What happens when a mom who’s never driven stick decides to enroll in rally school — exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure if she even belongs there?

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Eva sits down with Kelly Conroy, rally racer and author of Your Mom Races Rally, to talk about what it really looks like to ditch society’s expectations and rediscover yourself — one muddy stage at a time.

Kelly shares the raw reality of stepping into rally racing with zero experience, the steep learning curve of mastering a manual transmission, and the emotional weight of pursuing a dream that didn’t neatly fit the “modern mother” mold. From navigating guilt and pushback to redefining what it means to set an example for her children, this conversation is as vulnerable as it is empowering.

We dive into:

The moment Kelly realized rally racing wasn’t just a hobby — it was life-changing

Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and the temptation to quit

Building and racing her 40-year-old car, “Nessie,” and what wrenching on it taught her about resilience

The impact of finding a community of women racers and off-roaders

How chasing joy reshaped her definition of fun, freedom, and self-care

Why reclaiming your identity doesn’t make you a “bad mom” — it makes you a braver one

This episode isn’t just about motorsports. It’s about permission — to evolve, to take up space, and to pursue something that makes you feel alive, even if it scares you.

Listeners can also follow Kelly’s rally journey on Instagram at @yourmomracesrally.