Episode 45: In the Weeds of Motherhood: Self-Care Without Guilt with Cindy Woulfe

Episode 45: In the Weeds of Motherhood: Self-Care Without Guilt with Cindy Woulfe

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. In this episode of Grey Minds Think Alike, the host speaks with Cindy Woulfe, author of In the Weeds: A Guide to Saving Your Own Soul on this crazy journey called Motherhood, about how motherhood can feel overwhelming, isolating, and identity-erasing even when life looks “perfect” from the outside. Cindy shares how becoming a mom after having a strong pre-motherhood identity left her feeling lost, how honesty and connection with other mothers helped her heal, and why self-care is a responsibility rather than selfishness. They discuss practical ways to start—like quiet, meditation, journaling, small repeated rituals, gratitude, and setting boundaries—plus the importance of finding “your people,” communicating needs to a partner, and releasing guilt and comparison while accepting how motherhood transforms you. About Cindy Woulfe Cindy Woulfe is an author and advocate for mothers navigating the often overwhelming early years of parenthood. Like so many women, Cindy found herself drowning in the weeds of motherhood—experiencing both the pressure and the beauty that come with becoming a new mom. Instead of suffering silently, she chose to create a solution, or as she puts it, a mother’s helper. Her first book, In the Weeds: A Guide to Saving Your Own Soul on This Crazy Journey Called Motherhood, is a heartfelt and practical guide for women who feel lost, depleted, or disconnected from themselves after becoming a parent. Through personal stories, thoughtful journal prompts, and real-life strategies, Cindy offers a 30-day framework designed to support reflection, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth during this transformative season. Cindy’s work focuses on helping moms practice self-care without guilt, establish healthy boundaries, and reconnect with their identity beyond motherhood. Grounded in self-compassion, her message reminds parents that nurturing yourself is not abandoning your family—it’s the foundation for deeper connection, resilience, and joy for everyone you love. Website - www.cindycapriowoulfe.com [http://www.cindycapriowoulfe.com] About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.” Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court. Contact Ali: Email [ali@greysonschoice.org] LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/alikessler] Website [https://www.greysonschoice.org/]

Episode 44: The Love Doctor's Guide to Emotional Safety with Anil Gupta

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. On Grey Minds Think Alike, host Ali interviews “Love Doctor” Anil Gupta, a relationship and mindset mentor and author of Immediate Happiness, about practical tools for navigating conflict, grief, and toxic relationship patterns. Gupta explains how people create suffering by assigning meanings to events, and shares his “happiness = G x G x G” formula—Give, Gratitude, and Growth—along with examples from a serious hand injury and his past suicidal thoughts. He outlines criteria for a healthy partner (integrity, loving, and healthy) and advises seeking help or leaving when safety is at risk. For parents, he offers a dinner-table exercise using gratitude, kindness, and communication prompts to build emotional safety and confidence in children. He also discusses choosing fulfillment, reframing language, and how singles can “collect data” before dating. About Anil Gupta Anil Gupta, widely known as The Love Doctor, is a TEDx and Harvard speaker, relationship and mindset mentor, and author of Immediate Happiness (meetanil.com/happiness-book [https://meetanil.com/happiness-book]). For over 20 years, he has guided individuals and families through grief, trauma, and toxic relationships, helping them build resilience, emotional safety, and hope. Featured on iHeartRadio and Fox News, Anil has shared stages with Richard Branson, Les Brown, and other world-renowned leaders. Through his teachings at meetanil.com [https://meetanil.com/], he empowers people to transform pain into purpose and reclaim joy in their lives. https://meetanil.com [https://meetanil.com] About Ali Kessler Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.” Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in the successful passage of Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court. Contact Ali: Email [ali@greysonschoice.org] LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/alikessler] Website [https://www.greysonschoice.org/] Subscribe, donate, listen, learn.

Episode 43: Conscious Parenting: From Conflict to Connection with Katherine Sellery

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. In this transformative episode of Grey Minds Think Ali.Ke., host Ali Kessler sits down with global parenting and communication expert Katherine Sellery, founder of the Conscious Parenting Revolution. Katherine’s work has helped thousands of families shift from conflict to connection through communication that supports safety, respect, and emotional intelligence. Together, Ali and Katherine explore how conscious parenting can help families — especially those navigating trauma, domestic violence, family court, or high-conflict co-parenting — understand their children’s emotional needs while breaking patterns of fear-based communication. Katherine explains the core principles of the Guidance Approach to Parenting, offering practical tools that parents can apply immediately to reduce power struggles, rebuild trust, and support children who’ve experienced instability or trauma. This episode is an empowering reminder that parenting isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence, connection, and learning new ways to create emotional safety in the middle of chaos. About Katherine Sellery Katherine Sellery is a global leader in parenting, communication, and emotional intelligence — and the founder of the Conscious Parenting Revolution. A #1 Amazon best-selling author, 3-time TEDx speaker, and trained mediator, Katherine has spent more than two decades teaching families, educators, and professionals how to navigate conflict, build strong connections, and transform the way they communicate. She is the co-creator of the Guidance Approach to Parenting, a model rooted in psychology, neuroscience, and mediation that helps parents move away from fear-based strategies and toward respect-based relationships. Katherine has led transformational workshops across 12+ countries and has been featured on ABC, Good Day LA, WUSA9, and numerous global platforms. She is also a mental health advocate who organized the National Summit on Mental Health & Fitness, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and leaders to reimagine emotional wellness on a national scale. To learn more about Katherine’s courses, workshops, and the Conscious Parenting Revolution, visit Website: www.consciousparentingrevolution.com [http://www.consciousparentingrevolution.com] About Ali Kessler Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.” Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court. Contact Ali: Email [ali@greysonschoice.org] LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/alikessler] Website [https://www.greysonschoice.org/]

Episode 42: Warrior Moms Rising: Jenn Robb on Resilience, Mental Health Advocacy + Strength in Community

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. Host Ali Kessler interviews Jenn Robb (the “Warrior Mom Coach”) about resilience, motherhood, and rising after hardship. Jenn shares her family’s experience when her daughter began struggling at 12 with anxiety, depression, and self-harm, culminating at 15 in a near-fatal alcohol poisoning, later revealing the root trauma of a peer sexual assault. Jenn discusses prioritizing her daughter’s survival over prosecution, the lack of support for moms in crisis, and how writing her book, "Warrior Moms Rising," was both triggering and cathartic. She emphasizes self-care, positive self-talk, avoiding social-media comparison, education, and strong advocacy in medical settings, including refusing overmedication and finding better-fit providers. Jen encourages overwhelmed moms to seek community, outlines her group coaching and resources at warriormomcoach.net, and stresses that women are never alone and that purpose can be found in pain. About Jenn Robb: Known as the Warrior Mom Coach, is a mentor, speaker, and author dedicated to helping moms find strength and healing after hardship. In her new book, Warrior Moms Rising, Jenn shares her own story and the tools she uses to guide women toward resilience, self-love, and empowerment. Through her coaching and community at warriormomcoach.net [https://warriormomcoach.net/], she inspires moms to rise above challenges and embrace the warrior within. Instagram @warriormom_jennrobb Fb: @Jenn Robb FB community: Warrior Mom Rising https://warriormomcoach.net/ [https://warriormomcoach.net/] About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.” Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court. Contact Ali: Email [ali@greysonschoice.org] LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/alikessler] Website [https://www.greysonschoice.org/]

Episode 41: Navigating Grief and Self-Love: A Journey with Jonathan Aslay

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. ABOUT JONATHON ASLAY Jonathon Aslay is one of America’s leading mid-life self-love and relationship coaches, an author, speaker, and thought leader dedicated to helping men and women build healthier relationships by first cultivating a deeper relationship with themselves. After the devastating loss of his 19-year-old son, Connor, in 2018, Jonathon’s grief led him on a profound inner journey—one that expanded his work beyond dating and relationships into the essential practice of self-love, emotional healing, and personal empowerment. Through this experience, he became acutely aware of a common yet often overlooked issue facing many people seeking partnership: a deep lack of self-worth, self-regard, and self-love. Today, Jonathon is on a mission to help people heal from heartbreak, divorce, and loss by understanding how relationships serve as powerful mirrors for growth. He is the author of What the Heck Is Self-Love Anyway?, a practical and engaging guide filled with spiritual insight and personal growth practices designed to help individuals reconnect with themselves and create more conscious, fulfilling relationships. Jonathon’s work bridges grief, emotional health, and relationship wisdom—offering a compassionate, grounded approach to love that begins within. Contact Jonathan: https://www.jonathonaslay.com/ [https://www.jonathonaslay.com/] About Ali Kessler Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.” Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court. Contact Ali: Email [ali@greysonschoice.org] LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/alikessler] Website [https://www.greysonschoice.org/]