Dear Inner Critic

Why Do We Care So Much What People Think? ⭐

Have you ever sent a text, posted something online, spoken up in a meeting, or tried something new… and immediately wanted to take it back? This episode came from a very real moment. After finally sharing my podcast on social media, my anxiety went into overdrive. My brain convinced me everyone was judging me, even though I had no real evidence that they were. So why do we do this to ourselves? Why are we often our own harshest critics? And why is it so much easier to cheer on someone else than to show ourselves that same kindness? In this episode, I’m talking honestly about the fear of being seen, social anxiety, vulnerability, and what it really means to be brave. Maybe confidence isn’t about not caring what people think. Maybe it’s about choosing not to let fear make the decision for us. If you’ve ever thought, “Oh no… did I just do the right thing?” after putting yourself out there, this conversation is for you. We’re all figuring it out together.

The Dragon Inside: Why Does Anger Feel So Consuming?

We’ve all had those moments. The spilled drink. The endless questions. The noise. The mess. One tiny thing happens, and suddenly it feels like a fire has been lit inside of us. In this episode, I’m opening up about something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember—anger. Not because I enjoy talking about it, but because I’m still trying to understand it. Is anger something we’re born with, or is it something we learn? Why can it feel so overwhelming, even when we know we’re overreacting? And what if that “dragon” inside us isn’t actually trying to hurt us…what if it’s been trying to protect us all along? I share my own experiences growing up, navigating motherhood, living with a nervous system that sometimes reacts before my brain can catch up, and the guilt that often follows. This isn’t an episode from someone who’s figured it all out. It’s a conversation from someone who’s still doing the work. If you’ve ever snapped at someone you love, felt ashamed afterward, or wondered why your fuse seems so short, I hope this reminds you that you’re not alone—and that healing isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about noticing, learning, repairing, and growing one small step at a time. We’re all still figuring it out together.

Morning Mindful Reset: Fill Your Cup First

Have you ever noticed how quickly your mind starts racing before your day has even begun? In this episode, I invite you to slow down for just a few minutes and reconnect with yourself before the demands of the day take over. Together, we’ll take a deep breath, practice gratitude, and remember that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish—it’s one of the greatest gifts we can give the people we love. This isn’t about perfection or having all the answers. It’s about creating a small moment of peace, choosing self-compassion, and starting the day with intention. Whether you’re getting ready for work, driving the kids to school, enjoying your morning coffee, or simply looking for a gentle reset, I hope these few minutes help you feel a little more grounded and a little more hopeful. Because every morning is a chance to begin again. If this episode brought you a little peace, I’d love for you to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a mindful start to their day. Remember… progress, not perfection. 💙

Mental Health: You Never Know What Someone Is Carrying ⭐

Some struggles are visible. Many aren’t. In this episode, I open up about my own experiences with body dysmorphia, PMDD, mood swings, and the emotional highs and lows that so many of us quietly carry. I’m not a mental health professional—just someone trying to understand my own mind while learning how to be a little kinder to myself along the way. We talk about the pressure to always appear happy, how easy it is to hide pain behind a smile, and why checking in on the people we love matters more than we realize. Mental health looks different for everyone, and no matter what you’re facing, your struggles are valid. This is a conversation about compassion, resilience, mindfulness, and hope. Because one bad day—or even a few bad days—doesn’t erase the progress you’ve made. Healing isn’t about being perfect; it’s about continuing to show up for yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone, you’re worthy of support, and you’re doing better than you think. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to a trusted person or contact emergency or crisis services in your area. Help is available, and you don’t have to face it alone. https://linktr.ee/Jschwartz615

I Love My Kids… But I Need Five Minutes (Summer Break)

Summer break has officially humbled me. Between one child recovering from surgery, another with endless energy, the Florida heat, and hearing “Mom, I’m bored!” more times than I can count, I found myself needing a few quiet minutes behind a closed bedroom door. In this episode, I’m talking about the guilt parents often carry—the pressure to make every day magical, to constantly entertain our kids, and the feeling that we’re somehow not doing enough. The truth is, loving your children and feeling overwhelmed can exist at the same time. I’m sharing an honest look at what summer has been like in our house, why it’s okay to take a breath when you need one, and the reminder I keep coming back to: these are the days I once dreamed of, even when they’re loud, messy, and exhausting. If you’ve ever hidden in the bathroom for five minutes, wondered if you were doing enough, or counted down the days until school starts, this episode is for you. We’re all figuring it out together. I also think this episode ends perfectly with the line: