Why does the gender gap still exist, even when women are more educated, ambitious, and hardworking than ever?In this episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, Episode 39), journalist and author Stefanie O’Connell breaks down the hidden systems behind workplace inequality, the myth of “work-life balance,” and why individual effort alone isn’t enough to fix it.From the motherhood penalty to the fatherhood bonus, and the shocking truth about bias compounding over time, this conversation will change how you see work, power, and equality.00:00 Introduction & Stefanie’s Background01:50 From Theater to Financial Journalism05:52 What Actually Helps People Earn More08:02 Why the Gender Pay Gap Still Exists12:04 Hidden Bias in Hiring & Promotions16:12 Global Perspective on Gender Inequality18:48 Why Inequality Is So Persistent24:48 The Myth of Individual Empowerment28:51 The Truth About Work-Life Balance32:40 The “Free Time Gap” Explained34:49 Debunking Traditional Gender Roles36:06 The Reality of Working Motherhood38:00 Double Standards Women Face at Work43:08 Can Working Moms “Win”?#WorkingMoms #GenderGap #WomenAtWork #CareerAndMotherhood #PayGap #Feminism #WorkLifeBalance #MentalLoad #Leadership #TrustMeMom #WomenEmpowerment #MotherhoodPenalty

What happens when motherhood collides with a system that wasn’t built to support it?In this powerful conversation with Alexa Starks, founder of Executive Moms and Mothered Magazine, we unpacked the reality of modern motherhood, workplace inequities, and the systems that shape women’s lives. From navigating toxic return-to-work experiences to redefining ambition, Alexa shared her journey from corporate leader to outspoken advocate for systemic change. Together, they explored concepts like matrescence, the hidden struggles of postpartum life, and why so many moms feel like they’re failing—when in reality, the system is failing them.00:00 – Introduction & Meet Alexa Starks01:30 – From Corporate Career to Motherhood Reality03:30 – Why Alexa Started Executive Moms05:30 – “Motherhood Made Me Feral”06:45 – The Truth About Resilience in Mothers09:00 – What is Matrescence?11:50 – Identity Shift: Becoming “Mom”13:40 – The Reality of Breastfeeding15:20 – Motherhood Then vs Now17:00 – Patriarchy Explained20:50 – What is Matriarchy (Really)?24:00 – Women, Power & Society28:40 – Dealing with Criticism & Online Hate31:20 – Why Haters Mean You’re Doing Something Right33:20 – How to Create Real Change36:40 – Masculinity, Femininity & Balance42:30 – U.S. vs Netherlands: Parenting & Culture45:30 – Final Thoughts: It’s Not You, It’s the System#WorkingMoms #Motherhood #Matrescence #ParentingPodcast #WomenInLeadership #CareerAndMotherhood #Feminism #ModernMotherhood #WorkLifeBalance #TrustMeMom #MomLife #ParentingTruths #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #PostpartumJourney

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Trust Me Mom,I sit down with Dr. Elena Merenova, a school psychologist with over 20 years of experience, to unpack a topic many parents quietly struggle with — why kids refuse to go to school.

Is it just a phase? A hidden problem? Or something moreserious like school phobia?

Dr. Merenova shares real-life stories, practical strategies,and deeply insightful advice to help parents understand, support, and empower their children.

00:00 Introduction & Meet Dr. Elena Merenova
02:00 What is school refusal vs school phobia?
03:30 Real-life example: When a small issue becomes a big problem
06:50 How rare is true school phobia?
08:30 Who should be involved in helping a child?
11:20 Case study: Severe school phobia and recovery journey
18:30 Why small steps and celebrating wins matter
21:00 Peer influence vs parental influence (age 12+)
25:30 What to do if your child has “bad influences”
28:00 Mild school refusal: boredom, stress, and lack of motivation
30:20 What if your child is bored at school?
32:40 Social struggles and isolation at school
34:40 Teaching kids that “boring is part of life”
37:20 How parents shape mindset and resilience
39:40 When boredom becomes something more serious
41:40 Depression in children: signs, causes, and treatment
46:20 Parenting by example: what kids really learn
48:50 Key advice for parents dealing with school refusal
50:50 Why forcing kids (even calling police) is NOT the solution
51:10 Learning disabilities and confidence issues
53:30 How to build confidence in your child
55:50 Finding what your child is good at
57:00 What if your child is depressed?
58:10 Parenting reflections: what to do differently
01:00:30 How to build trust with your child

#ParentingTips #SchoolRefusal #SchoolPhobia #ChildPsychology#ParentingAdvice #MentalHealthKids #ConfidenceInKids #TrustMeMom#ParentingPodcast #ChildDevelopment #AnxietyInChildren #RaisingKids #MomLife#ParentingSupport #EducationMatters

Why do so many couples struggle after having kids? In this episode of Trust Me Mom, I sit down with Alex Trippier @alexindadland — podcast host, writer, teacher, and speaker — to unpack the most common relationship mistakes parents make, especially around mental load, invisible labor, modern fatherhood, motherhood, conflict, and emotional connection.We talk about why both spouses often feel exhausted, how resentment builds, and why the transition to parenthood can become one of the hardest seasons in a marriage. Alex shares his personal journey as a dad who believed he was doing everything right — until he realized how much invisible labor his wife was carrying behind the scenes.To learn more about Alex, check https://www.youtube.com/@alexindadlandhttps://www.instagram.com/beahappierparent/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-a-happier-parent/id1814419814 00:00 Intro01:16 Meet Alex Trippier02:14 How his relationship struggles led to deeper insight04:30 Discovering mental load and invisible labor07:14 Why women feel overwhelmed in modern marriage08:07 “I was showing up, but not carrying the planning”09:04 What mental load looks like in real life11:35 How men can start helping without being told15:23 Mistakes, learning, and fixing what you mess up17:25 Why praise and appreciation matter in relationships21:11 The Gottman Four Horsemen explained22:04 Why couples argue more after kids27:05 A breakthrough: shifting from “you vs me” to teamwork30:36 The chair story: how childhood shapes conflict31:21 Why early parenting feels so hard31:47 Is staying home with kids harder than people think?37:33 Why fathers need real solo parenting time39:57 Victorian masculinity and modern relationships44:34 Strength, vulnerability, and healthy masculinity46:16 Parenting without fear48:10 Hope for parents of teenagers50:29 Why trust matters with older kids50:58 Why modern parenting feels more stressful52:10 Final advice for struggling couples53:53 The real root of relationship imbalance #TrustMeMom #AlexTrippier #MentalLoad #InvisibleLabor #ModernMarriage #ParentingPodcast #Fatherhood #Motherhood #Relationships #MarriageAdvice #Gottman #

In this Trust Me Mom conversation (Season 2, episode 35), Mike Draper shared what it really takes to raise resilient, thoughtful kids without losing the humor and warmth that make family life fun.Mike’s path is anything but typical: struggling in high school, serving in the Air Force, working as a police officer, earning an MBA, and building a massive content career (2.3M+ followers). In this episode we unpack the mindset that helped him grow and how he applies the same principles to parenting his daughter, Ellie.To learn more about Mike, click here: https://stan.store/MikeDraper00:41 Intro: Meet Mike Draper (creator, entrepreneur, veteran, former police officer)01:20 How Ekaterina found Mike’s parenting content01:54 From struggling in high school → military → policing → MBA05:50 Social media journey + building a personal brand08:59 Becoming a dad: priorities shift11:00 “Dad first, friend second” + preparing kids for life17:04 Your kids are only little for a short time20:20 High standards + high support (and why it works)26:11 “Be the example” + raising your own standards28:57 Practical steps for busy parents (audit your life)33:49 The “wall behind you” + cutting distractions41:56 Sleep, health, and avoiding burnout47:27 Growth seasons: doing hard things & taking action55:50 Money mindset + learning from high-level operators1:08:51 Teaching lessons in the moment1:12:27 Talking to kids about relationships without planting fear1:19:22 Using movies as teaching moments1:24:14 Wrap-up#TrustMeMom #Parenting #GirlDad #Fatherhood #RaisingStrongKids #ResilientKids #IntentionalParenting #ParentingTips #HighStandardsHighSupport #FamilyLife #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneur #ContentCreator #WorkLifeBalance #mikedraper

Motherhood is exhausting, not just physically, but mentally. In this episode of Trust Me Mom, host Ekaterina Konovalova sits down with Sarah Dooley, founder of AI Empowered Mom, to talk about how AI and automation can help parents (especially moms) offload the invisible mental load of family life.Sarah shares her deeply personal journey from tech consultant to mom of three under 18 months, the moment everything felt out of control, and how generative AI changed the way she manages parenting, work, and life. From meal planning and calendar chaos to bedtime routines and emotional overwhelm, this conversation explores where AI genuinely helps, and where caution is needed, especially for kids.00:00 – Welcome to Trust Me Mom00:43 – Meet Sarah Dooley, Founder of AI Empowered Mom01:33 – From tech consultant to mom of three under 18 months03:10 – The invisible mental load of motherhood04:38 – How AI Empowered Mom was born06:12 – How the tool works: meal planning & calendar chaos07:55 – Will AI call the dentist for you? (future features)08:32 – Birthday parties, trips & event planning with AI09:56 – AI hallucinations: what can go wrong & how to prevent it11:14 – Daily & weekly previews to reduce overwhelm12:20 – The rude awakening of early motherhood15:44 – Offloading the physical load: nannies, family & systems18:18 – Career vs. caregiving: impossible choices moms face20:38 – Using AI to cope with emotional overload22:46 – Adults vs. teens using AI: what’s the difference?24:09 – Sarah’s upcoming book on AI for families25:28 – AI safety, kids & hallucinations29:55 – Why AI “sounds smart” but can still be wrong32:00 – Best AI tools for kids (with supervision)33:00 – AI-powered bedtime stories & mom guilt35:04 – Is AI replacing parenting or supporting it?36:56 – Final thoughts & why this conversation matters#TrustMeMom #MentalLoad #WorkingMoms #AIForParents #MomLife #ParentingAndAI #WomenInTech #AIInEverydayLife #OverwhelmedMoms #FutureOfParenting #AIParenting #TechAndMotherhood #ModernParenting

In this episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, episode 33), Ekaterina Konovalova sat down with Vanessa Spinarsky - registered social worker, content creator, and one of the most honest voices in modern motherhood.Vanessa shared her personal story of loss of her father, what led her into social work, and how motherhood shook her sense of identity. Together, we unpacked the reality of postpartum burnout, the pressure and “surveillance” moms feel on social media, why it’s normal to not enjoy every moment, and how shame gets projected in parenting spaces. We also dove into the mental load, inequality at home, and what partners can do that actually helps: acknowledge reality without debating it.To learn more about Vanessa, check her website https://linktr.ee/vanessaspinarsky00:37 — Meet Vanessa Spinarsky 01:10 — Why Vanessa became a therapist: early creativity + psychology02:40 — Losing her dad at 8 and how it shaped her inner world05:46 — “Motherhood rocked me”: identity crash + anxiety07:20 — Social media “surveillance” and moralized motherhood10:24 — The daily grind: “getting back to zero” and burnout10:56 — The “strong one” identity + postpartum vulnerability13:35 — What progress in motherhood really looks like: adapting15:16 — Guilt, overstimulation, and not enjoying every moment16:01 — Why stepping away can be loving (and not “abandoning”)20:58 — Shame: internal vs projected judgment (comment sections)24:21 — Mental load + inequality: shift from blame to acknowledgement29:38 — Lessons from her husband: letting go of control + embracing rest33:25 — Vanessa’s book journey (proposal + what’s coming)35:38 — Nervous system flexibility: micro-rest and realistic regulation40:23 — Why you can’t “switch back” to pre-kid life overnight40:30 — Final thoughts: co-regulation, “me too,” and feeling seen#TrustMeMom #VanessaSpinarsky #Motherhood #Postpartum #MomBurnout #MentalLoad #WorkingMoms #Parenting #GentleParenting #MomShame #Matrescence #NervousSystem #EmotionalRegulation #MarriageAndParenting #WomenSupportingWomen

In this episode of the Trust Me Mom podcast, host EkaterinaKonovalova sat down with author Alex (Sasha) Simakovsky to explorethe science, psychology, and emotional power of human touch.

Alex shared what inspired his book, More Than a Touch:Rediscover the Healing Power of Handholding, and why intentional touch ismore important than ever in a post-pandemic, digital-first world. Together,they discussed tactile hunger, parenting and child regulation, relationshiprepair, cultural perspectives on touch, and simple handholding practices thatcan help children and adults feel safer, calmer, and more connected.

📘 Alex’s Book: MoreThan a Touch: Rediscover the Healing Power of Handholding https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Touch-Rediscover-Handholding/dp/B0FKXZX5M4
 

00:00 Introduction & welcome
00:22 Why human touch matters (especially after the pandemic)
01:02 What inspired the book More Than a Touch
02:10 Growing up with holistic, touch-based healing
03:54 The science of touch: hormones, stress & regulation
05:37 Parenting, touch, and emotional safety for kids
06:03 Hand-in-hand breathing exercise for children
08:16 Demonstration: how hand-in-hand breathing works
09:32 Why assisted regulation works better for some kids
10:17 The “30-second rule” and intentional touch
10:41 Handholding during conflict and relationship repair
12:59 Cultural differences in handholding around the world
15:28 Alex’s favorite chapters and modern-day application
16:54 A powerful father–daughter story from the book
19:23 Closing thoughts  

#TrustMeMom #HumanTouch #Handholding #ParentingTools#EmotionalRegulation #TactileHunger #MindfulParenting #ChildDevelopment#Relationships #MentalHealth #Attachment #NeurodivergentKids #HolisticWellness#ConnectionMatters

Raising a teenager with big emotions can feel overwhelming, especially when nothing you say seems to help. In this episode of Trust Me Mom, host Ekaterina Konovalova sits down with therapist and author Katie K. May, a leading expert on teen behavior and emotional regulation.Katie introduces the concept of “fire-feelers” - teens who experience emotions intensely and struggle to calm down once triggered. Drawing from her own lived experience and years of clinical work using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she explains why common parenting strategies like minimizing, fixing, or pushing for conversations often backfire.In this deeply honest and practical conversation, we cover:• Why teen behaviors like self-harm, withdrawal, or lashing out are often coping strategies• The difference between validation and invalidation• How parents can stop escalating conflict and start building trust• When to step back vs. when to intervene during emotional crises• How parents’ own emotional regulation shapes their teen’s outcomes• The grief parents experience as their child grows, and why it matters• What to do if your teen talks about suicide or self-harm To learn more about Katie, check out her website: https://katiekmay.com/ 00:00 – Introduction01:02 – Meet Katie K. May & today’s topic01:42 – Katie’s personal story & why she became a therapist03:03 – What are “fire-feelers”?04:28 – Why parents unintentionally invalidate teen emotions06:34 – What validation really looks like (and sounds like)08:02 – Friendship insecurity & clingy behavior in teens10:55 – The parent-teen escalation cycle (transactional model)12:56 – Why you shouldn’t problem-solve during emotional flooding14:06 – Boundaries without authoritarian parenting16:33 – What to do in serious teen crises (running away, self-harm)18:03 – Why fixing your teen’s problems can backfire19:44 – Are you a fire-feeler too?20:28 – Parental grief as kids grow and push away23:10 – When extended family doesn’t support your parenting choices26:12 – DBT therapy & working with teens and families27:21 – What to do if your teen talks about suicide29:25 – How parents accidentally reinforce harmful behaviors31:57 – What’s normal vs. concerning teen behavior33:47 – Why one bad moment can ruin a teen’s whole day35:24 – Nature vs. nurture in emotional sensitivity37:18 – How teens can safely feel emotions instead of numbing39:03 – Final advice: parents go first #TrustMeMom #teenmentalhealth #parentingteens #FireFeelers #EmotionalRegulation #DBTTherapy #HighlySensitiveTeen #TeenBehavior#MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingSupport #TraumaInformedParenting

What really happens after we get married and have kids — and why does “equality” so often disappear?In this powerful episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 1, episode 30), host Ekaterina Konovalova sits down with Abby Eckel — content creator, educator, and advocate for equitable partnerships — to unpack the realities of modern motherhood, invisible labor, emotional load, and why so many women feel overwhelmed despite “doing everything right.”Abby shares her journey into advocacy, the TikTok moment that went viral when she talked about splitting household labor equally, and why so many men don’t even realize they’re at the center of their relationships. This conversation dives into:- Why motherhood feels nothing like what we were promised- How gender roles quietly reassert themselves after children- The danger of framing women as responsible for men’s well-being- Why “just communicate better” is often terrible advice- What centering yourself actually looks like in real life- How raising boys differently can change future generations- This conversation is honest, uncomfortable at times, deeply validating — and necessary.00:00 Introduction & why this conversation matters00:52 Meet Abby Eckel & the struggle of modern working moms01:49 “I felt lied to about motherhood” — Abby’s origin story03:20 The viral moment: splitting cooking & bedtime equally04:32 Raising boys without gendered roles06:48 Teaching kids to fully finish tasks (the train-track story)08:53 Why women don’t want to come home to chaos11:44 Equal custody laws & why they scare mothers12:34 Scott Galloway, single men, and misplaced responsibility15:37 Why women aren’t meant to “fix” men16:39 “Just get a divorce?” — a provocative starting point19:10 Michelle & Barack Obama and invisible labor22:00 Why gender norms explode after kids25:33 Men being centered — and not realizing it29:16 When wives stop being “fun” and why31:09 Religion, submission, and unequal expectations33:00 What women can do right now to reclaim themselves36:04 Centering yourself without burning everything down36:19 Closing thoughts & gratitude#TrustMeMom #MentalLoad #InvisibleLabor #EquitableMarriage #ModernMotherhood #WorkingMoms #EmotionalLabor #Feminism #ParentingBoys #GenderRoles #MarriageReality#MotherhoodUnfiltered #SelfCentering #BreakingTheCycle #weaponizedincompetence