The Juggle is Real
by Andryanna Gonko
The Juggle is Real is a podcast for women navigating work, family, and everything in between, looking for more clarity, intention, and ease. Hosted by Andryanna Gonko, the show gets into the nuanced, not-talked-about-enough parts of modern life, from stress and relationships to health, wellness, identity, parenting and the mental load. Through honest conversations with guest experts and relatable solo episodes, you’ll find fresh perspectives and practical takeaways to help you feel seen, reconnect with yourself, and take small, meaningful steps forward without the pressure to do it perfectly.
Episodes
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The Conversations We Put Off: Estate Planning, Family & Legacy with Debbie Stanley | E219
Some of the most important conversations we need to have with the people we love are often the easiest to put off. In this replay episode of The Juggle is Real, Andryanna revisits a conversation with Debbie Stanley, trust and estate practitioner, certified executor advisor and founder of ETP...
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The Kind of Gratitude We Need Right Now: Noticing the Good Without Ignoring the Hard | 218
With Thanksgiving around the corner, gratitude is everywhere and so is #Blessed. But when life feels overwhelming and the world feels especially heavy, being told to just be grateful can feel a little out of touch. In this solo episode, Andryanna explores a more realistic, less performative...
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Why You Always Feel Rushed: How to Break the Cycle of Hurry Sickness | E217
Do you ever feel like you’re constantly rushing? In this replay episode of The Juggle is Real, Andryanna takes a closer look at hurry sickness, the behavioural pattern of constantly feeling rushed, behind and like there’s never quite enough time. From racing through everyday tasks to multitasking...
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Lymphatic Health Explained: The Often-Overlooked Part of Women’s Health with John Ossipinsky | E216
What does your lymphatic system actually do, and why is everyone suddenly talking about lymphatic drainage? In this episode of The Juggle is Real, Andryanna sits down with John Ossipinsky, also known as “The LymphMan,” to explore a part of the body many of us have heard of but don’t fully...
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Ambition Without Burnout: Redefining Success on Your Terms (Replay) | E215
What if being successful didn't have to mean constantly pushing harder, doing more or putting yourself last? In this replay episode, Andryanna explores the relationship between ambition, happiness and well-being, and why stepping away from hustle culture doesn't mean giving up on your goals.…
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The Early School Years: Helping Younger Kids Adjust with Ease (replay) | E214
The first days and weeks of school can be a big adjustment, especially when kids are younger and still learning how to navigate new routines, expectations, independence and time away from home. In this replay episode, Andryanna shares practical ways to bring a little more ease to the transition...
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Rethinking Back-to-School: 5 Lessons (and Oreo-Gate) | E213
After many first days, forgotten water bottles, uneaten lunches, chaotic mornings and three very different kids, Andryanna is heading into this school year with a different goal: preparing less for the perfect first week and more for a sustainable school year. In this episode, she shares five...
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Seeing School Differently: Helping Kids Learn, Build Confidence & Thrive with Suzanne Decary | E212
Getting kids ready for school is about so much more than supplies, routines and academics. It's also about helping them feel confident, supported and understood, especially when they experience learning or the classroom differently. In this episode, Andryanna is joined by Suzanne Decary, Senior...
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Back-to-School Without the Battles: Practical ADHD Strategies for Everyday Family Life with The Childhood Collective | E211
Back-to-school can bring a lot of pressure for families, especially when you're parenting a child with ADHD. How do you create routines that actually work, support your child without doing everything for them, and build independence without adding more battles to family life? In this episode,...
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The In-Between: Preparing for Fall Without Missing the End of Summer | E210
Approaching mid-August can feel like you're living in two seasons at once. One foot is still in summer, soaking up sunsets, swims, campfires and slower days. The other is already thinking about backpacks, routines, school supplies and everything September brings. In this episode, Andryanna…
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Why Staying Calm Feels So Hard: Parenting Through Big Emotions with Kathryn Anne Flynn | E209 (replay) with Kathryn Anne Flynn
Have you ever found yourself reacting in a way you promised yourself you wouldn't? You know what you want to say. You know how you want to parent. But in the moment, your emotions take over and afterward you're left wondering, "Why is this so hard?" In this archive episode, Andryanna sits down…
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Why Summer Flies By: And the Secret to Making the Most of What's Left | E208
Somewhere around the halfway point of summer, many of us start doing the same thing: mentally moving on before the season is actually over. We start focusing on everything we haven't done yet, wondering where the time went, and already thinking about back-to-school routines and what's next. But...
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The Psychology of Fun: Why Women Struggle to Prioritize Joy (and How to Reconnect with It) with Dr. Kristine Laderoute | E207
Why do so many women struggle to prioritize joy, even when they know they need it? In this conversation, clinical psychologist Dr. Kristine Laderoute returns to the podcast to discuss why so many women feel disconnected from themselves and guilty for wanting to have more fun in midlife. She and...
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Finding Your Summer Rhythm: What Really Makes Summer Memorable | E206
Summer is supposed to feel slower, lighter, and more relaxing, but for many families, the transition can feel surprisingly overwhelming. Between changing routines, sibling bickering, mental load and the pressure to make every day memorable, it's easy to feel like you're already falling behind. In...
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Summer Food Made Easier: Simple Entertaining, Road Trips & Feeding Your Family Without the Stress with Charmaine Broughton | E205
Summer often comes with a different kind of mental load. Between changing schedules, sports, road trips, entertaining, vacations, and keeping everyone fed, many families find themselves spending more time, money, and energy on food than they expected. In this episode, Andryanna sits down with...
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The Final Stretch: Finishing June with More Ease & Intention (Replay) | E204
If you're feeling stretched thin by the pace of June, you're not alone. Between school events, sports, field trips, work deadlines, summer planning, and all of the invisible mental load that comes with this season, many of us are simply trying to make it to the finish line. This week, I'm...
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Swedish Death Cleaning: The Mental Load of Clutter (and What to Let Go of Before Summer) | E203
Summer is almost here, and for many of us, the garage is overflowing, the closets are packed, the kids' artwork is piling up and the mental load of managing it all feels heavier than ever. In this episode, Andryanna explores the concept of Swedish Death Cleaning and why this decluttering…
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June Brain: It's Mental OVERload Month (and Planning for a Summer that Feels Better) | E202
June is one of the most mentally exhausting months of the year for families. Between school events, sports, concerts, graduations, field trips, summer planning, and the endless stream of emails, forms, reminders and everyday decisions, many parents are carrying far more than they realize. In this...
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ADHD in Kids: What Parents Are Misunderstanding and What Actually Helps with Shannon from Keep It Playful Parenting | E201
In this episode, Andryanna sits down with Shannon Kalinka from Keep It Playful Parenting for a deeply validating and practical conversation about ADHD in children, nervous system regulation, emotional overload, meltdowns, transitions, and what parents are often misunderstanding about ADHD...
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The Juggle Is Still Real: What 200 Episodes Taught Me About What Women Actually Need | E200
For the 200th episode of The Juggle is Real, Andryanna reflects on the biggest themes, patterns, and truths that have emerged after years of conversations about modern womanhood, stress, relationships, wellness, emotional overload, self-trust, and what genuinely helps women feel better in real...
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Why Women Feel Emotionally Flat Right Now (and What We’re Actually Craving) | E199
In this solo episode, Andryanna reflects on a recent time away with friends and why it felt more restorative than many current wellness trends and routines. From female friendship and dancing to nervous system regulation and the growing pressure to constantly optimize ourselves, this conversation...
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Health Trends Decoded: What’s Real, What’s Neutral & What’s Just Hype with Dr. Danielle Watson | E198
In this episode, Andryanna welcomes back naturopathic doctor Danielle Watson, to cut through the noise in today’s health and wellness space. From cortisol and hormone testing to collagen, creatine, GLP-1s, and trending wellness habits, this conversation explores what actually has strong evidence...
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The “Three-Hour Mom” Debate: What We’re Actually Arguing About | E197
In this episode, Andryanna unpacks the viral “three-hour mom” debate and why it's striking such a nerve for so many women. What started as one comment from Emma Grede about the time she spends with her kids on weekends quickly turned into a much bigger conversation about motherhood, ambition,...
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Tired of Being Tired: 4 Women's Health Check-Ins that Actually Matter this Spring | E196
If you’ve been feeling more tired than usual, a little foggy, or just not quite like yourself, this episode is your reminder to stop brushing it off. In this solo episode, Andryanna shares a grounded approach to women’s health this spring, focusing on the small, often ignored signals your body is...
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Roommate Syndrome: The Invisible Disconnect in Modern Relationships (and How to Shift It) with Monica Tanner | E195
If your relationship feels off but nothing is “wrong,” you’re not alone. In this episode, Andryanna sits down with relationship coach Monica Tanner to explore why couples feel disconnected, how roommate syndrome shows up in modern relationships, and what it actually takes to reconnect in a...
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Japanese Walking: The Simple Spring Fitness Shift That Actually Works | E194
If you’ve been feeling the pressure to “get back on track” this spring, this episode offers a simpler way in. Not more intensity… just a smarter approach. Spring often brings pressure to move more, do more, and feel better in your body - but what if the answer isn’t doing more, but doing…
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Why You Overthink and Second-Guess (and How to Trust Yourself Again) with Alanna Banks | E193
If you find yourself overthinking, second-guessing your decisions, or constantly questioning what you feel… this episode offers a powerful reframe. Because what if those patterns aren’t a lack of confidence, but something that taught you not to trust yourself in the first place? In this episode,...
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The Spring Reset You Actually Need: Clean Up Your Mental Load & Feel Lighter | E192
Feeling stretched thin this season? This episode breaks down how to reset your life in a way that actually creates space, by clearing mental load, simplifying your commitments, and letting go of what’s quietly draining you. Spring is often framed as the perfect time for a reset—but what if the…
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Parenting Through Play: The Missing Link Between Discipline and Connection w Dr. Kim Van Dusen | E191
In this episode, Andryanna sits down with Dr. Kim Van Dusen, licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist, professor, and author of the upcoming book Parenting Through Play: Creative Strategies for Building Better Behavior, Deeper Connection, and Positive Communication. For...
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How I Built What Didn’t Exist: Burnout, Small Steps & Rewriting My Path | E190
After last week’s International Women’s Day panel episode on Building What Didn’t Exist, Andryanna reflects on how that theme has played out in her own life. In this personal solo episode, she shares the story behind her career shift—from a traditional 40-hour office job and burnout, to becoming…
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Building What Didn’t Exist: Women Reshaping Work, Care & Community | IWD 2026 Panel | E189
In this special International Women’s Day 2026 panel episode, Andryanna brings together five women who are building businesses, reshaping industries, and creating the systems they once wished existed. Across sectors—from trades and healthcare to hospitality, real estate, and digital…
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Navigating Mother-in-Law Dynamics with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish: Understanding Triangles, Boundaries & Family Systems | E188
In this episode, Andryanna is joined by clinical psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish to unpack one of the most common (and emotionally charged) stressors in marriage: mother-in-law dynamics. Drawing from her latest book You, Your Husband, and His Mother, Dr. Tracy explains how...
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The Relationship Between Energy & Capacity: Stop Coping. Start Raising Your Baseline
Mid-February often brings a subtle heaviness — not necessarily burnout or crisis, but accumulation. In this episode, Andryanna explores the difference between energy and capacity, why resentment is often a signal of exceeded mental load, and how to stop coping and start raising your baseline....
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Behaviour Is Communication: Parenting Tools That Actually Work (at Home + School) with Dr. Bethany Bilodeau | 186
In this insightful and practical conversation, Andryanna sits down with behaviourist and sensory specialist Dr. Bethany Bilodeau (Dr. B) to explore what’s really happening underneath children/teen behaviour — and how parents can respond with clarity, confidence, and connection. Together, they...
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Self-Trust Is the New Self-Love: Body Literacy, Self-Consideration & How to Read Your Signals | E185
In a world where “self-love” has become a cliché, this episode offers a fresh and realistic take: self-trust is the new self-love. Andryanna explores how self-trust is built through small, repeatable actions—not perfection—and how the rising wellness concept of body literacy can help women...
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How to Get Motivated in January: Clarity, Direction & Small Brave Moves (Gentle January Series Finale)
In this Gentle January series finale, Andryanna shares a refreshing, research-backed approach to motivation that doesn’t rely on hustle or perfection. Instead of forcing clarity before taking action, she introduces a practical method to help you orient yourself, build real momentum, and move...
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Maintenance Mode: A Gentle January Reset to Reduce Mental Clutter | E183
January often arrives with pressure to reset, get motivated, and “start fresh.” But for many women — especially mothers — the start of the year can feel foggy, heavy, and mentally overwhelming rather than inspiring. In this solo episode, Andryanna introduces the concept of maintenance mode — a...
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Feeding Your Family in January: Realistic Meals Without Diets, Detoxes or Perfection with Charmaine Broughton | E182
January often brings a wave of pressure around food — detoxes, restriction, and the idea that we need to “start over” after the holidays. But for busy families, especially in the middle of winter, that approach can feel exhausting, unrealistic, and disconnected from real life. In this episode,...
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Let January Be January: A Gentle, Aligned Start to 2026 | E181
January often arrives with pressure to reset, push harder, and reinvent ourselves... even when our bodies are still tired from the holidays and the season itself asks for rest. In this first episode of 2026, Andryanna invites you to take a gentler approach to the new year. She explores why…
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What Every Parent Needs to Hear Before Christmas: Our 2025 Expert's Advice on Stress, Connection & Calm | E180
In this special pre-holiday episode, Andryanna curates timely insights from trusted 2025 expert guests, sharing perspective and practical guidance on stress, nervous system regulation, anxiety, screen time, and staying connected during the holidays. The episode is designed to feel supportive,...
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Why Your Kids Need a ’90s Christmas: Reclaiming a Slower, More Connected Holiday Season | 179
In this episode, Andryanna explores how parents can bring back the best parts of a ’90s Christmas—slower moments, simple traditions, unstructured play, and genuine connection—to support kids’ developing brains during the busiest season of the year. Grounded in research on attention, delayed...
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How to Take a Break When You Have Literally Zero Time | E178
In this episode, Andryanna dives into one of the most common struggles moms face in December: how to take a break when you have absolutely zero time. Drawing from research on micro-breaks, decision fatigue, and the mental load of motherhood, she explores practical, realistic ways busy women can...
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A Different Way to Think About Debt, Taxes & Your Financial Future with Robinson Smith | E177
In this episode, Robinson Smith, Founder & CEO of Smith Manoeuvre Services Corp and Smith Consulting Group Ltd., joins Andryanna for a conversation on easing mortgage and financial overwhelm for everyday Canadians—especially as holiday spending and gifting expectations ramp up. In this episode…
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Yes to What Matters: How to Say No, Lighten the Load & Enter Holidays with Joy | E176
In this episode, Andryanna dives into the power of saying “no” as we enter the busiest season of the year. Drawing on research about the mental load of motherhood, boundary-setting psychology, and real-life examples, Andryanna unpacks why so many women overcommit and how to reset with intention....
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Releasing Your “Vocal Kanye”: Jam Gamble on Shame, Power & Reclaiming Your Voice | E175
In this episode, Andryanna sits down with Jahmeelah “Jam” Gamble — speaker, educator, and creator of Slay the Mic®, a transformative method helping people reconnect with their voice and use it with confidence, authenticity, and power. Jam has spent over a decade teaching people how to trust their...
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How I Manifested Our Dream Lakefront Home (and how you can use these tools too!) | E174
In this solo episode, Andryanna shares the story behind manifesting her family’s dream lakefront home — and the powerful mindset, energetic, and practical steps that made it possible. But this isn’t just a story. You will walk away with prompts, tools, and a grounded framework to support your…
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'Rest is Productive' is a Myth - The Truth about Restorative Rest | E173 (replay)
In one of the most-loved episodes, Andryanna challenges the phrase “rest is productive” and explores why framing rest as another task can keep us stuck in hustle mode. She unpacks what restorative rest truly means—how it supports emotional well-being, nervous system regulation, and resilience—and...
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Shine Without Shame: The Truth About Bragging, Confidence & Growth with Lisa Bragg | E172 (replay)
In this episode replay, Andryanna sits down with best-selling author, former TV anchor and visibility expert Lisa Bragg to unpack why so many ambitious women stay silent—and how refusing to dim your light might be the key to your next big leap. Lisa draws on deep research and her book, Bragging...
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When You’re Running on Empty: 5 Reminders for Relief & Renewal (replay) | E171
Feeling burnout, stretched too thin, or longing for renewal? In this replay episode, Andryanna shares five grounded strategies for relief and renewal designed especially for overwhelmed moms. These five reminders continue to help her — and listeners — find calm, relief, and renewal when life…
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Connection Over Control: Raising Kids in a Screen-Saturated Digital World with Randi Crawford | E170
On this episode of The Juggle is Real, Andryanna sits down with certified life coach Randi Crawford, whose no-nonsense approach to parenting has helped hundreds of families navigate the messy realities of screens, independence, and modern family life. In this conversation, she and Andryanna…
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About this show
The Juggle is Real is a podcast for women navigating work, family, and everything in between, looking for more clarity, intention, and ease. Hosted by Andryanna Gonko, the show gets into the nuanced, not-talked-about-enough parts of modern life, from stress and relationships to health, wellness, identity, parenting and the mental load. Through honest conversations with guest experts and relatable solo episodes, you’ll find fresh perspectives and practical takeaways to help you feel seen, reconnect with yourself, and take small, meaningful steps forward without the pressure to do it perfectly.
Hosted by
Andryanna Gonko