The Vibrant Mom Podcast

Did you know your physical body creates the container for personal work to unfold? In this episode, I invite you to intentionally layer emotional embodiment into movement. Rather than trying to think your way through emotions, movement allows you to return to yourself on the inside, make contact with your feelings and gather the information they carry without avoiding or becoming overwhelmed by them. Movement won’t take the emotion away, but it can help you meet it with warmth and care. If you try this practice, leave me a note and let me know what you noticed and what you experimented with. I’d love to hear how it landed for you. Key Takeaways Layer emotional work onto movement you’re already doing Use your body to increase emotional capacity, not fix emotions (widen the riverbanks) Add physical soothing as support, not escape Link The Vibrant Mom Collective

In this opening episode of 2026, I invite you to resist the urge to strive, and instead, begin the year by turning inward. Rather than chasing goals or consuming other people’s ideas of a “good life,” the episode focuses on cultivating an inner flame—simple, sustainable practices that support vibrant wellbeing through life’s inevitable ebbs and flows. I encourage you to build a life rooted in simplicity, emotional agility, and deep self-connection so your inner light can remain steady, even when things around you feel uncertain or dark. Key Takeaways Prioritize sustaining and growing inner flame over external outcomes in 2026 Try two low-effort, high-impact practices. 15 minutes of daily “time in” and a 10–15 minute intentional walk. LinkThe Vibrant Mom Collective

In this end-of-year episode, Cara invites moms to release the pressure of January 1st resolutions and approach the new year with patience and self-compassion. She encourages using January as a time for reflection and gentle structure—focusing on observation, realistic planning, and honoring each mom’s unique personal wellbeing resource budget. The episode reframes goal-setting as a flexible, seasonal practice rooted in fulfillment rather than perfection. Key Takeaways Let February 1st be the new January 1st Create space before setting goals Align goals with your personal wellbeing resource budget Link The Vibrant Mom Collective

In this episode, Cara explores what peace can really look like during the holiday season. Rather than something we reach once the chaos ends, peace is framed as an inner practice, something we actively nurture even amid stress, disappointment, and full to-do lists. Cara shares three simple principles of peace, encouraging listeners to bind their attention to what matters most, simplify expectations, and offer themselves grace through reset and easy buttons during a tender, busy season. Key Takeaways Peace isn’t the absence of chaos, it’s something you cultivate within imperfect conditions. Choose one or two things to “bind” yourself to this holiday season. When plans fall apart or energy runs low, peace comes from giving yourself permission to reset or hit the easy button. Link: The Vibrant Mom Collective

In this episode of The Vibrant Mom Podcast, Cara sits down with her friend Sarah Hubbard— a realtor in Boulder, CO, branding strategist and single mom of a 3 year old. Sarah shares how life in her 40s with a toddler and a high-emotion career has completely changed her internal landscape and required new tools for regulating her nervous system in real time. Cara opens up about her own midlife shifts, including the cognitive and emotional roller coaster of perimenopause. Together, they explore how working moms are navigating endless demands while also managing identity changes, body changes, and the weight of caring for everyone else and themselves. Key Takeaways Small daily resets can make a big impact on emotional wellness The missing piece isn’t the script of what to say or to follow a new parenting tip—it’s what’s happening inside you Working moms aren’t alone—we’re all navigating this together Links Trusted Women’s Health PractitionersThe Vibrant Mom Collective

In this episode, Cara shares the two simple nutrition shifts that can dramatically improve your mood, energy, focus, and sense of self-connection as a midlife mom: front-loading your eating with a nourishing breakfast and lunch, and prioritizing fiber + protein in both. She breaks down why these habits matter hormonally and emotionally—and offers easy, repeatable breakfast and lunch ideas to help you fuel your body (and spirit) even in your busiest seasons. Key Takeaways Front-load your energy: Prioritize a nourishing breakfast and lunch to support hormones, mood, and focus Aim for “10 & 30”: Build both meals around 10g fiber and 30g protein for steady energy and clarity Make nourishment relational: Care for yourself with the same intention you bring to caring for others Links Vibrant Mom Thriving Midlife RecipesThe Vibrant Mom Collective

In this episode, Cara unpacks why time feels like it’s speeding by for so many moms and what we can do to feel more rooted in our everyday lives. She explores the mental load, multitasking, and routines that make days feel long but years feel short, and offers a compassionate reminder that the goal isn’t to slow down time, but to create intentional pockets of presence, novelty, and memory-rich moments within our already full lives. With real-life examples, Cara guides listeners toward tiny, doable shifts that help us savor our kids, feel more grounded, and reconnect with what makes life feel meaningful—even in the busiest seasons. Key Takeaways Lighten your commitments and lean on transition moments to reconnect to presence. Novelty creates lasting memories. Memory-rich living makes ordinary days feel meaningful Link The Vibrant Mom Collective

Cara dives deep into one of the most common and most frustrating experiences shared by working moms in their late 30s and 40s: brain fog. She unpacks the major causes behind forgetfulness, mental fuzziness, disrupted focus, and “not feeling like yourself” and then Cara walks you through her six favorite supports that can truly move the needle. This episode is a practical guide that will help you reclaim clarity, confidence, and cognitive wellbeing in midlife motherhood. Key Takeaways New habits don’t require huge time commitments—just intention and repetition. Shifting the internal script from perfection to self-support helps you feel more capable and grounded. Midlife is a natural season to recalibrate and place our health higher on the priority list. Links The Vibrant Mom CollectiveProtein Coffee RecipeMomentous Whey ProteinMomentous CreatineDr. Stacy SimsDr. Stacey Sims’ HIIT/SIT RecommendationsHeather Robertson Free HIITCara’s NSDR free guided practiceMenopause Society DirectoryCara’s MHT Provider’s Directory

n this episode, therapist and mentor Cara Maiolo introduces the Vibrant Mom Framework—a holistic, research-based approach designed to help working moms navigate the “critical decade” of midlife (ages 36–46). Drawing from over 20 years of experience, Cara shares how emotional well-being, physical health, identity evolution, and creative fulfillment together create the foundation for vibrant living. She emphasizes that midlife doesn’t have to be about depletion or waiting for a future “better time.” Instead, through small, intentional practices, moms can reclaim energy, clarity, and purpose, building a more connected and joyful life for themselves and their families. Key Takeaways Midlife matters — the choices you make now shape your future vitality. Emotional well-being is the foundation for everything else. Vibrance grows through health, identity, and creativity. Link: Cara’s Transformational Mentoring Program: The Vibrant Mom Collective https://www.caramaiolo.com/the-vibrant-mom-collective

Today’s episode centers on the idea of creating space as the foundation for emotional well-being, especially for women navigating motherhood and midlife transitions. Drawing from her professional and personal experience, Cara introduces three key space essentials for transformation: a welcoming inner space that offers safety and self-compassion; a nurturing inner self that embodies kindness, steadiness, and unconditional support; and intentional daily space—or “eddy-out” moments—for emotional connection amid life’s pace. These practices can help women learn to meet their feelings with presence, care, and curiosity. Key Takeaways Emotional wellness begins with creating inner space for safety, warmth, and self-acceptance. Cultivating a nurturing inner voice allows compassion and steadiness through difficulty. Scheduling daily “pause points” (eddy-outs) enables intentional emotional reflection and growth. Links Cara’s Transformational Mentoring Program: The Vibrant Mom Collective

In this episode Cara opens up about the biggest mistake she made in her 20 years as a therapist—overlooking how profoundly perimenopause and midlife hormonal changes affect women’s mental health. She shares her own journey through years of severe insomnia, how traditional therapy tools weren’t enough, and the life-changing difference she found when she finally understood the role of hormones in sleep, mood, and brain health. Cara also talks about the many ways midlife can bring challenges like brain fog, anxiety, indecisiveness, and emotional sensitivity. She offers hope, guidance, and practical next steps, including the launch of her now available Vibrant Mom Collective. Key Takeaways Cara’s midlife health journey Most common mental/brain health symptoms of perimenopause The inception of the Vibrant Mom Collective 4 Pillars of the VMC curriculum: step into your new emotional wellness era, integrated the vibrant midlife health practices, nurture your evolving & emerging self, uncover your unique creative fulfillment Links Cara’s Transformational Mentoring Program: The Vibrant Mom Collective Dr. Mary Claire Haver Dr. Heather Hirsch Dr. Lisa Mosconi

In this conversation Cara discusses how joy and creativity are vital parts of a working mom’s life, right alongside care and responsibility. We explore the delicate balance between caring for others and nurturing our own sense of fulfillment. Cara introduces the four pillars of meaning—belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling—a framework inspired by author Emily Smith. With heartfelt stories, Cara encourages moms to deepen their connections, discover ways to contribute that feel purposeful, and open themselves to everyday moments of awe and self-reflection. Key Takeaways  Making space for joy and creativity is essential for health The 4 Pillars of Meaning applied to working moms Take simple + small steps toward creative fulfillment Two self- reflection questions to evaluate which Pillars of Meaning to invest in If you're ready to step into vibrant health, emotional wellbeing, and deep fulfillment, the Vibrant Mom Collective is exactly where you need to be Links Check out Cara’s Transformational Mentoring programs for moms in midlife: The Vibrant Mom Collective The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness by Emily Smith The rubber band approach previously discussed in another episode 

In this episode, we explore three common mistakes that can get in the way of emotional well-being, especially for us midlife, working moms. A few of them might even surprise you. By uncovering these patterns, you’ll be reminded of the importance of tuning into what you really need and noticing how those needs have likely shifted since having kids. Most of all, you’ll learn how critical it is to bring yourself comfort from the inside out. Key Takeaways It's essential to learn how to work through emotions within ourselves. Developing internal emotional strategies is crucial. External activities and relationships, although important and joyful, may not provide lasting emotional support. If you're ready to step into vibrant health, emotional wellbeing, and deep fulfillment, the Vibrant Mom Collective is exactly where you need to be. Check out Cara’s Transformational Mentoring programs for moms in midlife: www.caramaiolo.com

Discover how life's transitions, whether shared with our children or experienced personally, can lead to profound self-discovery and growth. If your kiddo(s) are currently going through any big or little transitions, you have an essential opportunity to use this change as a catalyst to help propel you into the next iteration of your own personal growth journey. Learn how to welcome and treasure these moments of change, and step into the growing version of yourself with intention and grace. Key Takeaways: Understanding “Thresholds” as moments of change and opportunity Uncovering the emotions of grief and relief during times of transition Recognizing and embracing optional “Passageways” that come right alongside periods of change for deeper self-discovery Practical steps to welcome and treasure these pivotal moments Check out Cara’s Transformational Mentoring programs for moms in midlife: www.caramaiolo.com

Take action on the one simple and seamless thing you can do each morning to keep your mood even and your energy lasting throughout the day. This is a micro ritual that you don't want to miss! Discover the impact of protein coffee on your well-being. Key Takeaways: A micro ritual that can anchor you into vibrant health and balance your mood. Protein coffee is a simple morning ritual that boosts energy and emotional well-being. My personal recipe and method for implementing this Thriving Midlife Anchor. Transition from exhausted to energized and from strung out to deeply nourished with this micro ritual. Get the recipe: https://www.caramaiolo.com/protein-coffee Midlife Women's Health Research referenced: https://www.drstacysims.com/newsletters/articles

Working moms are the most agile and strongest people I know. And yet, when it comes to staying consistent with the self-care practices or the more tender, growing areas of our lives that we care about- we tend to get really hard on ourselves, overly rigid, anxious, and sometimes lost in overwhelm when we struggle to follow through what we've intended. Mamas, there's a better way to navigate this commonplace but very difficult struggle. In today's episode we discuss:  The art of cultivating consistency without anxiety and overwhelm. Cara's "rubber band" framework that really helps you navigate the competing priorities and constant curve balls that working mom life continually throws at you. The 3 core skills you need to show up with flexibility AND consistency around the parts of your self care, your wellbeing, and the life experiences that you want to keep moving toward but are struggling to follow through with. Don't forget to check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Working Mom's Calm Kit⁠⁠⁠⁠, an online self-regulation program that'll help you feel replenished, deeply connected from within, and able to show up to your life in a way that you love.

I want to let you in on a game-changer in my working mom journey! It's this: realizing self-care doesn't require an hour-long+ commitment to 'count.' I've shifted from thinking only lengthy practices matter, to embracing intentional yet brief revitalization practices that actually fit into my packed schedule—making self-care sustainable rather than another impossible standard to meet. In this week's episode we discuss: The micro-regulation mindset shift The power of short-format practices and rituals to: support and prevent burn out, get ahead of resentment, foster a deeper relationship with yourself, and actually set you up for more quality time-in overall Finding the windows of opportunity for micro-regulation in your schedule Don't forget to check out ⁠⁠⁠The Working Mom's Calm Kit⁠⁠⁠, an online self-regulation program that'll help you feel replenished, deeply connected from within, and able to show up to your life in a way that you love.

For those days when you're in a funk, have a bad case of the "blahs," or stuck in survival mode! Put on your walking shoes mama and take this episode on a walk (yes-literally!). Learn how to get out of the excessive worry, high self-criticism, overly self conscious, low mood or anxiety trap through the art and science of self-regulation. In today's episode we discuss: What survival mode looks like on the inside (your thoughts and feelings) Signs of regulation and dysregulation in the nervous system for working moms An experiential guided practice with one of my favorite regulation practices- walking sensory grounding An invitation to map your nervous system with me and access an expert toolkit to implement self-regulation in even the busiest of your work days Don't forget to check out ⁠⁠⁠The Calm Kit⁠⁠⁠, an online self-regulation program that'll help you feel replenished, deeply connected from within, and able to show up to your life in a way that you love.

Learn how to get out of the self-criticism and guilt spiral when you’re struggling and know what to do instead! In today's episode we discuss:  The self-criticism and guilt spiral most working moms experience Cara’s 3-step "Stop the spiral" method Build your curiosity, self-compassion and self-regulation muscles An invitation to map your nervous system with me and an expert toolkit to implement self-regulation in even the busiest of your work days If you want to feel replenished, more deeply connected from within, and able to show up to your life and your littles in a way that you love then I have something for you: my ⁠FREE Get Calm 10 min guided relaxation audio practice⁠ designed to help you reset, relieve stress, and get your best brain back online all while helping you feel more regulated and resourced at work and at home. Don't forget to check out ⁠⁠The Calm Kit⁠⁠, an online self-regulation program that'll help you feel replenished, deeply connected from within, and able to show up to your life in a way that you love.

Let's transform your experience of working mom stress with a KEY strategy: learning how to harness the power of your body to influence your mind, your mood, and your ability to navigate stress. In today's episode we discuss:  The role of your nervous system plays in your experience of stress. The 4 key aspects of your mind that your body influences: your habits of thought, your ability to work through emotions, your perceptions, and your habits of action. Simple ways to signal safety to your body, giving you the best brain possible to work through stress. An invitation to map your nervous system with me and a Toolkit to find regulation in 10 minutes or less. ⁠ The Calm Kit⁠ self-regulation program for working moms will help you feel replenished, deeply connected from within, and able to show up to your life in a way that you love.