This Wasn't in the Manual

What No One Tells You About Becoming a Mom and Entering a New Year

A new year is supposed to feel exciting. Fresh goals, new energy, a reset. But after becoming a mom, January can feel..heavy. In this episode, we talk about the parts of motherhood no one really prepares you for when the calendar turns. The quiet identity shifts. The grief for who you used to be. The pressure to "have it all figured out" when you're still learning yourself in this new season. This is an honest, reflective conversation for the mom who loves her child deeply but still feels unsure, slower, or different than she expected. If you're entering the new year without big resolutions, with more questions than answers, or just overwhelmed with where to start and how to move forward, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: 1. How becoming a mom reshapes your identity in ways no one warms you about 2. The grief and guilt that canc ome with missing your pre-mom self 3. Why the New Year feels different after motherhood 4. Letting go of timelines, pressure, and "bounce back" culture 5. Redefining growth, success, and goals in this season 6. Entering the year gently, without forcing a reset Reflective prompts: 1. What parts of myself am I still getting to know? 2. What expectations can I release this year? 3. What would it look like to move forward more gently? Important reminders: 1. You are not behind 2. You are not broken 3. You are becoming Let's keep the conversation going: DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments. Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

Dealing with Sick Kids and Balancing It All

Every parent knows the drill, just when you're finding your rhythm, the sniffles, fevers, and sleepless nights hit. In this episode, Juliana and Nathaly open up about the reality of caring for sick little ones while still trying to juggle work, home, relationships, and self-care. From the emotional toll of seeing your child unwell to the logistics of rearranging schedules, we share out personal stories, the chaos behind the scenes, and the small strategies that keep us going. You'll hear about: * The guilt and pressure parents feel when life can't pause * How to manage work responsibilities when kids need you most * Ways to prioritize your own health while caregiving * Reminders that it's okay to ask for help (and say no!) Whether you're in the thick of it right now or just want to feel seen and supported, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone. Tune in for an honest, unfiltered (and emotional) conversation about motherhood in the messiest seasons. Let's keep the conversation going: DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments. Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

From Lovers to Parents

Becoming parents changes everything—not just your daily routines, but also your relationship with your partner. In this episode, we talk about the messy, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming transition from being lovers to being parents. We dive into how intimacy shifts after kids, why communication becomes more important than ever, and how to balance romance with the never-ending demands of parenthood. Whether you’re a new parent wondering why your relationship feels different, or a seasoned parent trying to rekindle that spark, this conversation is for you. We share our own raw experiences, the challenges we didn’t see coming, and the small things that help us stay connected as partners while raising little ones. What we talk about: * The emotional adn physical shift in relationships after kids * Navigating intimacy and expectations post-baby * The importance of open, honest communication * Practical ways to keep the spark alive while juggling parenthood * Why grace and patience matter more than ever We’re breaking the silence on a topic many couples struggle with but don’t always talk about. By the end, you’ll feel seen, less alone, and hopefully inspired with a few ideas to nurture your partnership while growing as parents. Let's keep the conversation going: DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments. Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

Raising Boys in These Times

Raising boys today comes with unique challenges, and incredible opportunities. From navigating expectations to encouraging emotional intelligence, this conversation dives into what it means to raise boys in a world that's rapidly changing. In this episode, Juliana and Nathaly share their personal experiences as mothers of boys and explore important questions: * How do we teach boys to express their emotions? * What role fathers, mothers, and caregivers play in shaping healthy masculinity? * How do we balance resilience with compassion? * What cultural and generational shifts are shaping the way we parent sons today? Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply curious about how we can nurture the next generation of men, this episode will leave you with insights, stories and envouragment to raise boys with confidence, empathy, and strength. Let's keep the conversation going: DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments. Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

The Invisible Weight of Mom Guilt

If you’ve ever ended the day replaying all the things you “should” have done differently as a mom, this episode is for you. We’re talking about mom guilt—that quiet (and sometimes loud) voice in your head that says you’re not doing enough, not being enough, or not getting it “right.” In this conversation, we unpack: * The most common triggers of mom guilt (and why it shows up in so many forms) * The invisible rules of "good motherhood" and where they come from * The difference between guilt and shame, and why knowing the difference matters * Our own way, personal stories of feeling guilty as moms * Practical tools to release the guilt and replace it with self-compassion Whether you're a working mom, stay-at-home mom, single mom, or somewhere in between, you'll walk away feeling less alone and more empowered to give yourself the grace you deserve. You are enough. And you're not meant to carry this weight forever. Let's keep the conversation going: DM us on Instagram @thiswasntinthemanualpod and share your motherhood reality check moments. Listen now and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!