Building a More Peaceful Motherhood Through Small Daily Rituals

Building a More Peaceful Motherhood Through Small Daily Rituals

If motherhood has started to feel more like survival than joy, this conversation offers a gentler, more sustainable way forward. In this episode, holistic health expert Derenda Jeffrey shares thoughtful insights on emotional well-being, perfectionism, nervous system health, gratitude, and the small daily practices that help mothers feel more grounded, energized, and emotionally supported. This conversation isn’t about becoming a “better” mom. It’s about learning how to care for yourself with more grace inside the very real demands of modern motherhood. WHAT WE COVER: * Why emotional health impacts physical health more than we realize * The connection between perfectionism, stress, and exhaustion * How comparison culture affects mothers emotionally * The science and psychology behind gratitude practices * Flexible morning routines for busy moms with limited time * Small, sacred moments that help create a more meaningful life ABOUT THE GUEST: Derenda Jeffrey is a holistic health expert and wellness coach with nearly four decades of experience helping people improve their well-being through nutrition, emotional awareness, energy work, lifestyle shifts, and intentional living. Her work focuses on helping women create healthier, more grounded lives from the inside out. LINKS + RESOURCES: * Connect with Derenda Jeffrey Online [https://www.intentionalliving.me/] * 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://www.thatmompodcast.com/] If this episode resonated, share it with a mother who’s feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stretched thin, or stuck trying to do everything perfectly. And if you’re enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions on motherhood, emotional well-being, identity, ambition, and building a life that feels good to live.

How High-Achieving Moms Can Create a Life They Actually Enjoy

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly managing everyone else’s needs while slowly losing connection to yourself, this conversation will help you rethink what it actually means to build a sustainable life. In this episode, leadership and burnout coach Laurel Boivin shares practical insights on capacity, emotional regulation, perfectionism, and why so many high-achieving women end up stuck in cycles of overwhelm. This conversation isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about learning how to create more ease, intention, and energy within the life you already have. What We Cover: * Why “capacity” matters more than productivity * The hidden energy drains keeping moms overwhelmed * How perfectionism increases emotional exhaustion * The connection between nervous system regulation and motherhood * How to make decisions using your core values * Small shifts that create more ease in daily life * The difference between rest and true restoration * Why slowing down can actually make life feel more manageable About the Guest: Laurel Boivin is a leadership and burnout coach who helps women build sustainable lives through emotional regulation, nervous system awareness, intentional leadership, and practical systems that reduce overwhelm. Links + Resources: * Follow Laurel: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laurel.boivin/]+ LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurelboivin/] * Listen to Laurel's Podcast or Book a Call [https://linktr.ee/Laurel.Boivin?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnH7-8KGtLKyDnuAv1z0Vep1UCRAvH7JzMEyGKi7RANPnvmzW9IULiERRQSKU_aem_FxpTgkHosqPvh9MnF6T5pA] * 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://www.thatmompodcast.com/] If this episode resonated, share it with a mother who’s tired of living in constant survival mode. And if you’re enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions on motherhood, identity, ambition, and building a life you actually want to live.

The Science of Motherhood Explained

Becoming a mother changes far more than your schedule. It changes your brain, your nervous system, your identity, your relationships, and the way you move through the world. In this episode, I sit down with El Fort of Mindful Healing Mama [https://www.mindfullhealingmama.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] to talk about the invisible transition women go through when they become mothers. El introduces the concept of matrescence—the developmental transition into motherhood—and explains the science behind why motherhood can feel so emotionally, physically, and psychologically destabilizing. IIf you’ve ever felt… * disconnected from yourself after becoming a mom * overwhelmed by emotions you didn’t expect in motherhood * like you should have “bounced back” by now * unsure why motherhood feels so physically and emotionally intense * like your identity shifted and no one warned you ---------------------------------------- IN THIS CONVERSATION, WE EXPLORE: * what matrescence reveals about the transformation into motherhood * how pregnancy and postpartum reshape the brain and nervous system * why high-achieving women often experience identity disruption after birth * how stress and regulation patterns are transmitted between parent and child * the science behind why “bouncing back” is not biologically accurate * small, practical ways mothers can begin restoring regulation and grounding ABOUT THE GUEST: Elle Fort is a mindfulness educator, motherhood advocate, and nervous system practitioner who helps mothers regulate stress, reconnect with themselves, and break generational patterns through somatic healing and nervous system support. LINKS + RESOURCES: * Elle’s Website: Mindful Healing Mama [https://www.mindfullhealingmama.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Follow Elle: Instagram @mindfulhealingmama [https://www.instagram.com/mindfulhealingmama/?utm_source=chatgpt.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://www.thatmompodcast.com/] If this episode validated you, share it with a mom who needs it too. And if you’re loving these conversations, follow the show so you never miss an episode of That Mom.

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

If you’ve ever felt like motherhood put your dreams on pause, this conversation will remind you that your story is still unfolding—and that success can grow alongside motherhood, not after it. In this deeply inspiring conversation, legendary Boston radio personality and storyteller Candy O'Terry shares what interviewing nearly 1,000 women has taught her about ambition, motherhood, resilience, joy, and living up to your potential. From raising her children as a single mom while working overnight radio shifts, to interviewing icons like Mariah Carey, Candy brings wisdom, warmth, and unforgettable stories to this conversation. WHAT WE COVER: * Why motherhood has “chapters”—and how to embrace each season * What Candy learned raising children while building a major radio career * The power of having just one person believe in you * Why relationships are everything in both life and career * What nearly 1,000 women taught Candy about success * Why women often underestimate themselves * The importance of resilience for both moms and children * How adversity can become a powerful teacher * Candy’s favorite interviews—including Mariah Carey and the heartbreaking story of Maggie Bish * The lesson behind Candy’s “Rose Lady from Boston” story * Why success takes time—and why humility matters * The joy found in striving toward your potential * What it means to “slow down to the speed of joy” ABOUT THE GUEST: Candy O'Terry is an award-winning broadcaster, singer, author, and host of the podcast The Story Behind Her Success. Over the course of her career, she has interviewed nearly 1,000 women, sharing stories of resilience, leadership, creativity, and transformation. KEY INSIGHT: “Motherhood has chapters too.” Candy’s story is a reminder that success and motherhood are not competing identities. They evolve together. Joy can coexist with struggle. Resilience can be taught. And sometimes the climb itself—not just the destination—is where the meaning lives. LINKS + RESOURCES: * Candy O'Terry Website [https://www.candyoterry.com] * Listen to The Story Behind Her Success [https://www.candyoterry.com/podcast] * Candy’s Music [https://www.candyoterry.com/music] * Nelson’s Garden Books: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nelsonsgardenbook/] + Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Nelsons-Garden-Candy-OTerry/dp/195481996X] * Follow Candy on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/candyoterry/?utm_source=chatgpt.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://www.thatmompodcast.com/] If this episode encouraged you, share it with a mom who needs the reminder that she is not behind—and that every chapter of motherhood holds meaning. And if you’re loving these conversations, follow the show so you never miss an episode of That Mom.

Why Moms Belong in the AI Conversation Now

You might feel overwhelmed by AI—but avoiding it may be riskier than learning it. Right now, AI is changing the way we work, communicate, parent, and make decisions. And while many women are still hesitant to engage with it, the people learning how to use these tools today are helping shape the future for everyone else. If you’ve ever thought: “AI feels intimidating.” “Is this something I actually need to understand?” — this episode is for you. Because this isn’t just about technology. It’s about protecting your future, reclaiming your time, and making sure moms have a voice in the conversations shaping the next generation. In this episode, I sit down with Shreya Gulati, founder of Moms Build AI, to break down what AI actually means for moms—and why learning to use it now could become one of the biggest advantages for your family, career, and everyday life. What We Cover: * Why women and moms are adopting AI more slowly than men * The career risks of ignoring AI as workplaces rapidly change * The shocking statistic about how much code AI is already writing * Why prompt engineering is becoming a critical modern skill * Beginner-friendly ways to start using ChatGPT and Claude * Practical AI tools for simplifying mom life * Using AI for planning, organization, communication, and mental load * Guardrails for kids using AI at home and in school * How to raise critical thinkers in an AI-driven world * Why moms deserve a seat at the table shaping the future of AI About the Guest: Shreya Gulati is the founder of Moms Build AI, a platform helping moms understand, use, and build with AI in practical, approachable ways. Through education, resources, and community, she empowers women to confidently navigate the rapidly changing future of technology and work. Links + Resources: * Moms Build AI: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momsbuildai/] * Moms Build AI FREE Resources: Website [https://momsbuildai.com/resources/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnQhxvoSpmTgDRT8lJDql5Sq-Pt1OGjKXSDTgxt0dY-Jm-8D9VfmxE3VHEY08_aem_RYcZgvb--6w1AbG_YY2Ocg] * 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://www.thatmompodcast.com/] If this episode resonated, send it to a mom who’s curious about AI—but doesn’t know where to start—and follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.