CW: brief mention of sexual assault. 

Have you ever felt the kind of overwhelmed, overstimulated, or triggered that we might call being “all touched out”? Maybe you’ve even felt guilty about not being available to your kids or spouse, or surprised by the intensity of your feelings. 

If you ever wondered why your body doesn’t feel like your own, if you are grappling with how to parent in a post-Roe, post #MeToo world, you might be realizing how much bigger this is than just you.  Amanda Montei is here to talk about the histories we carry in - our culture and in our bodies - themes she discusses in her new book:  Touched Out: Motherhood, Misogyny, Consent and Control. This week, episode 48 of Poised & Powerful Podcast is about why we might feel touched out and how we can understand women’s bodily autonomy. 

Amanda Montei is the author of TOUCHED OUT: MOTHERHOOD, MISOGYNY, CONSENT, AND CONTROL, (now out in September 2023), the memoir Two Memoirs (Jaded Ibis Press), and a collection of prose, The Failure Age (Bloof Books), as well as co-author of Dinner Poems (Bon Aire Projects). She has an MFA from California Institute of the Arts and a PhD from the Poetics Program at SUNY Buffalo. Her writing and criticism explores literary and cultural representations of gender, work, care, sexuality, feminism, creativity, and the body.

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, Amanda and I discuss the following:

• The heavy gender norms and unrealistic expectations imposed on mothers.
• New parenthood forces us to confront cultural beliefs and unprocessed memories, which can lead to feelings of isolation and overwhelm - but this is also an opportunity for change. 
• The importance of acknowledging and addressing the power dynamics in sexual and romantic relationships, particularly in the context of postpartum and parenthood.
• How our larger social and political context affects us as we cope with the day-to-day of parenting. 

Don’t forget to order Amanda’s new book “Touched Out” today! 

Want to know more about what to do to take care of yourself when you’re tense, stressed, or overstimulated? Bookmark my free Nervous System Slowdown playlist to build some bite-sized bodymind practices into your day. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5dXuxUdFQYYE6xxDZwwxTX?si=KUdjv-cWSNqmKng52Zanjg

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LINKS MENTIONED:

Slate: How American Moms Got Touched Out by Amanda Montei

Moms Rising

Chamber of Mothers

Info & action re: the US Black Maternal Health Crisis: 

Black Mamas Matter Alliance

The Momnibus Act<

Have you ever yelled “CALM DOWN”? How effective was it? Today, I’m teaching a simple four-step process: for more ease and less yelling. It works by rebooting your nervous system - and children can learn it too! 

This week, episode 47 of Poised & Powerful Podcast is sharing mindfulness together: easing transitions for yourself and your child with The Ready List! 

Want to know more about what to do to take care of yourself when you’re tense, stressed, or overstimulated? Bookmark my free Nervous System Slowdown playlist to build some bite-sized bodymind practices into your day. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5dXuxUdFQYYE6xxDZwwxTX?si=KUdjv-cWSNqmKng52Zanjg

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, I discuss the following:

• The importance of self-regulation for adults and children alike.
• The Ready List as a tool for co-regulating with your child and helping them develop their own self-regulation. 
• A variety of practical ways to use The Ready List during hectic days. 
• Using your imagination to help your kids learn - and where kids have an edge over adults in knowledge of their bodies.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

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Stay updated on tips for stress relief by signing up for my newsletter. Find more tips, tricks, and strategies at the resources page on my website. Or you can book a 1:1 customized session to receive the support you need to feel more agency over your body.

LINKS MENTIONED:

The Ready List Hot-To with Printables

The Ready List video for kids

More about the Ready List with Transitions

Co-Regulation From Birth Through Young Adulthood: A Practice Brief

RELATED EPISODES:

How to Unstick Your Shoulders from Your Ears

Becoming Your Child’s First Teacher with Amanda Blair MacDonald

What to Do When You're Losing It With Your Kids with Morgan Rysdon 

Click Below for the Episode Transcript (COMING SOON)

Do you get knots in that area between your neck and shoulders? Well, who doesn't, right? If you are struggling with this, listen up because this one is for you. This will be a guided audio you can do sitting or standing. One of my favorite places to do it is sitting in the car after I drop my kid off at school.

This is a gentle reminder to be gentle with ourselves. It’s a practice we can use to help us unhunch, unscrunch, and take up more space.

Stay updated on tips for shoulders by signing up for my newsletter. Find more tips, tricks, and strategies at the resources page on my website. Or you can book a 1:1 customized session to receive the support you need to feel more agency over your body.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews 

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LINKS MENTIONED:

Refer to this for a visual of the trapezius.

Ep 45: Neurodivergent Parenting with Chronic Pain with Graeson Harris-Young

For shoulder pains related to breastfeeding and baby care, refer to:

My guest interview on breastfeeding body mechanics (Milk Minute podcast)

Guided audio: Relax Up for Sitting 

Click Below for the Episode Transcript (COMING SOON)

The world of parenting is full of stereotypes and toxic narratives, which can be even harder to deal with when you’re a parent managing chronic pain, neurodivergence, or anything that doesn’t fit the mold of “normal”. Learning strategies and methods of coping that work for your needs will help smooth out the journey of parenthood. This week, episode 45 of Poised & Powerful Podcast is about parenting with chronic pain and self-regulation as a parent! 

Want to know more about what to do to take care of yourself when you’re tense, stressed, or overstimulated? Bookmark my free Nervous System Slowdown playlist to build some bite-sized bodymind practices into your day. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5dXuxUdFQYYE6xxDZwwxTX?si=KUdjv-cWSNqmKng52Zanjg

Graeson Harris-Young is the owner of and creator behind This Might Help Us, where he educates people on how their brains and bodies work in practical ways that let them feel, move, and live better. Since 2016 he has worked in embodiment coaching with hundreds of people, including folks living with many forms of chronic pain as well as people who depend professionally on their bodies such as actors, dancers, and athletes. Graeson also has experience working with trauma in the body and has taught movement at a dozen or so universities and conservatories.

In this episode of Poised & Powerful Podcast, Graeson and I discuss the following:

• Why chronic pain is hard to address in our current medical system.
• Toxic narratives around chronic pain.
• How to balance overstimulation as parents to young children.
• The day-to-day of being a neurodivergent parent.

To check out Graeson’s FREE Posture Detox course, head to https://thismighthelp.us/. 

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews

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LINKS MENTIONED:

Ep. 28 How to Keep House While Drowning with KC Davis for building your own systems while chronically ill or neurodivergent. 

I recommend: The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness by Meghan O’Rourke and also Pain Is Really Strange by Steve Haines.

https://alexandertechniquescience.com/ for scientific research on posture, movement, and pain science in our practice of Alexander Technique. 

Welcome to day 5 of the 5-day challenge. Today’s mantra is I CAN CONNECT. Check my Instagram highlights for keeping track of and sharing your progress.

Feeding and caring for young children can do a number on your body - and it can be hard to find that time to take care of yourself. Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday night group: Restore on the Floor for parents and caregivers. https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break

Or sign up here to be the first to know about new classes and offers.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews 

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

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Click Below for the Episode Transcript (COMING SOON)

Welcome to day 4 of the 5-day challenge. Today’s mantra is I CAN RELEASE. Check my Instagram highlights for keeping track of and sharing your progress.

Feeding and caring for young children can do a number on your body - and it can be hard to find the time to take care of yourself. Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday night group: Restore on the Floor for parents and caregivers. https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break

Or sign up here to be the first to know about new classes and offers.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews 

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

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Sign up for my newsletter. 

Work with Sarah! 

Click Below for the Episode Transcript (COMING SOON)

Welcome to day 3 of the 5-day challenge. Today’s mantra is I CAN DO LESS. Check my Instagram highlights for keeping track of and sharing your progress.

Feeding and caring for young children can do a number on your body - and it can be hard to find that time to take care of yourself. Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday night group: Restore on the Floor for parents and caregivers. https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break

Or sign up here to be the first to know about new classes and offers.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews 

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

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Sign up for my newsletter. 

Work with Sarah! 

Click Below for the Episode Transcript (COMING SOON)

Welcome to day 2 of the 5-day challenge. Today’s mantra is I CAN BREATHE. Check my Instagram highlights for keeping track of and sharing your progress.

Feeding and caring for young children can do a number on your body - and it can be hard to find that time to take care of yourself. Join me for a restorative practice where we’ll release tension in our necks, back, and shoulders. Clear your mind so you’ll feel reset and re-energized for yourself and your family. Drop into the online Sunday night group: Restore on the Floor for parents and caregivers. https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/take-a-break

Or sign up here to be the first to know about new classes and offers.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about Poised & Powerful and Sarah at https://poisedpowerfulparenthood.com/interviews 

CONNECT WITH SARAH MAYHAN:

Facebook

Instagram

Sign up for my newsletter. 

Work with Sarah! 

Click Below for the Episode Transcript (COMING SOON)