Healing the Grief, the Love, and the Silence Around Your Mother episode artwork

EPISODE · May 11, 2025 · 47 MIN

Healing the Grief, the Love, and the Silence Around Your Mother

from The Tamsen Show · host Tamsen Fadal

If you’ve ever wondered why certain relationships feel so hard or why you’ve spent a lifetime craving a kind of love you can’t quite name, this special Mother’s Day edition will give you language for what you’ve lived. Tamsen sits down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Kelly McDaniel to talk about Mother Hunger, a term she coined to describe the deep, often hidden longing many women carry from not getting the love, protection, or guidance they needed as daughters. They talk about: - Why so many women struggle with emotional eating, self-worth, and romantic patterns—and how it ties back to early attachment - What “mother hunger” really means, and why most women don’t recognize it until midlife - How your earliest experiences shape your relationships, your body image, and your ability to trust - The emotional cost of caring for a mother who couldn’t care for you - What it means to crave love that feels safe, steady, and nourishing - How to begin healing, even if your mother is gone, unavailable, or unwilling - Why midlife is often the moment women finally face the grief they’ve been carrying for decades - How unresolved mother hunger can show up in love, sex, food, and friendships and what to do about it - Whether forgiveness is necessary in order to move on and what to do if an apology never comes This episode is for every woman who has ever said “I’m fine” when she wasn’t and is finally ready to tell herself the truth. Watch the Full Episode Here: https://www.youtube.com/@TamsenFadalTV Get my new book, How To Menopause, Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life and Feel Even Better Than Before 💖 http://www.howtomenopause.com  Follow The Tamsen Show:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetamsenshow/ Follow Tamsen Fadal: Website: https://www.tamsenfadal.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamsenfadal Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tamsenfadal You can find Kelly Here: https://kellymcdanieltherapy.com/ Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’ve ever wondered why certain relationships feel so hard or why you’ve spent a lifetime craving a kind of love you can’t quite name, this special Mother’s Day edition will give you language for what you’ve lived. Tamsen sits down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Kelly McDaniel to talk about Mother Hunger, a term she coined to describe the deep, often hidden longing many women carry from not getting the love, protection, or guidance they needed as daughters. They talk about: - Why so many women struggle with emotional eating, self-worth, and romantic patterns—and how it ties back to early attachment - What “mother hunger” really means, and why most women don’t recognize it until midlife - How your earliest experiences shape your relationships, your body image, and your ability to trust - The emotional cost of caring for a mother who couldn’t care for you - What it means to crave love that feels safe, steady, and nourishing - How to begin healing, even if your mother is gone, unavailable, or unwilling - Why midlife is often the moment women finally face the grief they’ve been carrying for decades - How unresolved mother hunger can show up in love, sex, food, and friendships and what to do about it - Whether forgiveness is necessary in order to move on and what to do if an apology never comes This episode is for every woman who has ever said “I’m fine” when she wasn’t and is finally ready to tell herself the truth. Watch the Full Episode Here: https://www.youtube.com/@TamsenFadalTV Get my new book, How To Menopause, Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life and Feel Even Better Than Before 💖 http://www.howtomenopause.com  Follow The Tamsen Show:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetamsenshow/ Follow Tamsen Fadal: Website: https://www.tamsenfadal.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamsenfadal Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tamsenfadal You can find Kelly Here: https://kellymcdanieltherapy.com/ Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Healing the Grief, the Love, and the Silence Around Your Mother

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This episode was published on May 11, 2025.

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If you’ve ever wondered why certain relationships feel so hard or why you’ve spent a lifetime craving a kind of love you can’t quite name, this special Mother’s Day edition will give you language for what you’ve lived. Tamsen sits down with...

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