This is the final episode of The Modern Moms Roadmap to Balance podcast and it's more of a beginning than an ending. After years of talking about motherhood, identity, and the search for balance, I’m sharing why I’m closing this chapter and starting something new: Unapologetically 30. ✨ In this episode, I’ll walk you through: Why “balance” started to feel too small.What inspired the shift to Unapologetically 30.The fears so many women face in their 30s.How self-awareness creates room to grow ...
Is your partner trying to help but totally missing the mark? This episode in the Love After Kids series, breaks down why self-awareness is the foundation for feeling seen, supported, and connected in your marriage—especially after kids. Let’s talk about what it really means to know your needs and express them clearly (without guilt or guessing games). ✨ Inside this episode: How self-awareness shifts your communication.Why you might feel unsupported—even when your partner is “trying.”How being...
Ever feel like the spark is gone—but you’re not sure how to get it back? This special episode from the Modern Mom's Roadmap to Balance Podcast was such an inspiration that we are re-releasing it for our Love After Kids series. In this episode, I sit down with Gottman-certified marriage coach Kameran Thompson Al-Areqi to talk about how couples can rebuild emotional safety and reconnect in a meaningful way—even if things feel strained right now. ✨In this episode, we dig into: How to rebuild tru...
Good communication in relationships doesn’t mean always being nice or never arguing. It means being honest—even when it’s uncomfortable. In this episode in the Love After Kids series, we’re talking about how criticism and silence both get in the way of true connection—and what to do instead. ✨ Here’s what we’ll unpack: Why "If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all" may be terrible marriage advice.How to speak up without criticizing your partner.Why vulnerability build...
Not sure if now’s the right time to start couples therapy? In this episode, Kayla breaks down why couples often wait too long—and why waiting could cost you more than you think. 💬 In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why couples therapy isn’t just for people on the verge of divorce.What the research says about how long couples wait to get support.How early therapy can prevent resentment from building.What good couples therapy actually looks like (and how it shouldn’t feel).A fitness analogy tha...
Ever find yourself wondering why your relationship doesn’t feel like what you imagined? Maybe it's not your partner or even your marriage—it might just be the expectations you’ve been holding onto. In this episode, we dive into the sneaky ways unrealistic relationship expectations (thanks, rom-coms and social media!) can leave you feeling disconnected, disappointed, and unsure where to go next. Here’s what we’ll explore: Why it’s so easy to expect more than we can name.How childhood, culture,...
Postpartum body image is one of the biggest silent struggles moms face—but you don’t have to carry it alone. In this week’s Love After Kids episode, I’m joined by therapist and women’s empowerment coach Alyssa Booth for a powerful conversation about healing your body image, especially after kids. We talk about: • How postpartum body image affects your confidence and connection with your partner. &...
If you’ve ever been told, “I’m just not good at that,” when asking your partner to help around the house—this episode is for you. In this solo episode of the Love After Kids series, host Kayla Nettleton gets real about a topic that’s been buzzing online and showing up quietly in marriages everywhere: weaponized incompetence. What started as a playful reel on Instagram quickly turned into a deeper conversation when followers pointed out how common—and harmful—this dynamic really is. We’re digg...
It’s easy to believe that if you and your partner could just communicate better everything would fall into place. But what if communication isn’t the real problem? Ever catch yourself thinking, "Why can't my relationship look like theirs?" In this episode of Love After Kids series, I’m talking about something so many of us do without even realizing it — comparing our relationship to others. We’ll chat about why comparison is so tempting (especially on social media), how it can quietly e...
Motherhood is overwhelming enough—so when your relationship feels out of sync too, it can feel like you're crumbling under the weight of it all. In this episode of the Love After Kids series, I sit down with somatic therapist Kim Torrence to talk about what happens when you're trying to be a great mom and a great partner—and losing parts of yourself in the process. In this conversation, we explore what balance really means, how burnout sneaks into our relationships, and how the path to deeper...
In this solo episode, Kayla opens up about the silent struggle so many couples face after becoming parents—losing connection in the chaos of raising kids. If your marriage has taken a backseat to parenting, you’re not alone. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why pouring everything into your kids can hurt your relationship How to reclaim time and intimacy with your partner Simple ways to nurture your marriage, even with a packed schedule This is your gentle reminder ...
Are you a single parent wondering how to navigate the world of dating while raising kids? In this episode of Love After Kids, I sit down with Dr. Tavari Brown to tackle the realities of dating post-divorce, introducing a new partner to your child, and balancing your own needs with those of your family. If you've ever felt torn between prioritizing your love life and making sure your kids feel secure, this episode is for you. We break down the guilt, the pressure, and the expectations so...
Are you reacting or responding in your marriage? When emotions run high, it’s easy to fall into blame, criticism, or resentment. In this episode, we’re continuing the conversation on how to navigate tough moments with your partner—without letting frustration take over. I break down why old patterns from childhood can make certain conflicts feel bigger than they are and share practical strategies to keep communication open, even when stress levels are high. 💡 Here’swhatwe’llcover:&...
In this episode of the Love After Kids series, I dive into the importance of connection during tough times. I expand on the previous episode, episode 64, with Dr. Brittany McGeehan to discuss how couples can build deeper bonds even when life feels chaotic. I talk about holding space for each other, sitting with uncomfortable emotions, and how to stay connected during life's challenges. Listen to this episode if you want to: Understand how to support your partner without fixing everything.Lear...
Let’s be real—keeping your marriage strong after kids is hard. Between the sleepless nights, endless to-do lists, and the constant pull of responsibilities, it’s easy for your relationship to take a backseat. But what if I told you that connection doesn’t have to be complicated? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Brittany McGeehan, a licensed psychologist and performance mindset coach who specializes in helping high-achieving women break free from self-abandonment and build trust in themse...
Tired of feeling stuck in the same relationship patterns? Struggling to communicate with your partner in a way that actually strengthens your connection? You’re not alone. In today’s episode of Love After Kids, I sit down with Alyssa Myatt, a licensed professional counselor specializing in relational and EMDR therapy. Together, we unpack how past experiences shape our relationships and why self-awareness is the key to building the love you actually want. If you've ever found yourself fr...
Does your relationship ever feel harder than it should be? Maybe you and your partner just keep missing each other—like you're speaking different languages when it comes to emotional connection. You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive deep into attachment styles and how they impact your relationship after kids. If you've ever wondered why you react the way you do—or why your partner pulls away or needs constant reassurance—this conversation is for you. And no, attachment theory isn’t...
Ever wondered why you and your partner clash—or why one of you pulls away when things get emotional? In this episode, we’re talking about attachment styles and how they shape our ability to connect. If you’ve ever thought, “Why doesn’t my partner understand me?”—you’re not alone, and this episode is for you. You’ll learn: What attachment styles are and how they developThe difference between anxious, avoidant, disorganized, and secure attachmentHow to stop attachment struggles from creating di...
Does marriage feel like another thing on your to-do list? You’re not alone. In this special series of The Modern Moms Roadmap to Balance, Kayla dives into the challenges moms face in balancing romantic relationships with the chaos of motherhood. From tackling resentment to rebuilding intimacy after kids, this series is here to give you the tools and mindset shifts you need for a thriving partnership. In this series, Kayla will share: Why marriage can feel harder than it should—and how to chan...
Are you feeling the weight of motherhood, mental health, and the endless expectations placed on moms today? In this heartfelt episode, Kayla sits down with Allie McQuaid, a licensed professional counselor and perinatal mental health expert, to unpack the realities of modern parenting. Together, they explore: The surprising ways social media impacts parenting perspectives. How millennial moms are breaking generational cycles and building emotional resilience. Strategies f...