Episodios

  • The Neuroscience of Mom Overwhelm: Why You Can’t Just “Calm Down”

    The Neuroscience of Mom Overwhelm: Why You Can’t Just “Calm Down”
    Jan 29 2026
    If you’ve ever told yourself, “Other moms handle this better than I do,” this episode is for you. So many moms feel overwhelmed—and then feel ashamed for feeling overwhelmed. Like if we were more organized, more disciplined, or better at self-care, we wouldn’t be so on edge all the time. But what if overwhelm isn’t a personal failure? In this episode of the No Guilt Mom Podcast, I’m joined by neuroscience-based coach Emelia Ferreira to talk about what actually happens to a woman’s brain during motherhood—and why telling yourself to “just calm down” doesn’t work. We unpack how motherhood rewires your brain for survival, how overwhelm becomes conditioned over time, and why so many traditional parenting and self-care strategies miss the mark for moms. This conversation is validating, eye-opening, and deeply reassuring—especially if you’ve ever wondered what’s wrong with you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. Why motherhood changes your brain—and why that’s not a bad thing Your brain becomes more specialized and hypervigilant after having a baby. That constant mental load? It’s not a flaw. It’s your nervous system doing exactly what it was designed to do. 2. How overwhelm becomes “normal” for moms Without the community support mothers once had, our brains stay stuck in survival mode—while parenting, working, managing households, and carrying emotional labor. 3. Why overwhelm isn’t a mindset problem You can’t think your way out of something that’s physiological. This is why self-care alone and willpower-based parenting strategies often fall short. 4. The connection between guilt, shame, and mom overwhelm That guilt you feel when you rest or step back? It’s wired into a protective system meant to keep your child safe—not a sign you’re doing motherhood wrong. 5. One small, realistic way to support your mom brain Emelia shares a simple breath-and-body-based practice that helps override overwhelm without adding another thing to your to-do lis Resources Mentioned Emilia Ferreira’s neuroscience-based guide Learn more about No Guilt Mom Circle—where overwhelmed moms get parenting support that reduces burnout, not adds to it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    33 m
  • Why the Best Mom Is a Happy Mom (And Why Parenting Pressure Is on the Wrong Person)

    Why the Best Mom Is a Happy Mom (And Why Parenting Pressure Is on the Wrong Person)
    Jan 27 2026
    If you’ve ever felt like your kids’ struggles mean you’re failing as a mom, this episode is for you. Somewhere along the way, parenting pressure landed squarely on moms’ shoulders—manage their emotions, fix their behavior, keep everyone happy—and it’s left so many overwhelmed moms exhausted, resentful, and burned out. And here’s the truth I want you to hear clearly: that pressure was placed in the wrong spot. In this episode, I’m sharing why the best mom is a happy mom—not because kids should always be happy, but because you are the environment your kids grow in. When moms focus inward on what they need, instead of trying to fix everything around them, guilt starts to loosen its grip and relief takes its place. This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about taking weight off. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. Why modern parenting advice quietly trains moms to ignore themselves So much advice focuses on fixing kids instead of supporting moms—and that mindset is a fast track to mom burnout. 2. How rest became something moms feel they have to “earn” If you struggle to relax because there’s always more to do, you’re not broken. You’ve been conditioned to believe rest is optional instead of necessary. 3. What actually changes when moms focus on their own happiness When you stop chasing perfection and start honoring what you want, parenting doesn’t fall apart—it gets steadier. 4. Why resentment is information, not failure That frustration you feel? It’s a signal that something needs to shift—not proof you’re a bad mom. 5. How modeling boundaries teaches kids lifelong emotional skills When you advocate for your own needs, you’re showing your kids how to do the same someday. Resources Mentioned The Best Mom Is a Happy Mom (NEW book 🎉) Available now on Amazon — Kindle version is 99¢ for a limited time. No Guilt Mom Circle A supportive community for moms who want less burnout and more balance (plus our upcoming book club!). The Women 360 Networking organization for entrepreneur moms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    30 m
  • When Your Parents’ Emotions Become Your Job: Breaking the Daughter Guilt Cycle

    When Your Parents’ Emotions Become Your Job: Breaking the Daughter Guilt Cycle
    Jan 22 2026
    If you’ve ever hung up the phone with your parents and felt instantly drained—like you just did a whole emotional shift—you’re not imagining it. For so many women, being a daughter isn’t just the visits, the calls, or the errands. It’s the invisible emotional labor: smoothing things over, managing tension, carrying worry, and trying to make sure everyone feels “okay.” And when you’re also raising kids (especially teens), working, and trying to hold yourself together… that daughter role can quietly become another full-time job. In this episode of the No Guilt Mom Podcast, I’m talking with Dr. Allison Alford—communication scholar, professor at Baylor University, and author of Good Daughtering—about why adult daughters carry so much guilt, how burnout builds over time, and how to set boundaries that protect your life without feeling like rejection. Resources Mentioned Pre-order Good Daughtering: The Work You’ve Always Done, the Credit You’ve Never Gotten, and How to Finally Feel Like Enough Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 m
  • When Your Child Triggers Your Biggest Self-Doubt: A Real Coaching Session for Moms

    When Your Child Triggers Your Biggest Self-Doubt: A Real Coaching Session for Moms
    Jan 20 2026
    There’s a specific kind of self-doubt that hits differently—the kind that comes from your own child. Maybe it’s an offhand comment. Maybe it’s eye-rolling. Maybe it’s them saying the thing you were already secretly afraid of. And suddenly, something you felt excited about feels shaky, embarrassing, or even selfish. In today’s episode of the No Guilt Mom Podcast, I’m sharing a real-life coaching session with one of our Inner Circle members. You’ll hear what coaching actually sounds like and, more importantly, what happens when a mom is brave enough to try something new… and her child’s reaction triggers every old fear. If you’ve ever felt afraid to put yourself out there, worried about being judged, or questioned your confidence as a mom, this episode is for you. What We Talk About in This Episode 1. Why your child’s words can hit your deepest insecurities When your child says what you were already thinking, it can feel like proof that your fears are true—even when they’re not. 2. How fear of embarrassment keeps moms stuck We unpack how people pleasing, perfectionism, and fear of judgment show up when moms try something new. 3. The difference between being inexperienced and being incapable Just because you’re new doesn’t mean you’re bad at it—and this distinction matters more than you think. 4. How confidence is built through connection, not perfection You’ll hear how small moments of human connection can dissolve overthinking and self-doubt. 5. What happens when you model courage for your kids Trying something scary doesn’t just change you—it shows your kids what self-trust looks like in real life. Resources Shared Join the No Guilt Mom Inner Circle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    33 m
  • If You Feel Like You Can’t Follow Through as a Mom, Listen to This

    If You Feel Like You Can’t Follow Through as a Mom, Listen to This
    Jan 15 2026
    If you’ve been telling yourself lately, Why can’t I just stick with anything?—I want you to take a breath right now. Because this episode is for the mom who is exhausted, overwhelmed, and quietly blaming herself for not following through… especially in January, when the pressure to do better feels relentless. Here’s what I want you to hear clearly: this is not a motivation problem, and it’s not a willpower problem either. If you’re dealing with mom burnout, the issue is almost always your environment—not your character. In this episode, I break down why parenting motivation feels so hard right now, how willpower is getting unfairly blamed, and what actually helps moms move forward without more pressure or guilt. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why willpower fails moms—especially burned-out moms If discipline were the problem, you’d already have this figured out. You use willpower all day long for everyone else. How mom burnout drains your ability to “follow through” Emotional regulation, decision-making, interruptions—it all adds up, and your energy doesn’t magically replenish at night. The real reason habits stick (or don’t) Habits succeed when friction is low and fail when friction is high—and that has everything to do with your environment. How changing your environment creates parenting motivation Support, accountability, and fewer barriers matter more than pushing yourself harder. Why support works better than pressure Pressure says try harder. Support asks, What’s in your way—and how can we remove it? Next Steps & Support If this episode hit close to home and you’re realizing, Oh… I don’t need more willpower—I need more support, I want you to know you don’t have to do this alone. 💛 Join us inside the No Guilt Mom Circle This is where moms get real parenting support, coaching, accountability, and connection—without shame or hustle culture. Membership is just $19/month, and you can join anytime. 📩 DM me on Instagram Come tell me what’s getting in your way right now. I truly mean this. I’m at @noguiltmom, and I’d love to hear from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    30 m
  • Stop Letting Your Thoughts Run the Show with Diana Pagano

    Stop Letting Your Thoughts Run the Show with Diana Pagano
    Jan 13 2026
    If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t even know what I want anymore,” or “I can’t take on one more thing,” you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. You’re just running on patterns your brain learned a long time ago. In this episode of the No Guilt Mom podcast, I’m talking with Diana Pagano, founder of the Make Things Happen movement and author of The More Mindset, about the sneaky ways our thoughts keep us stuck in survival mode… and the simple shifts that help overwhelmed moms create momentum again. We dig into why mindset isn’t “woo,” how your brain filters what you notice (hello, reticular activating system), and what to do when you feel like you either don’t know what you want—or you want everything. Resources & Mentions Diana Pagano’s book: The More Mindset Diana’s work + podcast: Make Things Happen movement/podcast No Guilt Mom Circle: If you’re tired of doing everything alone, come get real mom support inside the No Guilt Mom world. If This Episode Helped You… Would you take 30 seconds to leave a review? Reviews help other overwhelmed moms find this parenting podcast for moms—especially the ones quietly battling mom burnout and thinking they’re the only ones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    34 m
  • Why Overwhelmed Moms Need a Courage Goal (Not Another To-Do List)

    Why Overwhelmed Moms Need a Courage Goal (Not Another To-Do List)
    Jan 8 2026
    If you’re an overwhelmed mom who feels like life looks “fine” on paper—but somehow feels flat, exhausting, or like something is missing—you’re not broken. And you don’t need another to-do list to fix it.So many moms come into the new year thinking this will be the time they finally get disciplined enough, organized enough, or productive enough to feel better. But if traditional goal setting has only left you feeling more mom guilt and burnout, this episode is for you.In this episode of the No Guilt Mom podcast, I’m sharing a different approach: a courage goal. Not a productivity goal. Not a fixing goal. A courage goal—something you do simply because it brings you joy, curiosity, and a sense of being you again.I’m sharing my own courage goal (joining improv at 44—terrifying and life-giving) and why choosing joy without justification might be the most powerful form of self care for moms.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most goals for overwhelmed moms fall into “fixing, managing, or optimizing”—and why that keeps burnout in placeHow mom guilt shows up when joy doesn’t feel “productive enough”What a courage goal really is (and why it doesn’t require confidence or follow-through perfection)The difference between outcome-based goals and values-based goalsWhy doing something just for fun can actually give you energy instead of draining itHow choosing one small, courageous step can help you feel like yourself again—not just a mom, partner, or workerThis episode is especially for you if you’ve ever told yourself:“I’ll do that someday when life calms down.”“I don’t have the energy for something new.”“I should probably declutter instead.”You don’t need to earn your joy. And you don’t need permission to want more.Your gentle next stepI want you to choose one courage goal this year. Just one.Something that feels a little scary, a little exciting, and doesn’t need to help anyone else to be worth doing.You don’t have to decide today. Just start noticing what pulls at you.Want support choosing (and actually following through)?Inside the No Guilt Mom Circle, we do monthly workshops, values-based goal setting, and community support so you’re not doing this alone. You’ll be surrounded by moms who get it—and who have your back.👉 Join us here in the No Guilt Mom Circle:https://www.balanceformoms.com/ngm-circle Let’s keep the conversation goingDM me on Instagram @noguiltmom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 m
  • Overwhelmed With Your Teen? 6 Things to Stop Doing for a Stronger Parent-Child Relationship

    Overwhelmed With Your Teen? 6 Things to Stop Doing for a Stronger Parent-Child Relationship
    Jan 6 2026
    Feeling overwhelmed as a mom with a teen? This episode of the No Guilt Mom Podcast provides essential mom tips and parenting support to help you overcome the emotional drainage and constant struggles of parenting your teenager. If parenting your teen feels exhausting, emotionally draining, or like one long power struggle—you’re not alone. Many overwhelmed moms are doing everything they were taught to do… and still feeling disconnected, frustrated, and burned out.In this episode of the No Guilt Mom Podcast, I walk you through six common parenting habits that quietly damage trust and increase stress—even when they come from love. These are patterns many of us inherited, not because we’re bad parents, but because we were never shown another way.This conversation isn’t about shame or blame. It’s about relief. And connection. And finally feeling like you’re on the same team as your teen.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why grounding, punishment, and taking away privileges often backfire—especially around grades and homework strugglesHow criticizing clothing, friends, or choices can unintentionally push teens away instead of guiding themWhat yelling actually does to the teen brain (and why it increases overwhelm for moms, too)How saying “no” without conversation shuts down trust and cooperationWhy focusing only on grades increases anxiety and burnout—for both kids and parentsMost importantly, you’ll learn what to do instead—simple mindset shifts and communication changes that build motivation, responsibility, and long-term connection.Helpful resources & next steps:💛 Join No Guilt Mom Circle:Get support, tools, and coaching to stop yelling, reduce overwhelm, and feel confident parenting your teen👉 Link here: https://www.balanceformoms.com/ngm-circle📲 DM me on Instagram:Have questions? Want to share what resonated? I’d love to hear from you👉 https://www.instagram.com/noguiltmom⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify:Your reviews help other overwhelmed moms find this support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    35 m