avoid taking their changes personally
• Moving from “manager” to “consultant” in your parenting role
• Why empathy is key (even when you disagree)
• The problem with angry pursuit and guilt-driven connection
• How to invite closeness without criticism
• Practical ideas for spending meaningful time together
• Why listening and curiosity matter more than fixing

This episode is all about finding ways to feel connected, even when your teen seems uninterested in you.

Resources:

• Submit a question for a future episode: https://forms.gle/6GJsNv9MeppUvw5j8 
• Connected Teens Program: https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/  
• Grab my free ebook https://marievakakis.com.au/my-teen-wont-talk-to-me/

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

Have you ever had a reaction that felt bigger than the situation? Maybe your partner forgot something small, and suddenly you felt worthless. These moments often have roots in our past.

In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with Tamera Broughton to talk about how our unmet childhood needs show up in adult life, relationships, and emotional reactions. We explore how trauma is more than big, obvious events, it can also be the quiet absence of attunement, delight, or safety when we need it most.

Together, we unpack how to recognise when old wounds are being triggered, what healing can look like through therapies like EMDR, and why making the “invisible visible” is key to moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Trauma isn’t just what happened to you, it’s also what was missing.
• Disproportionate reactions often signal old pain, not just present triggers.
• Unmet emotional needs can create shaky “scaffolding” that affects self-worth and relationships.
• Healing involves strengthening internal resources as well as processing past pain.
• EMDR therapy can help shift old beliefs (“I’m not enough”) into healthier, adaptive ones.
• Noticing patterns and reactions is the first step toward change.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend or loved one who’s curious about the impact of childhood experiences on adult life.

Resources:

• Tamera’s website: https://centreself.com.au/clinicians-item/tamera-broughton-n/  
• What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo

Connected Teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

Friendships are some of the most important relationships we have, but they’re also one of the easiest to neglect. In this episode of This Complex Life, I’m joined by Steph Clarke, futurist, facilitator, and author of How to Friend, to explore whether we’re really facing a loneliness epidemic, how friendships evolve as we age, and why maintaining meaningful connections takes intention.

We talk about:

• Why friendships can feel harder to maintain in adulthood

• How technology shapes connection and disconnection

• Overcoming fear of rejection and ‘cringe culture’

• The importance of making time for low-stakes hangouts

• Why conflict and repair are part of healthy friendships

• Simple ways to nurture friendships in everyday life

Steph works with leaders to anticipate change and challenge the status quo, and she brings that lens to personal connection, offering practical advice for building meaningful friendships in a fast-paced, digital world.

Listen now and start small; a simple message or quick call could mean more than you think.

Resources:

• How to Friend by Steph Clarke

• 28 Thursdays

• Join the This Complex Life Newsletter

Connected Teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6