25. You Don’t Have to Give Up Your Dreams After Kids — with Simela Petridis

Dreams don’t disappear when you become a mum… but they can feel further away.In this episode, we sit down with Adelaide mum, high school teacher and Australian Idol Top 8 finalist Simela Petridis to talk about what it really looks like to go after your dreams in the thick of motherhood.Simela’s audition went viral (over a million views 👀), but behind it is a story of stepping away from music, losing a sense of self, and finding the courage to start again.We talk identity, the pressure to “choose” between motherhood and ambition, and why backing yourself matters — not just for you, but for your kids.Simela also opens up about postnatal depression and the realities of early motherhood in a way we know so many of you will relate to.🎧 What You’ll Hear• Simela’s journey from musician to teacher and mum• Why she auditioned for Australian Idol• Losing yourself in motherhood — and finding your way back• Postnatal depression and early motherhood realities• The juggle of kids, career and dreams• Why following your dreams matters for your kids🗓 New Episodes on WednesdaysPlease follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen.🔗 Connect With Us📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked📧 Email: [email protected]🔗 Connect With Simela Petridis📸 Instagram: @simelanatasha🎥 Watch her viral audition:https://open.spotify.com/track/0sT7lRCAvGLVEY9v5BOk7n⚠️ A Gentle ReminderMum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.If you’re struggling, please reach out:• Lifeline: 13 11 14• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306🙏 Thanks for ListeningIf this episode resonated, share it with a friend who might need it.And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛🙏 Thank you to our sponsor Bronte Co🌐 https://www.bronteco.com/📸 Instagram: @bronte_co🔍 Keywordsmotherhood identity, chasing dreams after kids, Simela Petridis, singer, Australian Idol audition, postnatal depression, working mum life, motherhood podcast Australia, parenting podcast for mums, honest motherhood, I don’t want to wait, viral audition