Coming Back to Life with Makena Interview [Ep. 74]

Coming Back to Life with Makena Interview [Ep. 74]

Coming Back to Life: Healing the Mother Wound with Makena & Gigi Sage Makena had built a life that looked successful on paper (career, independence, and ambition) but underneath it all, she was struggling with anxiety, burnout, and a quiet sense that something was missing. In this deeply personal episode, McKenna sits down with her mother, Gigi Sage—a pioneering coach with over 40 years of experience—to share their powerful journey through breakdown, healing, and transformation. Together, they explore what it means to “lose your light,” how to find your way back to yourself, and the profound role their mother-daughter relationship played in that process. From navigating a shared “dark night of the soul” to healing the mother's wound and redefining their relationship beyond traditional roles, this conversation offers insight, honesty, and practical wisdom for anyone seeking deeper connection and aliveness in their life. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * What it means to “lose your light” and how it happens * The impact of childhood experiences and family challenges on identity * How burnout, anxiety, and misalignment show up—even in a “successful” life * The power of slowing down and reconnecting with what truly brings you alive * A simple but transformative question: What brings you vitality? * How to navigate and heal the “mother wound” * Why forgiveness is more about your freedom than the other person * How redefining roles (mother, daughter, mentor, partner) can deepen connection * The importance of curiosity over assumptions in relationships Key Takeaways: * Start noticing what energizes you vs. drains you * Create space to slow down, clarity doesn’t come from force * Ask yourself regularly: What brings me alive? * Get curious about the people closest to you instead of assuming you know them * Healing doesn’t require the other person’s participation—it starts with you Practical Thoughts: Healing, whether within yourself or in your relationships, isn’t about rewriting the past it’s about releasing its hold on you. Thank you for listening. Don't forget you can submit your question [https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/form/YOfdpCVZnX2DD0Ssu5qu]! And yes, I really am going to give you an answer in an upcoming podcast.and be sure to say hi on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott]! RESOURCES MENTIONED * Makena's Book - The Wisdom That Raised Me: A Daughter's Journey into Wholeness, Wisdom and Womanhood [https://a.co/d/0fPVp1Nb] (featuring exercises like “Charting Your Aliveness”) * Coaching principles from Gigi Sage’s 40+ years of experience Help me reach more service providers like you by following the show & leaving a rating or review on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mother-daughter-relationship-show/id1763906282] & Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/06rbWqlxFj58DidwA6w1pl]! Keyword tags: Brittneyscott [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott],#MotherDaughterRelationship [https://www.brittneymscott.com/podcast] #podcast #podcastclips #podcastlife #selfgrowth #personaldevelopment #healingjourney #innerhealing #motherwound #selfdiscovery #mindsetshift #emotionalhealing #anxietyrecovery #burnoutrecovery #womensupportingwomen #womenempowerment #relationshiphealing #familyhealing #forgivenessjourney #mentalwellness #liveyourtruth #findyourpurpose #authenticliving #growthmindset #selfawareness #healingtrauma #lifecoach #coachinglife #spiritualgrowth #wellnessjourney #empoweredwomen

Are We Really That Different From Our Mothers [Ep. 73]

Are We Really That Different From Our Mothers Breaking the Cycle vs. Redirecting It In this guest episode, Dr. Imani Steele returns to explore one of the most complex and formative relationships in a woman’s life: the relationship between mothers and daughters.Through personal insight, research, and real-life examples, Dr. Steele challenges a common belief, that awareness alone is enough to break generational cycles. Instead, she invites listeners to consider a deeper truth: sometimes we’re not breaking patterns, we’re simply expressing them differently. This conversation dives into how maternal relationships shape identity, emotional patterns, self-perception, behavior, and what it actually takes to heal, grow, and show up differently for ourselves and the next generation. Key Topics Discussed: * Why mother-daughter relationships are so formative and complex * The difference between awareness and transformation * How generational patterns show up (even when we try to avoid them) * “Mirroring vs. inversion” — becoming like our mothers vs. reacting to them * Emotional conditioning and learned behaviors in childhood * The internalization of maternal criticism and its impact on self-worth * Reparenting, self-awareness, and identity rediscovery * The role of community and support in healing Key Takeaways: * Awareness does not automatically equal change * You can reject your mother’s behavior and still be rooted in the same wounds * Not all differences are healing, some are reactions * If you don’t address patterns, you may internalize them instead of breaking them * Healing requires both recognition and intentional interruption * You may need to relearn who you are outside of survival patterns If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may need it, and take a moment to reflect on your own patterns, healing journey, and what breaking the cycle truly means for you. Thank you for listening. Don't forget you can submit your question [https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/form/YOfdpCVZnX2DD0Ssu5qu]! And yes, I really am going to give you an answer in an upcoming podcast.and be sure to say hi on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott]! RESOURCES MENTIONED Link to purchase the book https://bookshop.org/lists/mother-daughter-relationships-brittney-m-scott [https://bookshop.org/lists/mother-daughter-relationships-brittney-m-scott] Help me reach more service providers like you by following the show & leaving a rating or review on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mother-daughter-relationship-show/id1763906282] & Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/06rbWqlxFj58DidwA6w1pl]! Keyword tags: Brittneyscott [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott],#MotherDaughterRelationship [https://www.brittneymscott.com/podcast] #healingjourney #selfgrowth #personaldevelopment #mentalhealthmatters #growthmindset #selfawareness #emotionalintelligence #innerwork #mindsetshift #traumahealing #reparenting #breakthecycle #healing #selflovejourney #deepconversations #podcastclips #womenempowerment #lifechanging #truthbomb #explorepage

Redefining the Mother-Daughter Relationship with Tes and Holly [Ep. 72]

Heart to Heart: Redefining the Mother-Daughter Relationship with Tes and Holly When Vulnerability Deepens the Mother-Daughter Bond In this honest and heartfelt guest-hosted episode, Tes and Holly Cohen explore the powerful intersection of vulnerability, boundaries, grief, and connection in adult mother-daughter relationships. Through personal storytelling and real-time reflection, they unpack how one emotionally charged moment during Tes’s egg-freezing journey transformed their relationship and inspired the creation of Heart-to-Heart Gatherings: intentional spaces where mothers and adult daughters can reconnect through courageous conversation. This episode is a moving reminder that healing often begins not when someone fixes our pain, but when they are willing to sit beside us in it. With this episode you’ll understand : * How “toxic positivity” can unintentionally create emotional distance * The vulnerable conversation that changed Tess and Holly’s relationship * The lasting impact of grief, loss, and generational patterns * Navigating changing family dynamics during new life chapters * Why adult daughters and mothers often struggle with “burden” conversations * The importance of reflective practice in relationships * How voice memos, spontaneous calls, and intentional check-ins strengthen connection * Learning to “be with” someone’s pain instead of trying to solve it Key Takeaways: * Vulnerability Over Fixing * Generational Healing * Grief & Bittersweet Joy * Boundaries & Burdens * Intentional Relationships Thank you for listening. Don't forget you can submit your question [https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/form/YOfdpCVZnX2DD0Ssu5qu]! And yes, I really am going to give you an answer in an upcoming podcast.and be sure to say hi on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott]! RESOURCES MENTIONED * Sign up for Heart-to-Heart newsletter here [https://forms.gle/Akmh9TDkL6D82ZG78] * Our contact info (we'd love to connect!): Tes' LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tescohen/] + tes@gatherbetter.co [tes@gatherbetter.co], Holly's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollycohen/] + hollyrcohen@gmail.com [hollyrcohen@gmail.com] * Our first podcast episode with Brittney, Overcoming Toxic Positivity: How Vulnerability Deepens Mother-Daughter Bonds [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6jyt23z9f4oFvuUwMNsuTc?si=Va43ztudRqKlg-qfs4p5hw] * The Bengson's Keep Going Song [https://open.spotify.com/track/6KtmbXam7AxfCupFYeM6K7?si=4f58dd1cb9cd4da3] * Toxic Positivity Book [https://bookshop.org/lists/mother-daughter-relationships-brittney-m-scott] Help me reach more service providers like you by following the show & leaving a rating or review on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mother-daughter-relationship-show/id1763906282] & Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/06rbWqlxFj58DidwA6w1pl]! Keyword tags: Brittneyscott [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott],#MotherDaughterRelationship [https://www.brittneymscott.com/podcast]#MotherDaughterRelationship #MotherDaughterBond #MotherDaughterHealing #Vulnerability #EmotionalHealing #HealthyRelationships #FamilyCommunication #GenerationalHealing #ToxicPositivity #EmotionalWellness #RelationshipPodcast #WomenSupportingWomen #AdultDaughter #HealingJourney #Boundaries #AuthenticConnection #IntentionalLiving #ReflectiveLeadership #WomenEmpowerment #GriefAndHealing #EggFreezingJourney #FertilityJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #PodcastLife #HealingConversations #EmotionalIntelligence #FamilyHealing #HeartToHeart

Matrscence and The Mother Daughter Dynamic with Dr. Cecily Moore [Ep. 71]

Materscence and The Mother Daughter Dynamic with Dr. Cecily Moore When the Daughter Becomes the Mother with Dr. Cecily Moore In this guest-hosted episode of The Mother Daughter Relationship Show, Dr. Cecily Moore explores the powerful transformation that happens when a daughter becomes a mother. Through the lens of matrescence, the psychological and identity transition into motherhood, Dr. Moore discusses how motherhood reshapes our understanding of caregiving, sacrifice, emotional labor, and our relationship with our own mothers.Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Dr. Moore shares how becoming a mother can bring compassion, clarity, grief, boundary-setting, and healing. She also dives into the impact of generational expectations placed on women (especially Black women) and the process of redefining motherhood on your own terms. This thoughtful conversation invites listeners to reflect on the cycles they want to continue, the patterns they want to break, and the values they want to pass forward. With this episode you’ll learn: * What “matrescence” means and why it matters * The emotional complexity of becoming a mother * Breaking generational cycles and redefining caregiving * Emotional labor and the “Strong Black Woman” narrative * Questions every mother should ask herself about values and identity * How motherhood can become a healing journey Key Takeaways: * Motherhood is more than caring for a baby, it is a complete identity transformation. * Becoming a mother often changes how we understand our own mothers. * Matrescence can bring both healing and grief. * Setting boundaries can be an important part of creating healthier generational patterns. * Motherhood can become an opportunity to consciously rewrite family narratives. Memorable Quotes “Sometimes the most powerful part of becoming a mother is realizing that we now have the opportunity to rewrite the story.” Thank you for listening. Don't forget you can submit your question [https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/form/YOfdpCVZnX2DD0Ssu5qu]! And yes, I really am going to give you an answer in an upcoming podcast.and be sure to say hi on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott]! RESOURCES MENTIONED Be sure to connect with Dr. Cecily Moore using the links in the episode description and download her free Values Checklist. https://www.drcecilymoore.com/values-checklist [https://www.drcecilymoore.com/values-checklist] If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to reflect on the values shaping your motherhood journey. What are you carrying forward and what are you intentionally changing? Help me reach more service providers like you by following the show & leaving a rating or review on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mother-daughter-relationship-show/id1763906282] & Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/06rbWqlxFj58DidwA6w1pl]! Keyword tags: Brittneyscott [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott],#MotherDaughterRelationship [https://www.brittneymscott.com/podcast] #Motherhood #Matrescence #MotherDaughterRelationship #GenerationalHealing #EmotionalLabor #ParentingPodcast #MentalHealth #BlackMotherhood #HealingJourney

Enmeshed Mother Daughter Relationships [Ep. 70]

Breaking Free from Mother-Daughter Enmeshment Why does prioritizing yourself feel like betraying your mother? In this episode, licensed therapist Brittney explores emotional enmeshment in mother-daughter relationships and the painful guilt many daughters experience when trying to become independent. She unpacks how emotionally dependent mothers can unintentionally use guilt, manipulation, and toxic loyalty to keep daughters emotionally responsible for their well-being. Brittney explains why boundaries often feel “wrong” to daughters raised in enmeshed dynamics, how the “good daughter” archetype fuels burnout and resentment, and what healing can look like for both mother and daughter. She also offers practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries, recognizing false guilt, and reclaiming autonomy without abandoning love. This conversation is a reminder that self-care is not betrayal, and that loving your mother should never require losing yourself. With this episode you’ll be able to learn: * What emotional enmeshment looks like between mothers and daughters * Why autonomy can feel like abandonment to an emotionally dependent parent * The “good daughter” archetype and societal pressure * Guilt-tripping language emotionally dependent mothers may use * How childhood attachment patterns shape adult behavior * The difference between real guilt and false guilt * Why boundaries feel so difficult in enmeshed relationships * Practical examples of healthy boundaries * How to stop feeling responsible for your mother’s emotions * Preventing codependent patterns in future relationships Connect with Brittney: * Instagram: @theBrittneyScott [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott/] * Website: www.brittneymscott.com [https://www.brittneymscott.com/] * Consultation to work with Brittney [https://www.brittneymscott.com/calendar-for-mdr] * Free Resources [https://www.brittneymscott.com/resource-library] Notable Quotes: “Your self-care is not betrayal.” “Love does not have to mean self-sacrifice.” “Your mother’s emotional dependency has convinced you that your self-preservation is her destruction.” “You can love your mother without losing yourself.” “In an enmeshed relationship, ‘no’ gets interpreted as ‘I don’t love you.’” Thank you for listening. Don't forget you can submit your question [https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/form/YOfdpCVZnX2DD0Ssu5qu]! And yes, I really am going to give you an answer in an upcoming podcast.and be sure to say hi on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott]! RESOURCES MENTIONED Free Class (May 20th): Learn how to build a healthier, more connected relationship with your daughter. Register Here [https://www.brittneymscott.com/webinar] Help me reach more service providers like you by following the show & leaving a rating or review on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mother-daughter-relationship-show/id1763906282] & Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/06rbWqlxFj58DidwA6w1pl]! Keyword tags: Brittneyscott [https://www.instagram.com/thebrittneyscott],#MotherDaughterRelationship [https://www.brittneymscott.com/podcast] #emotionalmanipulation, #peoplepleasing, #familyenmeshment, #daughterguilt, #toxicfamilydynamics, #healingjourney #boundaries #codependency #mentalhealthpodcast Mentioned in this episode: Q2 '26 Ad [https://mother-daughter-relationship-show.captivate.fm/freeresource]