The Happy Mama Movement with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.Today I’m joined by Lucy Wylde — coach for women and mothers, matrescence guide, personal trainer, and perinatal wellbeing specialist.With raw honesty and poetic strength, Lucy shares the story of her early experiences of motherhood — from medical trauma and personal betrayal to powerful reclamation — and how she rose from the fire to support others in doing the same.WE TALK ABOUT:The Birth She Never ExpectedHow five days of labour and a traumatic emergency C-section shattered her sense of safety and control.When the Body Breaks and the System FailsWhy we need to stop asking new mothers about their babies and start seeing them — especially when the system doesn’t.Rage, Burlesque, and ReclamationThe healing power of movement, performance, and allowing the primal truth of our motherhood stories to be expressed.Shame, Affairs, and the Myth of the Perfect MotherWhy Lucy believes we need a new language for survival — and how finding comfort isn’t a failure but a lifeline.Becoming the Shield MaidenFrom trauma to poetry, Lucy reflects on the death of an old self and the fierce beauty of becoming your own protector.Lucy’s story is one of heartbreak and hope, rage and resilience. I hope it leaves you feeling less alone, more seen, and ready to take up space in your own journey — no matter where you are right now. If this episode speaks to your heart, please share it widely so other mothers can feel held, too.ABOUT LUCY WYLDE:Lucy Wylde is a coach for women and mothers, as well as a perinatal wellbeing specialist. Her work and passion are dedicated to helping women not just survive but truly thrive — in both body and mind. Lucy is also a Matrescence coach, personal trainer, yoga teacher, and a mother herself.With a background in dance, Lucy has been a personal trainer for 17 years, a postnatal exercise specialist for 13 years, and a yoga teacher for 12 years. She became a Mama Rising Facilitator in 2022 and a Matrescence coach in 2023. She is also a solo mama to her 10-year-old daughter and deeply passionate about supporting women through all stages of motherhood.RESOURCES:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucywyldecoaching Website: https://www.lucywyldecoaching.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Ashley Chang and I discuss the challenges faced by working mothers in balancing their careers and family life.Ashley shares her personal experiences and insights from her research on the struggles of working parents, emphasizing the need for support systems and the importance of recognizing the mental load that comes with parenting. They explore the concept of creating a supportive environment for mothers, including the role of executive assistants in alleviating some of the burdens of family management. The discussion highlights the ongoing challenges in workplace culture and the need for more effective solutions to support working families.IN THIS EPSIODE:Ashley was inspired by her mother's experience as a working mom.Many women feel they have to choose between career and family.The concept of 'perceived choice' in motherhood is often misleading.Balancing work and family can feel like being two people in one.Expectations placed on mothers can lead to feelings of inadequacy.Research shows that many parents struggle with time management.Sundays aims to help families reclaim their time together.Executive assistants can alleviate the mental load for parents.The emotional connection to the baby can differ between parents.Creating a supportive work environment is crucial for working mothers.ABOUT ASHLEY:Bio - Ashley Chang is the co-founder and CEO of Sundays. She was inspired to start Sundays by her own mom, a software engineer in the 80’s who left the workforce because she felt like she had to make a choice between work and family. Ashley spent a decade prior to Sundays in early stage technology companies – as the first employee at a developer tool company, building member experience for health insurance and benefits at Collective Health, and joining Carta to help scale their Venture Capital products from $10 to >$100M in revenue. During this time she saw many of the smartest women she knows have to make the same choice between family and work, 30 years later. In the past year, she has spoken to >1,000 parents about what makes it so hard to have both a meaningful career and family. She’s on a mission to make it possible for future generations.CONTACTS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymchang/https://www.linkedin.com/company/with-sundayshttps://www.instagram.com/with_sundaysWebsite Details - https://withsundays.com/utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=happymamapodcastCHAPTERS:00:00 The Journey of Motherhood and Career12:51 The Reality of Balancing Work and Family24:48 Creating Support Systems for Working Mothers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome, dear listener, to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.In this conversation, Amy Taylor-Kabbaz speaks with Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett — journalist, author, and columnist for The Guardian and Vogue — about the profound emotional and political layers of motherhood. Through her own journey, Rhiannon reflects on the uncertainty of choosing to have children, the unspoken vulnerability that follows, and the urgent need for better systems of care and community support for parents everywhere.Together, they explore the tension between personal transformation and societal expectation — how motherhood reshapes identity, challenges old narratives, and reveals how deeply entwined the personal is with the political.We talk about:🌸 The tender uncertainty of becoming a mother — how few of us ever feel entirely “ready,” and how the decision to have children is layered with love, doubt, and longing.🌿 The lifelong vulnerability motherhood brings, and how stepping into this role opens us to both immense joy and profound change.🏠 Why the nuclear family no longer serves us, and how true support is found in wider circles of care — in community, friendship, and shared responsibility.💗 The importance of mental health and open conversation, breaking the silence around the realities of matrescence and the emotional demands of caregiving.🔥 The political awakening of motherhood, and how naming these challenges can become a radical act of truth-telling and transformation.This episode is an invitation to see motherhood not just as a private journey, but as a deeply collective experience — one that calls for compassion, honesty, and courageous change.If this conversation resonates, please share it with another mama who may need to hear that she is not alone. Together, we can rewrite the story of what it means to mother in today’s world.ABOUT RHIANNON LUCY COSSLETTRhiannon Lucy Cosslett is a journalist and writer. She is the co-author of The Vagenda, and the author of the novel The Tyranny of Lost Things, and the critically acclaimed memoir, The Year of the Cat, about deciding whether or not to have a baby. She is a columnist for the Guardian and Vogue, and has written for Elle, Stylist, the New Statesman, the Independent and Time. CONNECT WITH RHIANNON📸 Instagram: @rhiannonlucycosslett✖️ X (Twitter): @rhiannonlucycCHAPTERS:00:00 The Journey to Motherhood: A Personal Exploration05:55 The Reality of Motherhood vs. Expectations11:43 Navigating Mental Health Postpartum17:46 The Need for Support Systems in Parenting23:41 Motherhood as a Political Experience29:40 Hope and Change in Parenting Dynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, mamas.In this return episode, I want to share something close to my heart — a reflection on my own journey through burnout, vulnerability, and change. Over the past few months, I’ve been reminded just how hard it can be to pause, to admit that we’re struggling, and to honour our need for rest. Motherhood asks so much of us, and yet within the breaking down, there is always a quiet invitation to begin again — softer, truer, more aligned with who we’re becoming.Key Takeawways: :🌸 The courage to be honest about our struggles, and the healing that comes when we stop pretending we’re okay.🌿 The necessity of rest, and how stepping back allows space for renewal.🌀 The shifting identity of matrescence, and how breaking down can become a breakthrough.💗 Letting go of old patterns, trusting that what falls away is making space for something more real.🌈 Embracing change, and remembering that transformation is part of our rhythm as mothers.If you’re feeling stretched, tired, or unsure right now — please know...You are not alone.We are most definitely in this together.ABOUT AMYAmy is a writer, speaker, coach, and mother who has spent over a decade exploring the transformation of matrescence — the complete identity shift that happens when a woman becomes a mother. Through her award-winning podcast The Happy Mama Movement and her global coaching program Mama Rising, Amy helps women and professionals understand and honour this life-changing rite of passage with compassion and truth.🌐 amytaylorkabbaz.com 📸 Instagram: @amytaylorkabbazChapters00:00 Relaunching the Podcast: A Personal Reflection03:00 The Need for Rest: A Mother’s Journey06:09 Breaking the Cycle: From Superwoman to Vulnerability10:06 Navigating the Liminal Space: Transformation and Identity15:07 Embracing Change: Lessons from the Journey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, beautiful mamas, to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.In this heartfelt and deeply persona TAKE THE MIC episode, Lee Tracey — a Sex Educator, Matrescence Coach, Yoga Teacher, and Acupuncturist — shares her story of awakening, healing, and reclamation. Through her own matrescence journey, Lee uncovered not only the physical challenges of postpartum life but the profound transformation of identity, sexuality, and self that comes with becoming a mother.Drawing on both lived experience and professional insight, Lee shines light on an often-silent truth: that up to 88% of women face changes in sexual health and wellbeing during the perinatal period. Yet so few are offered support or understanding. Her story is both an invitation and a revolution — calling us back to our bodies, our pleasure, and our wholeness.LEE SHARES:The unspoken reality of perinatal sexual dysfunction and how common — and normal — these experiences are.Matrescence as a profound rite of passage — one that cracks us open to healing, reclamation, and truth. The enduring split between motherhood and sexuality, and how cultural conditioning shapes our sense of worth.Lee’s powerful personal story — from physical pain and disillusionment to embodied healing and liberation.Practical pathways to support — from pelvic floor care to open, shame-free conversations around women’s sexual health.Lee’s solo reflection is raw, liberating, and tender — a reminder that our sexuality and our motherhood are not opposing forces, but intertwined expressions of our deepest humanity.If this episode moves you, please share it with another mother who may need to hear these words. Together, we can break the silence and honour the full spectrum of womanhood.ABOUT LEE TRACEYLee Tracey is a women’s health and sexual wellbeing professional. She is a trained professional Sex Educator, certified through The Sexual Health Alliance (AASECT) , a certified Matrescence Coach (ICF) certified through Amy Taylor Kabbaz & also an Acupuncturist. She is the co-founder of Reformation Studios and has been teaching yoga and leading training's for over a decade & has qualifications in multiple disciplines and lineages. She is a passionate and professional advocate for Women's Health focused on providing support & education.e.CONNECT WITH LEEReformation.ieLeeTracey.ie📸 Instagram: @LeeTraceyLife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.In this Take the Mic episode, I’m honoured to share the voice of Kirsten Calloran — a Mama Rising coach and lactation consultant from County Wicklow, Ireland — whose story reaches straight into the heart of motherhood’s deepest transformations. Kirsten invites us into her journey through post-diagnosis motherhood — the moment her son’s autism diagnosis opened a second matrescence, a new becoming that reshaped everything she thought she knew about identity, strength, and love.This is a story of grief and grace, of survival and softening. Of finding language for what once felt unspeakable. It’s an offering to every mother who’s ever wondered where she went — and to those slowly remembering themselves, one tender breath at a time.She talks about:How a child’s diagnosis can awaken a second transformation in motherhood.The invisible weight and isolation many caregiving mothers carry.Grief, rage, love, and identity — all existing side by side.The need for spaces that hold mothers, not just their children.The hope that rises when we begin to honour our own becoming.May this conversation remind you: you are not broken, you are becoming — again and again, in ways that matter more than you know.ABOUT KIRSTENKirsten Calloran is a matrescence coach based in Ireland, specialising in post-diagnosis support for mothers (and fathers) of neurodivergent and disabled children.She combines lived experience with professional training to help parents navigate what she calls “post-diagnosis matrescence” — the profound identity shift that begins when the life you imagined for yourself and your child suddenly changes.Through her 1:1 coaching, talks for families in disability services, podcast Fi(ND)ing Motherhood, and compassionate social media presence, Kirsten offers validation, emotional grounding, and practical support to women often left behind by traditional parenting narratives.Her work centres on the belief that when we nurture mothers, we strengthen families — and that no woman should have to lose herself to love her child well.Kirsten lives in Wicklow with her husband, daughter, and young son, whose diagnosis marked the beginning of her own second becoming.Connect with Kirsten:Website: www.finding-motherhood.comPodcast: Fi(ND)ing Motherhood on SpotifyTikTok: @findingmotherhoodcoachInstagram: @findingmotherhoodcoachFacebook: facebook.com/FindingMotherhoodCoach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WELCOME, MAMAS, TO THE MAMA MOVEMENT PODCAST.In this conversation, Today Dr. Margot Lowy and myself delve into the often overlooked topic of maternal ambivalence, exploring the complex emotional landscape of motherhood.Dr. Lowy emphasizes the importance of acknowledging both the loving and bitter feelings that come with being a mother, advocating for open discussions about these emotions to foster genuine connections and understanding. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about ambivalence, clarifying that it is not indifference but rather a rich tapestry of feelings that mothers experience.We cover the following:Maternal ambivalence encompasses all feelings of motherhood.Acknowledging dark feelings is crucial for genuine mothering.Societal expectations make it hard to discuss negative emotions.Finding a safe space to talk about feelings is essential.Ambivalence is often misunderstood as indifference.Mothers experience both love and bitterness simultaneously.Dark feelings can lead to personal transformation.It's important to embrace the full spectrum of emotions.Open discussions about motherhood can reduce shame.Maternal ambivalence is a common experience for all mothers.ABOUT MARGOT Margo Lowy, PhD, is a psychotherapist specializing in mothering. She is the author of MATERNAL AMBIVALENCE: The Loving Moments & Bitter Truths of Motherhood (Post Hill Press) and holds a doctorate from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, where she researched maternal ambivalence. Dr. Lowy is the author of a previous academic book, The Maternal Experience: Encounters with Ambivalence and Love, and has spoken about maternal ambivalence at universities and in media interviews worldwide. She is a columnist for Psychology Today, a member of PEN America, and a former advisor to the founder of the Australian Jewish Fertility Network (AJFN). She is mother to three children and is based with her husband in New York City.CONTACTSIG: https://www.instagram.com/drmargolowyWebsite: https://drmargolowy.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmargolowy/Chapters00:00 Understanding Maternal Ambivalence04:57 The Misconceptions of Ambivalence06:01 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Motherhood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast. Today, I’m joined by mindfulness teacher and founder of The Compassion Project, Belinda Haan. With warmth and honesty, Belinda shares how perfectionism and self-doubt marked her early motherhood years—and how compassion, not criticism, became her most powerful tool.We talk about:Unrealistic BeginningsHow the "Huggies ad" version of motherhood left Belinda isolated, ashamed, and exhausted in her early years as a mum.The Deepest RegretWhy self-criticism is often the harshest parenting voice in our heads—and how seeing her daughter clearly helped Belinda rewrite her own narrative.Practising What We PreachHow running honest, real-talk mother’s groups made Belinda realise it was time to embody self-compassion in her own life, not just teach it.Barriers to KindnessThe nervous system realities that make self-compassion difficult—and how to gently meet yourself when you feel most undeserving.Tender, Not PrescriptiveWhy self-compassion isn’t a one-size-fits-all script—and how small, embodied gestures can shift your whole day.This is a conversation full of quiet revelations and radical permission. I hope it reminds you that you are never alone in this—and that kindness, towards yourself, is not something you have to earn. If this resonates, please share it with a mother who needs to hear it too.ABOUT BELINDA HAANBelinda Haan is a mindfulness teacher, creator and humble guide to the full joy, catastrophe and sacredness of life.As an Ambassador of Compassion with Stanford University, she founded The Compassion Project—a heartfelt initiative delivering practical, research-backed tools to reduce suffering and cultivate compassion.Its first resource, The Emotional Support for Mothers Toolkit, provides the missing piece of modern mothering with a practical how-to for nervous system support, emotional self-regulation, resilience and wisdom. Grounded in the day-to-day of parenting, it treats mothers as real people—supporting them to meet all of motherhood with more confidence, ease and self-compassion.A mother of two, Belinda created this work to offer solace, inspiration, and meaningful tools for families everywhere.RESOURCES:Website: The Compassion ProjectInstagram: @thecompassionproject.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this soulful and deeply honest episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.In today’s solo Mama Rising story, we hear from Dr. Angele Close — clinical psychologist, author, and motherhood coach — as she shares her personal matrescence journey.What began with the excitement of becoming a mother to three children unfolded into a deeply transformative path through burnout, grief, intergenerational trauma, and ultimately, healing.We’re invited into her story — one filled with honesty, insight, and a reminder that we can parent with more compassion once we learn to extend that same compassion inward.In this episode, we explore:When Motherhood Doesn’t Match the MapHow early expectations about parenting clashed with the emotional intensity of raising three neurodivergent children.The Invisible Inheritance We CarryWhy our reactions to our kids’ big emotions often reflect unprocessed wounds from our own childhood.The Name That Changed EverythingHow discovering matrescence mid-pandemic gave Angele a framework that lifted years of shame and confusion.Meeting the Self WithinHow Internal Family Systems (IFS) helped her heal deep wounds and show up with more calm and confidence.Parenting from the Inside OutWhy voicing our mixed feelings and being compassionately witnessed is one of motherhood’s most healing acts.ABOUT DR. ANGELE CLOSE:Dr. Angele Close helps moms navigate the transformative journey of matrescence, combining the insights of Internal Family Systems (IFS) to heal old wounds, break generational cycles, and embrace motherhood with more self-compassion, joy, and authenticity. A clinical psychologist, motherhood coach, meditation teacher, and author, Angele works with moms one-on-one, facilitates local mothers’ circles, and has an upcoming book on how to integrate IFS into the matrescence journey. Her work is grounded in personal experience and the belief that motherhood can be a powerful path to healing and wholeness.RESOURCES🌐 Website: www.drangeleclose.com📸 Instagram: @drangeleclose🎥 TikTok: @cyclebreakingmomma📘 Free IFS Resource Guide: Available via her website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fresh perspective for the overwhelmed motherWelcome, dear listener, to another honest and heartfelt episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.Today, I’m joined by the remarkable Stacey Erin — Social Worker, Therapist, Coach and a fiercely loving mother who works with families navigating the social and emotional wellbeing of neurodivergent children. With deep compassion and no-nonsense wisdom, Stacey names the invisible weight so many mothers carry — and offers both fierce truth and tender support in return.We talk about:Why it’s not your fault — how Stacey powerfully names the systemic failures that leave mothers unsupported, and why recognising this truth can be deeply healing.Permission and grief in motherhood — the unseen grief that comes with letting go of the motherhood ideals we imagined, and how simple words of validation can make all the difference.The power of boundaries and micro-moments — from closing the bathroom door to dancing in the hallway, Stacey shares small, sustainable acts of self-connection for overwhelmed mums.Reclaiming the feminine — exploring how modern motherhood is steeped in ‘masculine doing’ and how we might return to being, feeling, and honouring our own rhythms.Finding your village — why it’s vital to connect with other parents of neurodivergent children, and how Stacey is creating online spaces for shared understanding and laughter through the hard.Take what you need from this conversation and pass it on — because when one mum feels seen, we all move closer to collective healing. If this episode speaks to you, please share it with your people so more mothers can feel supported, validated, and reminded they are not alone.ABOUT STACEY ERIN:Stacey Erin is a Social Worker, Therapist, Counsellor and Coach for mums, children and adolescents aged 3–16 years. She specialises in therapeutic intervention for the social and emotional health and well-being of neurodivergent (autistic and attention variant) clients and their families. With over 20 years of experience as both a social worker and teacher in educational settings, Stacey now offers support privately and through self-managed NDIS plans. Her approach is deeply informed by both her professional knowledge and her lived experience as a mother.Resources:Follow Stacey on Instagram: @stacey.therapist.mamaLearn more and explore her resources: https://www.staceyerin.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this soul-stirring episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast. Today, I’m joined by Jayde Kirchert — mother, writer, director, and Artistic Director of Citizen Theatre. Jayde’s latest work Ripening explores the complex terrain of motherhood and birth through a bold, theatrical lens — and in this deeply honest conversation, she shares her own story of labour, loss, transformation, and creative awakening.We discuss:The Birth They Don’t Tell You AboutWhy honest preparation matters more than fear — and how education, mindset, and advocacy shaped Jayde’s birth experience.Labour as Initiation: Summoning the AncestorsJayde shares the powerful moment she reached beyond herself — into something sacred and ancestral — to bring her son into the world.Creative Rebirth: Turning Story into StageHow her personal journey became the foundation for Ripening, and how theatre can reframe motherhood’s truths for a wider audience.Breaking the Medical SpellThe intergenerational ripple of over-medicalised birth, and what happens when women begin to trust their bodies again.From Girl to Guardian: The Making of a Mother ArchetypeHow birth shaped Jayde’s spiritual evolution — and how it helped her locate the deep, unwavering strength she brings to both mothering and making art.This episode is a love letter to informed birth, artistic courage, and the sacred role of mothers as culture-shapers. May it inspire you to remember your own power and share your story — because in the sharing, we begin to shift the collective. If this conversation moved you, please pass it on. Every mother deserves to feel seen.ABOUT JAYDE KIRCHERT:Writer. Director. Artistic Visionary. Mother.Jayde is a mother to a toddler, wife, writer, director, dramaturge, lecturer and Artistic Director of Melbourne-based theatre company, Citizen Theatre. She has directed and written multiple critically acclaimed productions through Citizen Theatre.Recent projects include The Lyrebird's Voice for Victorian Opera (librettist and lyricist), Mara KORPER for Citizen Theatre (writer and director), When The Light Leaves for Citizen Theatre (director and dramaturge), and Sweet Charity for VCA Music Theatre. She is also completing her PhD, which includes the creation of a new feminist musical, Dangerous.RESOURCES:🎭 Ripening is playing May 28–31, 2025, at Gasworks Studio Theatre– Approx. 90 minutes– Showtimes: 7pm (Wed–Sat) and 2pm (Sat matinee)– Tickets available via the Citizen Theatre website or directly through Gasworks TheatreFollow Citizen Theatre on Instagram: @citizentheatreauFollow Jayde on Instagram: @jaydekirchert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Redrawing the Lines: Boundaries, Worth, and the True Value of MotherhoodWelcome to this powerful new episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.Today, I’m joined by Gifty Enright — wellbeing and diversity expert, author, and internationally respected leadership coach. With her signature wit and wisdom, Gifty challenges the status quo and reminds us that the job of raising the next generation isn’t just important — it’s foundational to our entire society.We talk about:The Lines We Draw Define the Lives We Lead Why setting boundaries starts with self-worth and how mothers can reclaim both.Counting the Invisible: The Unpaid Ledger of Motherhood The hidden labour of motherhood and the data-backed case for equitable living. Let the Children In: Raising Capable, Not Coddled How children benefit from being part of the household ‘enterprise’ and why it's time they pull their weight.From Homefront to Boardroom: The untapped management, negotiation, and crisis skills motherhood builds and how they should translate to the workplace.The Rebrand We Deserve: Why Gifty believes motherhood needs a full PR rebrand This conversation is a call to action and a celebration. I hope it leaves you feeling grounded in your worth and inspired to start drawing clearer, bolder red lines because you're not just doing important work, you're doing essential work. . ABOUT GIFTY ENRIGHT:Gifty Enright is a globally recognised expert in workplace wellbeing, diversity, and leadership. As an Author and expert TV contributor with three decades of corporate experience, she has led business transformations, run her own successful business, written a bestselling book, and delivered an impactful TEDx talk. Gifty’s innovative approach blends Western science, Eastern philosophy, and African wisdom, making her a sought-after speaker and coach. She is dedicated to transforming workplaces into havens of creativity, productivity, and responsible leadership. Her holistic coaching addresses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, providing practical strategies for personal and professional growth.RESOURCES:Website: https://giftyenright.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giftyenrightTwitter: https://twitter.com/Gifty_EnrightInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gifty.enrightFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/giftyenrightFacebook Group: Women Pursuing Work-Life MasteryBook: Octopus on a Treadmill – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J1WD4HRTEDx Talk: How to Be a Corporate Superwoman Without Losing Your Sanity: https://www.ted.com/talks/gifty_enright_how_to_be_a_corporate_superwoman_without_losing_your_sanity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Quiet Moment Together on The Happy Mama Movement PodcastIn this solo episode, we're joined by one of our incredible Mama Rising® Movement Facilitators, Claire Holloway—a devoted guide for women on the journey of matrescence and the founder of The Centre of Bright Beginnings. Claire opens her heart and shares her personal story of becoming a mother, what surprised her, what healed her, and how she now supports others navigating their own bright beginnings.We talk about:Shifting Expectations of Motherhood: When conception doesn’t come easily, even for those who’ve always been surrounded by babies, it can challenge deeply held beliefs about how motherhood begins.The Turning Point: Sometimes the journey to parenthood starts with slowing down, letting go of structure, and making intentional space—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.The Invisible Load of Pain: Chronic pain and isolation in pregnancy and postpartum can go unseen, yet they shape the entire experience of early motherhood—and highlight the need for better support.Finding Language in Matrescence: Discovering a name for the transformation of motherhood can be a powerful moment of clarity—finally making sense of the shifts across conception, birth, and beyond.The Power of The Village: A supported matrescence is rarely a solo effort—it thrives with the right team in place, whether through professionals, friends, or accessible community resources.Yoga as a Lifeline and a Lens: Yoga becomes more than movement; it can be a deeply personal philosophy that aligns with and supports the rhythms of motherhood.A Vision for the Future: The dream of a collaborative, whole-person perinatal care space—rooted in physical, emotional, and spiritual support—reminds us how powerful community can be for mothers, no matter where they are on their journey.ABOUT CLAIRE HOLLOWAY:Claire Holloway is the founder of The Centre of Bright Beginnings, where she supports people throughout the journey of matrescence. She is an experienced yoga practitioner, facilitator, and movement educator with a special interest in perinatal and pelvic health. Her prenatal, postpartum and parenting programs are shaped by her own experience of becoming a mother and her training as a Matrescence Coach, creating deeply supportive spaces for others to navigate their transformation. Claire’s upcoming offering Yoga for Homebirth will launch in early 2025.Connect with Claire:https://www.yourbrightbeginning.com.au/Instagram – @yourbrightbeginningFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/yourbrightbeginning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.This week’s guest is Ilana Yahdav — a certified grief educator, storyteller, and advocate for reimagining our relationship with grief, especially during the profound identity shift of motherhood. In this deeply affirming conversation, we explore the powerful intersection between matrescence and grief, and how validating our emotions can lead to profound healing.We talk about:The transformative power of grief: Ilana shares how the loss of her father plunged her into a decade-long journey through grief, and how discovering grief recovery changed the course of her life, helping her validate her feelings and eventually support others through their losses.Grief and matrescence as deeply intertwined: Ilana reflects on the layered grief of becoming a mother and how discovering the concept of matrescence helped her finally name what she was experiencing. She emphasizes that grief is not just about death, but any significant change in life, including motherhood.Normalizing grief in motherhood: From the loss of identity to everyday transitions like a child’s first steps or starting school, Ilana explains how grief is a natural part of motherhood. She highlights the importance of language, validation, and grief recovery tools in helping mothers understand and move through these complex emotions.Grieving who we were while embracing who we’re becoming: Ilana explores how we can hold both grief and gratitude—acknowledging that it’s normal to mourn parts of our past selves.Leaning on community through nonlinear journeys: From motherhood to loss, Ilana reminds us that healing isn’t meant to happen in isolation. We need each other. Both grief and matrescence unfold in unpredictable ways.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with loved ones who might need this reminder today. ABOUT ILANA YAHDAV:Ilana Yahdav is a certified matrescence coach, grief educator, speaker, writer, and CEO of The Non-Linear Journey. As a mother of two young children, she combines her expertise and experience to guide moms through motherhood's physical and emotional transformations—from embracing their new identity to grieving the life they've left behind. Ilana makes challenging topics approachable with gentle humor and deep empathy by creating a safe and supportive environment.RESOURCES: 🌐 Website: https://thenonlinearjourney.com/Substack: https://thenonlinearjourney.substack.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenonlinearjourneylife/ 📌 Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/thenonlinearjourney/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNonLinearJourney/ 🔗 LinkedIn (Personal):https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanashapiroyahdav/ 🏢 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-non-linear-journey/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast. Today, I’m joined by Gayane Aramyan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health.With warmth, wisdom, and lived experience, Gayane helps us explore what’s really happening beneath the surface of anger, conflict, and overwhelm in early parenthood and how we can begin to heal and reconnect.We get deep into the weeds:The Calling Shaped by Experience:How Gayane’s journey into therapy began in her teens, and how her early exposure to anger management and mentorship shaped her path into perinatal mental health.The Wake-Up Call of Postpartum:Why becoming a mother during the pandemic—and navigating exhaustion, depression, and an unexpected diagnosis—deepened Gayane’s understanding of what new parents truly need.The Urgency of Prenatal Preparation:Why so many parents seek help only after things unravel—and how shifting the timeline to include mental health preparation before birth can change the postpartum experience entirely.Naming the Overwhelm:What emotional flooding really is, why it’s so common in early parenthood, and how naming and normalising these states can help parents feel less alone and more empowered.The Silence Around Postpartum Struggles:How cultural silence, unrealistic expectations, and internalised fear keep new parents from speaking up—and why so many mothers later say, “I wish someone had told me.”ABOUT GAYANE ARAMYAN:Gayane Aramyan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, specializing in perinatal therapy. She helps individuals and couples navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, offering compassionate support through these profound life transitions. Drawing from her own experiences—marrying her high school sweetheart and balancing working parenthood—Gayane brings a deeply personal understanding to her practice.She earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University and has advanced training in Anger Management, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT), Grief Processing, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).Known for her nurturing and validating approach, Gayane creates a safe space for healing and personal growth. Her expertise has been featured in Women's Health, CNBC, Forbes, The Los Angeles Times, and HuffPost, where she shares insights on relationships and self-development. Whether guiding young women through life transitions or supporting couples in parenthood, Gayane is dedicated to helping clients build fulfilling, resilient lives.RESOURCES:Instagram: @therapywithgayaneWebsite: www.therapywithgayane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this Light-filled episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by the remarkable Amy Molloy—an award-winning journalist, editor, author, and the creative force behind the hit podcast The Space, which has garnered over 6 million downloads. Amy's dedication to "words that move the world forward" has led her to craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.In Our Conversation, We Explore:The Wisdom of Children: Reflecting on the emotional and spiritual sensitivity of the current generation of kids.Ways of supporting Sensitive Children: Tangible strategies to develop energy awareness and emotional autonomy.The Role of Parents: Encouraging mothers to do the inner work, re-parenting themselves and clearing inherited shame and trauma so they can better support their children.Empathy and Relearning: how we were raised versus the way of parenting highly sensitive and intuitive kids.Soul Contracts and Spiritual Connection: From past lives, shared chakra systems, inherited karma, and soul-level healing.The Courage of This Generation: How children today are seen as truth-tellers and catalysts, demanding accountability, healing, and truth.About Amy Molloy:Amy Molloy is an award-winning journalist, editor, and author dedicated to producing uplifting content that supports emotional well-being. She is the creator of The Space podcast and the founder of LightWriter Media, where she mentors writers in sharing their personal stories with courage and clarity. Amy's upcoming book, Wise Child, explores a radical approach to parenting by tapping into children's innate wisdom and is set to be published by Hay House in March 2025.Connect with Amy:Instagram: @amy_molloyLinkedIn: Amy MolloySubstack Newsletter: The LightWriter™ LetterResources Mentioned:The Space Podcast: Listen on SpotifyLightWriter Media: Learn MoreWise Child by Amy Molloy: Pre-Order HereI hope this episode offers you valuable insights and inspiration. If it resonates with you, please share it with fellow mamas who might benefit from Amy's wisdom and experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!In this heartfelt talk, Melissa Blum, the founder of Into Full Bloom, a coaching service dedicated to supporting mothers takes the mic and shares with us her story.Melissa is a Mama Rising Facilitator, a soon-to-be certified life coach, an engineer, and a mother herself. She brings a rich blend of experience in environmental engineering, psychology, and grief work to her practice, helping mothers navigate both the joy and the loss that can come with motherhood.Melissa discusses:The gap between the expectations of motherhood and its realityHow discovering the word “matrescence” felt like coming homeThe life-altering transformation that motherhood bringsThe power of creativity as a tool for emotional explorationHow Melissa holds space for mothers processing griefI hope this conversation brings you comfort and clarity. If it resonates, please share it — the more we talk about the realities of motherhood, the more we can support one another through the journey.ABOUT MELISSA BLUM: Melissa Blum is the owner of Into Full Bloom, a coaching service supporting mothers through every stage of their experience. A Mama Rising Facilitator and soon-to-be certified life coach, Melissa's work is shaped by her background in environmental engineering, psychology, and grief work. She is passionate about helping mothers find space for themselves, use creativity to explore their emotions, and feel seen and supported in their grief. Melissa is rediscovering her own femininity and spirituality, walking alongside mothers as they navigate the profound transitions of matrescence.Find Melissa on Instagram: @intofullbloomcoachingWebsite coming soon: www.intofullbloom.com.auLet me know if you’d like me to refine anything or add more detail! ✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

300 Episodes of The Happy Mama Movement: A Reflection on Matrescence AwarenessWelcome to this very special episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast—our 300th episode!I can hardly believe we've reached this milestone. It’s been an incredible journey, and today, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, how much the awareness of matrescence has grown, and what this means for mothers everywhere.In This Episode, I Share:The Journey to 300 Episodes – How this podcast started and the incredible conversations we've had along the way.What Matrescence Means to Me – The moment I first discovered this life-changing word and how it transformed my own experience of motherhood.The Global Shift in Motherhood Awareness – The changes I’ve witnessed in the way we talk about and support mothers.Healing old wounds --- The deeper layers of suffering we mothers have experience over these last years.Where We Go From Here – My vision for the future of matrescence awareness and what’s next for The Happy Mama Movement.This podcast has always been about changing the way we see and support mothers, and reaching 300 episodes feels like a powerful moment to pause, reflect, and recommit to this work. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.Resources & Next Steps:Join the Movement: Mama Rising ProgramMore on My Work: amytaylorkabbaz.comHere’s to the next 300 episodes and beyond! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.Today, we’re joined by the wonderful Nancy Reddy—writer, poet, and writing teacher—whose work explores the often messy, complex realities of motherhood and creativity. Nancy’s first book of narrative nonfiction, The Good Mother Myth, is set to be published by St. Martin’s in January 2025. She’s also the author of three books of poetry, including Pocket Universe, and co-editor of The Long Devotion: Poets Writing Motherhood. Her writing dives into the truths behind the glossy myths we’re told about motherhood, and she’s been featured in Slate, Romper, and Electric Literature, among others.We explore:The myth of the "Good Mother” and how it shapes our experiencesA New Description and re-definition: Motherhood as a RelationshipHow creativity can survive and thrive amidst the chaos of parentingGuilt, Struggle and Judgement of ourselves as women.Broadening the public conversation around motherhood and parenting.As always, I hope this conversation sparks something in you. If it does, please pass it along to the mothers in your life. We all deserve a little more honesty, support, and solidarity on this wild ride.ABOUT NANCY REDDY: Nancy Reddy is a writer and a writing teacher. Her first book of narrative nonfiction, The Good Mother Myth, is forthcoming from St. Martin’s in January 2025. She is the author of three books of poetry, most recently Pocket Universe, and the co-editor of The Long Devotion: Poets Writing Motherhood. Her recent writing includes pieces on the damaging mythology of the “golden hour” after birth for Slate, making mom friends for Romper, and review-essays on the whiteness of the motherhood memoir and the political nature of motherhood at Electric Literature. Nancy holds an MFA in poetry and a PhD in rhetoric and composition, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In a previous academic life, she published scholarly work on writing studies and materiality, creative writing pedagogy, and community literacy in journals such as Community Literacy Journal, Literacy in Composition Studies, and The Journal of Creative Writing Studies.Nancy currently teaches at Stockton University in New Jersey, and she also leads community writing workshops and lifelong learning courses, including at the Cooper Street Writing Workshops at Rutgers-Camden, the Stockton Institute for Lifelong Learning, Blue Stoop, and Murphy Writing. You can find her on Instagram and subscribe to her newsletter, Write More, Be Less Careful, where she offers wisdom and encouragement on navigating the often-difficult writing life.RESOURCES:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancy.o.reddy/NANCY'S NEWSLETTER: Write More, Be Less Careful: https://nancyreddy.substack.com/Website: https://www.nancyreddy.com/BUY THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.com.au/Good-Mother-Myth-Redefining-Motherhood/dp/1580055028UK SHOPPERS BUY THE BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Mother-Myth-Unlearning-Ideas/dp/1250336643OR HERE: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-good-mother-myth/nancy-reddy/9781250336644 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Kelly Thistlethwaite, an experienced Somatic and Matrescence Coach, to explore the transformative journey of motherhood. Kelly shares her profound insights on navigating the emotional landscape of motherhood, healing from birth trauma, and the importance of nervous system regulation in fostering resilience and well-being.We talk about:The life-altering transformation that comes with Matrescence and how it reshapes identitySomatic approaches to emotional regulation and why they matter for mothersNavigating the complexities of birth trauma and perinatal loss with compassionKelly's personal journey through loss, healing, and becoming a mother againI hope this conversation offers you comfort, insight, and a sense of connection. If it resonates with you, please share it widely so more mothers can access the support they need to thrive.ABOUT KELLY THISTLETHWAITE:Kelly Thistlethwaite is an experienced Trauma-Informed Yoga and Breathwork instructor, specializing in pre- and postnatal care, nervous system regulation, and neurosensory exercises. As a Matrescence Coach and Mama Rising™ facilitator, Kelly supports mothers through the profound transformation of motherhood. She has a particular focus on helping women heal from birth trauma and perinatal loss, using somatic practices rooted in the Polyvagal Theory to promote safety, connection, and emotional regulation. Kelly is also the Co-Founder of FLY Mama, a pioneering digital maternity support platform that collaborates with NHS trusts and bereavement charities in the UK.RESOURCES:FLY Mama WebsiteKelly Thistlethwaite's WebsiteInstagram: @flymama_perinatal_trauma_and_loss | @fly_mamakelly.thistlethwaiteLinkedIn: Kelly Thistlethwaite | Fly Mama Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.