Amanda Russell on Motherhood, Identity, and Thriving in the Chaotic Middle | 71

Key topicsShe opens up about experiencing postpartum depression with two of her childrenHow motherhood reshaped her sense of purposeMental load women carry, especially when they are the default caretaker, planner, and emotional anchor in the home.Delegation in business, stronger boundaries, and accepting support have helped her protect her time and energy.Redefining success, letting go of guilt, and accepting that pivoting is part of growth rather than a sign of failure.Amanda emphasizes that resilience often looks like redirection, especially when feedback, disappointment, or burnout force a new perspective.Timestamps00:00 - Why this episode is for women in the messy middle02:07 - Who Amanda Russell is beyond her roles and titles02:45 - From corporate paralegal to copywriter and business owner04:15 - Why storytelling became the heart of her work06:49 - Postpartum depression and the role podcasts played in survival07:43 - How motherhood shaped her identity and values10:51 - The season that pushed her to start her own business12:21 - Her kids seeing her build something meaningful13:38 - Why one woman's admission can become another woman's permission15:46 - Reconnecting with identity beyond productivity and caretaking18:05 - Losing yourself in motherhood and the need to feel seen20:57 - Releasing perfectionism and the Pinterest board pressure22:41 - Why worrying about being a good mom is usually a sign you are one24:50 - Delegation, boundaries, and making space for what matters29:16 - Redefining success beyond the old career ladder31:05 - Guilt about serving outside the home and in the community32:30 - Purpose before opinions and letting guilt lose its power34:18 - Why pivoting is normal and not a failure38:13 - Practicing confidence instead of waiting to feel ready42:41 - Rebuilding after disappointment, burnout, and negative feedback46:11 - Teaching kids to receive feedback without letting it define them47:44 - What entrepreneurship has taught her about resilience49:41 - The invisible mental load and the chaos of school schedules51:20 - Rest, dropping balls, and giving yourself permission to pause53:17 - Managing overwhelm and adjusting rhythms by season56:14 - Encouragement for women who feel unseenNotable quotes"One woman's admission is another's permission.""I had a purpose before anyone had an opinion.""If you're worrying about being a good mom, then you should know you already are one."Connect with Amanda: www.chaoscoordinationllc.com.https://www.threads.com/chaoscoordinationllchttps://www.instagram.com/chaoscoordinationllchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-courtney-russell/Connect with Johanna:🌐 www.johannamoses.com🌐 www. Ephraimfoundation.org📲 Instagram: @medicine_motherhood_missionsMusic licensed through Soundstripe.Code: DDPRY1OPWI3NRMTF