What 1,000 Women Taught Me about Success & Motherhood with Candy O'Terry

How to Stop Trying to Do It All — And Start Living Better

WHAT IF THE GOAL ISN'T DOING MORE—BUT DOING WHAT MATTERS MOST? On this special episode of That Mom, the tables are turned as my friend Marissa interviews me about the story behind the podcast, the lessons motherhood has taught me, and why I believe moms deserve more than validation for how hard things are. We talk about the realities of modern motherhood, the impossible standards many women feel pressured to meet, and why conversations about the mental load are only the beginning. Because once we acknowledge what's hard, the next question becomes: Now what? I share the experiences that shaped my perspective—from becoming a first-time mom and realizing I couldn't "achievement" my way through motherhood, to building a podcast dedicated to helping women create lives that feel more joyful, intentional, and aligned with what matters most. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure how to prioritize yourself alongside everything else you're carrying, this episode is for you. WHAT WE COVER: * Why I started That Mom * The missing piece in today's motherhood conversations * What motherhood taught me about control, achievement, and expectations * Why validation alone isn't enough * The cultural pressures shaping modern motherhood * What ruthless prioritization actually looks like on a Tuesday morning * Why a confident "no" is only possible when you know your real priorities * The 5-minute morning practice that keeps me off the hamster wheel * How to identify what matters most in your current season * Why you don't actually want to do everything * The fear of putting yourself out there—and what happened when I did * How small mindset shifts can create more joy and meaning every day Whether you're navigating young kids, building a career, dreaming about something bigger, or simply trying to enjoy your life a little more, this conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and intentionally create a motherhood that feels right for you. ABOUT THE GUEST In this episode, the guest is me. I'm Maria Woods, host of That Mom, brand marketer, anthropologist-at-heart, legally-trained working mom of two, and someone deeply curious about how we can create lives that feel more meaningful, joyful, and aligned with what matters most. LINKS + RESOURCES * Follow ThatMom: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thatmom_thepodcast/] * Join the ThatMom Community: EMAIL [https://thatmom.kit.com/intentionalmom] * Learn more: That Mom Website [https://riverside.com/www.thatmompodcast.com] Maria's Style Pick: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off [https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/348658e8c64b418606e46da3bad0d763a38ededa-payPerSwap-publicLink-1780441571100?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program] If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

How to Actually Enjoy Your Child's Birthday Party

WHAT IF THE STRESS OF PLANNING CELEBRATIONS HAS LESS TO DO WITH LOGISTICS—AND MORE TO DO WITH LOSING SIGHT OF WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS? On this episode of That Mom, I sit down with attorney, entrepreneur, and self-described "Party Therapist" Jessica Lerner Halprin, founder of Swanky, a platform designed to simplify event planning and help families celebrate life's meaningful moments. Jessica shares how losing her mother inspired her to build a business centered around connection, celebration, and memory-making. We discuss why so many mothers feel pressure around birthdays and family events, how social media has changed our expectations, and why getting clear on your true intention can completely change the way you plan. Whether you're organizing a birthday party, graduation celebration, holiday gathering, or simply trying to create more joy in everyday life, this conversation offers practical advice for celebrating without the overwhelm. WHAT WE COVER: * Why celebrations matter more than we realize * The hidden pressure mothers feel around hosting * How Pinterest and Instagram can derail your plans * The question every parent should ask before planning a party * Why intention matters more than perfection * How to stop inviting opinions you don't actually want * Practical advice for working with vendors and negotiating contracts ABOUT THE GUEST Jessica Lerner Halprin is an attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Swanky, a platform that helps families organize events, preserve planning details, and celebrate life's milestones with less stress and more intention. LINKS + RESOURCES * Connect with Jessica on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/getswankeywithjessica/]or LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlhalprin/] * Check out Swanky [https://www.swankey.com/celebrate-with-swankey-original?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnaFJivo6GXz7vMOQKK3zwOAt2iG5-_QvPO64Ew6lGxENjXRucjuq0dC2tcRY_aem_CG2o5eSo1BtHG5wGccNSaw] * Follow ThatMom: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thatmom_thepodcast/] * Join the ThatMom Community: EMAIL [https://thatmom.kit.com/intentionalmom] * Learn more: That Mom Website [https://riverside.com/www.thatmompodcast.com] Maria's Style Pick: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off [https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/348658e8c64b418606e46da3bad0d763a38ededa-payPerSwap-publicLink-1780441571100?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program] If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

Your Brain Doesn't Know the Difference Between Reality and Imagination

What if the way you're thinking is shaping far more of your life than you realize? On this episode of That Mom, I sit down with author and coach Laura Clifton, whose book Prosperous explores the connection between mindset, neuroscience, and personal success. Laura shares how a difficult season during the pandemic sparked a deep dive into neuroplasticity, manifestation, and the science of how our thoughts influence our experiences. What started as personal research eventually became a book, a coaching practice, and a completely new direction for her life. What We Cover: * What neuroplasticity actually is * Why negative thoughts gain momentum * The surprising science behind gratitude journaling * What the Reticular Activating System (RAS) does * Why your brain looks for evidence of what you focus on * The power of visualization * Why waiting until you're ready keeps so many women stuck * The concept of making a "messy start" * How fear, overwhelm, and self-doubt are often your brain trying to protect you Whether you're building something new, navigating motherhood, or simply trying to feel more grounded in your daily life, this conversation offers practical tools for creating more intention, resilience, and possibility. ABOUT THE GUEST: Laura Clifton is the author of Prosperous and works with individuals through coaching and personal development programs focused on mindset and personal transformation. Links + Resources: * Connect with Laura on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lauraeclifton/] * Laura's Free PDF Book, Programs & More [https://linktr.ee/LauraClifton?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnRBATNAfQfTwh5gPhLH-PuOXDFCPImY_cTU_bjfGHfAd8heVX76kXac-V_ko_aem_bGWFMJNaQli1MUoVQeU0BQ] * Follow ThatMom: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thatmom_thepodcast/] * Join the ThatMom Community: EMAIL [https://thatmom.kit.com/intentionalmom] * Learn more: That Mom Website [https://riverside.com/www.thatmompodcast.com] Maria's Style Pick: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off [https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/348658e8c64b418606e46da3bad0d763a38ededa-payPerSwap-publicLink-1780441571100?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program] If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

The Self-Care Mistake That's Leaving Moms Burned Out

If you've ever felt like you're constantly taking care of everyone else while quietly running on empty yourself—this conversation is for you. Not because you're doing motherhood wrong. Not because you need to try harder. But because somewhere along the way, many mothers learn to ignore their own needs while becoming experts at caring for everyone else's. In this episode, therapist, yoga teacher, and wellness expert Jessica Spaman shares a radically different definition of self-care—one that has nothing to do with spa days and everything to do with learning to listen to yourself again. Together, we explore why so many mothers feel overwhelmed, disconnected, and burned out, how perfectionism and people-pleasing show up in motherhood, and why understanding your emotions may be one of the most important gifts you can give both yourself and your children. This conversation isn't about adding another thing to your to-do list. It's about slowing down long enough to ask what you need, what you want, and how you can create a life that feels more aligned with who you are. WHAT WE COVER: • Why many mothers are experiencing a loneliness epidemic • How busyness keeps us disconnected from ourselves • The surprising link between perfectionism and shame • Why people-pleasing often begins long before motherhood • Jessica's powerful redefinition of self-care • The three questions every mom should ask herself daily • Why emotions live in the body—not just the mind • How to model healthy self-care for your children • Why prioritizing yourself isn't selfish—it's essential ABOUT THE GUEST: Jessica Spaman is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, therapist, yoga teacher, personal trainer, and founder of Emotions in Motion Wellness. Through therapy, retreats, workshops, and community programming, she helps women reconnect with themselves, prioritize their well-being, and build lives rooted in greater alignment, connection, and self-compassion. LINKS + RESOURCES: * Connect with Jessica on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/emotionsinmotionwellness/] * Visit Emotions in Motion Wellness [https://www.emotions-in-motion.com/] * Follow ThatMom: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thatmom_thepodcast/] * Join the ThatMom Community: EMAIL [https://thatmom.kit.com/intentionalmom] * Learn more: That Mom Website [https://riverside.com/www.thatmompodcast.com] MARIA'S STYLE PICK: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off [https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/348658e8c64b418606e46da3bad0d763a38ededa-payPerSwap-publicLink-1780441571100?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program] If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

Living on Autopilot? How to Find More Joy in Motherhood

IF YOU'VE EVER LOOKED AROUND AT YOUR LIFE AND THOUGHT, "HOW DID I GET HERE?"—THIS CONVERSATION IS FOR YOU. Not because your life is bad. Not because you've failed. But because somewhere between work, motherhood, responsibilities, and caring for everyone else, it's easy to lose touch with yourself. In this episode, development coach Charlotte Kovacs shares why so many women find themselves living on autopilot—and how small moments of intentionality can help us reconnect with what brings us joy, energy, and fulfillment. This conversation isn't about overhauling your life or adding another thing to your to-do list. It's about quieting the noise, questioning the "shoulds," and creating space to become more intentional about how you spend your time, energy, and attention. What We Cover: • Why so many mothers feel like they're living on autopilot • The hidden "shoulds" that shape our decisions and steal our joy • How to trust yourself in a world full of parenting advice and expectations • Why balance isn't about doing everything equally • The difference between obligation and genuine alignment • How to identify what truly gives you energy • A simple practice for checking in with yourself throughout different seasons of life • Why joy doesn't have to be big to be meaningful • The role of creativity, nature, and reflection in a fulfilling life • How to stop following someone else's rules and start choosing intentionally About the Guest: Charlotte Kovacs is a development coach who helps people grow into the person they are truly meant to be. Blending life and career coaching, she works with clients to uncover limiting beliefs, reconnect with their values, and create lives that feel more aligned, purposeful, and fulfilling. She is the founder of Kovacs Coaching and creator of the Eyes on the Stars, Feet on the Ground coaching program. Links + Resources: * Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-kovacs/] * Subscribe to Charlotte's Newsletter [https://kovacscoaching.com/] * Follow ThatMom: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thatmom_thepodcast/] * Join the ThatMom Community: EMAIL [https://thatmom.kit.com/intentionalmom] * Learn more: That Mom Website [https://riverside.com/www.thatmompodcast.com] Maria's Style Picks: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off [https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/348658e8c64b418606e46da3bad0d763a38ededa-payPerSwap-publicLink-1780441571100?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program] And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.