The Motherhood Experience

When Trauma Feels Like A Freight Train with Emily Cleghorn

This week, I’m joined by Emily Cleghorn, host of the podcast Mamahood After Trauma, for a conversation about motherhood, emotional wellbeing, and learning to move forward after difficult experiences. Emily shares about the ways unresolved trauma can unexpectedly surface in everyday life, sometimes feeling, as she describes it, “like a freight train”, especially within the already demanding and vulnerable season of parenting. Together, we talk about the emotional weight many mothers carry, the importance of self-awareness and support, and the ongoing process of healing while still showing up for your family. While this conversation touches on hard realities, it’s ultimately centered on resilience, growth, and the hope that healing is possible even in life’s most overwhelming seasons. Connect with Emily: * ⁠Mamahood After Trauma Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mamahood-after-trauma-trauma-informed-parenting-emotional/id1595350317] * On ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/emily.mamahoodaftertrauma] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EmilyCMamahoodAfterTrauma/] * Emily's Website [https://mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/] ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

Reading Between the Lines of Motherhood: Infertility & Adoption with Kim Patton

After struggling with infertility and unanswered questions, Kim Patton and her husband found themselves on an unexpected path to motherhood through adoption. In this episode, Kim shares the stark realities of infertility, the journey of adopting two sisters, and what it looks like to build a healthy open adoption relationship with their daughters’ birth mother. As the host of Book Therapy with Kim Patton, Kim now encourages foster and adoptive families through honest conversations, hope-filled stories, and a deep love of books. Together, we discuss the healing power of reading, why embracing our passions matters, and how purpose can emerge from seasons that once felt full of grief and uncertainty. This conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and hope for anyone walking through infertility, adoption, foster care, or the unexpected turns of motherhood. In This Episode: * Kim’s infertility journey and transition into adoption * Adopting two sisters and navigating open adoption * Building a relationship with a birth mother * The joys and challenges of adoptive parenting * How books and storytelling bring healing and connection * Encouragement for foster and adoptive parents * Embracing the passions that bring purpose and hope Connect with Kim: * Book Therapy with Kim Patton [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-therapy-with-kim-patton-encouraging-foster/id1627774110] * On Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kimpatton730/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/authorkimpatton] * Find her authored books and more resources on her website [https://kimpatton.com/]! Bonus Resource: * Thriftbooks [https://www.thriftbooks.com/share/?code=cU57NMQVVJhyiWFSLiejbA%253d%253d] (you can thank me later) ⭐️ If You Loved This Episode Share it with a friend, leave a review, or send it to a mom who might need encouragement today. ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

Adoption: The Long Road to a Joyful Family with Bonnie Butler

In this episode, Bonnie Butler shares her honest tale of adoption: the emotional highs, the unexpected challenges, and the long road toward becoming a truly connected family. What began as a comfortable journey into motherhood became something deeper. It was a refining process that stretched limits of patience and dentity. Bonnie opens up about the hard seasons that tested her, and how choosing to stay, regulate her emotions, and grow through the struggle ultimately led to a home filled with laughter, genuine connection, and joy. Now a life coach, Bonnie helps other mothers navigate the emotional weight of adoption and family transition with greater awareness, steadiness, and grace. About Our Guest: Bonnie Butler Bonnie Johnston Butler is a certified life coach, speaker, and teacher specializing in thought management and emotional resilience. Drawing from her experience as a mother of 10, four biological, six adopted, and former foster parent to 17 children, she founded Bonnie Butler Coaching to help parents and professionals transform overwhelm into clarity. Through practical strategies for emotional regulation and self-leadership, she empowers clients to overcome self-sabotage, navigate complex dynamics, and create purpose-driven lives. Bonnie brings deep expertise in mindset shifts and personal transformation to every client interaction. Connect With Bonnie: Bonnie's Website: https://bonniebutlercoaching.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075873774099 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniebutlercoaching/ ⭐️ If You Loved This Episode Share it with a friend, leave a review, or send it to a mom who might need encouragement today. ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

Adoption: A Test of Endurance & of Faith with Christine Siddens

From the time she was a child, Christine knew she wanted to adopt. As strongly as she felt about adoption, there was no way for her to know or predict what it would mean for her family, or for her motherhood journey. From loss, to estrangement, to disruption, to success, Christine has experienced a little bit of everything. About Our Guest: Christine Siddens Christine started podcasting to create a space where other moms could share their struggles, tears, and triumphs. Sound familiar? :) As the host of the One Tough Momma Podcast, Christine not only shares her own journey of loss, adoption, and revelations, but invites other mothers to share what they've learned and lived through as well. This was born from Christine's realization that sometimes, the best way to heal is often just to share. Find Christine's podcast wherever you stream, or follow her on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onetoughmomma ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

Grieving Hope & Finding Gratitude in Motherhood with Holly Andrews

Holly's story is one that will simultaneously tug at your heart and leave you inspired! I asked Holly's husband if he would ask her to consider being a guest on the podcast, though she and I had never spoken before and didn't know each other. We got into the story of how we're connected, but I'm so glad she agreed to come on the show! About Our Guest: Holly Andrews Holly is a loving wife, doting mother, and has experienced so much in life. From serious health issues, bereaved motherhood, and an abundance of blessing, Holly shares all she has learned to appreciate in her life. Her first daughter, Hope, did not survive long after delivery. The grief she and her husband walked through - and still walk through - impacts them profoundly. However, Holly realized early on, despite heartache or struggles, finding gratitude is the greatest gift of all. Message the host (me, Val) if you'd like Holly's email address and I'll get you connected with her. In the meantime, just enjoy this conversation between two moms, sharing our story and all we're grateful for! Want to book Todd for a comedy show? https://www.toddandrews.com/ ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40