That Mom

Parenting isn’t instinctual—but most of us were never taught that.In this episode, I sit down with parenting coach Mel Pierce to break down what’s actually driving your child’s behavior—and how to respond in a way that is calm, effective, and grounded.If you’ve ever felt reactive, overwhelmed, or like you “should” be handling things better—this conversation will give you a more intelligent framework to work from.What We Cover:Why parenting is a skill set—not something you’re supposed to “just know”The brain science behind your child’s behavior (and why it matters)What’s really happening when you feel triggered or reactiveHow to stay neutral and avoid escalation in high-stress momentsWhy emotional regulation is the foundation for everything elsePractical ways to reduce overwhelm and create more calm in your dayReleasing unrealistic standards and redefining what “good” parenting looks likeAbout the Guest:Mel Pierce is a parenting coach focused on helping mothers regulate their responses, understand behavior through a neuroscience lens, and build more intentional, connected family dynamics.Links + Resources:Connect with Mel: [email protected] Mel: InstagramBook Mentioned: The Whole-Brain ChildMel's Free Confident Parenting Community EmailFollow ThatMom: InstagramJoin the email list: EMAILLearn more: That Mom WebsiteIf this episode resonated, share it with a mom who values doing motherhood with intention—and follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

Motherhood today can feel incredibly lonely—even when it looks like you have everything together.In this episode, Crissy Fishbane, co-founder of HER Health Collective, shares how community and trusted experts can help moms navigate the overwhelm of not knowing who to turn to—and why what moms really need isn’t more advice… it’s to be witnessed.What We Cover:Why moms don’t need to be solved—they need to be seen and supportedThe loneliness that exists beneath the surface of “having it all together”How not knowing who to trust creates overwhelm in motherhoodHow to actually build meaningful, authentic friendships as a momHow to intentionally create a life that fills your cupKeeping work and responsibilities from taking over your joyLetting go of societal expectations and choosing what truly matters to youAbout the Guest:Crissy Fishbane is the co-founder of HER Health Collective, a community designed to support moms through expert-led resources and meaningful connection. After experiencing her own season of loneliness in motherhood, Crissy set out to create a space where no mom would feel as alone as she once did. Her work focuses on helping women build authentic relationships, access trusted support, and live more intentionally.Links + Resources:HER Health Collective: WebsiteFollow: Crissy + HER Health CollectiveJoin the email list: EMAILLearn More: That Mom WebsiteIf this episode resonated, send it to a mom who needs to hear it—and follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

If you feel like you’re carrying the entire mental load of your family—this episode will change how you think about parenting.Nicole Gambino shares a simple but powerful shift: moving responsibility from the mom back to the child… and what happens when you do.What We Cover:Why moms end up managing everything in the householdThe hidden cost of over-functioning for your kidsWhat “rituals and guardrails” actually look like in real lifeHow to get kids to take ownership (without constant nagging)Why independence builds confidence—not distanceSmall shifts that create more capable, responsible childrenAbout the Guest:Nicole Gambino is a parenting expert with 17 years of experience helping families create structure, independence, and confidence at home. She has developed a system of rituals and guardrails designed to shift responsibility off of parents and onto children—empowering kids to become more capable while easing the mental load on moms.Key Insight:Nicole’s approach flips a common parenting pattern: instead of moms holding everything together, children are given the structure and responsibility to step up—creating a more balanced, sustainable family dynamic.Links + Resources:Follow Nicole: Instagram + FacebookLearn more about her work: NicoleGambino.comFollow me: InstagramJoin the email list: EMAILIf this episode made you rethink how much you’re carrying, share it with a friend—and follow the show for more conversations like this.

If you’ve ever thought, “I know something needs to change—but I don’t even know what I want or where to start,” this episode is for you.Former Harvard Business School career coach Becca Carnahan shares practical, actionable tools to help moms get clarity—and actually ask for what they need at work and in life.What We Cover:Why career confusion is so common after having kidsHow to define your personal “criteria” for a fulfilling career and lifeThe biggest mistake people make when trying to make a changeHow to ask for what you want at work (with real examples)Why clarity comes from action—not overthinkingHow small shifts can create major changes in your day-to-day lifeAbout the Guest:Becca Carnahan is a former Harvard Business School career coach who now helps moms navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. She is the author of When Mommy Grows Up: Finding Career Clarity While Covered in Kids, where she blends practical strategy with the realities of modern motherhood.Key Insight:Becca’s approach is grounded in action—helping women move out of indecision and into small, intentional steps that create real momentum in both career and life.Links + Resources:Work with Becca: Next Chapter CareersFollow Becca: InstagramGet her book: When Mommy Grows UpFollow me: InstagramJoin the email list: EMAILIf you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure what’s next, share this episode with a friend—and follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

If you’ve ever felt like what used to work in your life just… doesn’t anymore—you’re not alone.In this episode, burnout coach Christine Anastasia explains why motherhood changes everything—and why you can’t problem-solve your way out of burnout.What We Cover:Why burnout in motherhood is differentThe breaking point: when old strategies stop workingWhy you can’t logic your way out of burnoutThe grief of losing your “old self”How your energy impacts your entire familyWhat it actually looks like to access a better version of yourselfAbout the Guest:Christine Anastasia is a burnout coach who helps overwhelmed moms move out of survival mode and into a more sustainable, energized way of living.Links + Resources:Work with Christine: Christine Anastasia CoachingFollow Christine: Christine on InstagramFollow me: InstagramJoin the email list: EMAILLearn More: That Mom WebsiteIf this episode hit home, share it with a friend—and make sure you’re following the show for more conversations like this.

Many moms are quietly asking themselves the same question: Am I doing a good job?In this episode, Karen Johnson—known as the “21st Century Stay-at-Home Mom”—shares a perspective that challenges the pressure, the expectations, and the constant feeling that we should be doing more.What We Cover:Why so many moms feel like they’re not “doing enough”The cultural pressure behind perfection in motherhoodThe question that changes everything: What do I want to be when they grow up?Why your identity matters just as much as your children’s outcomesHer strong stance against the beauty + diet industry and how it impacts momsThe simple but powerful truth more moms need to hear: you’re likely already doing a good jobAbout the Guest:Karen Johnson is known as the “21st Century Stay-at-Home Mom,” where she shares honest reflections on motherhood, identity, and modern family life. She is the author of What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?, a book that invites moms to consider their own growth alongside their children’s.Key Insight (this is subtle but powerful to include):Karen challenges the idea that motherhood should come at the expense of self—encouraging women to reject unrealistic beauty standards and redefine success in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.Links + Resources:Follow Karen: @21stcenturysahmGet her book: What do I Want to Be When They Grow UpFollow me: @thatmom_thepodcastJoin the email list: EMAILIf this episode made you feel seen, share it with another mom who needs that reminder—and follow the show for more conversations like this.

Motherhood today comes with invisible rules—and impossible standards.In this episode, Dr. Lynn O’Brien Hallstein breaks down the cultural systems shaping how we define a “good” mom… and why so many women feel like they’re failing.What We Cover:Why motherhood feels so high-pressure (and where that pressure actually comes from)How media + culture define the “good” vs. “bad” momThe hidden expectation that moms must do everything and look good doing itWhy this isn’t an individual problem—it’s systemicHow to start thinking differently about your role as a motherAbout the Guest:Dr. Lynn O’Brien Hallstein is a professor of rhetoric and the author of Bikini-Ready Moms, along with other works exploring motherhood, identity, and cultural expectations placed on women. Her research focuses on how societal narratives shape women’s lived experiences.Links + Resources:Find Dr. Lynn O'Brien Hallstein: Boston UniversityFollow me: InstagramJoin the email list: EMAILLearn More: That Mom WebsiteIf this episode resonated, send it to a mom who needs to hear it—and follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

This isn’t another podcast about becoming a better mom.It’s about becoming a more alive one.If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where you went in the middle of motherhood—between the schedules, the expectations, the invisible mental load—this space is for you.That Mom is a podcast for women who love their children deeply… but refuse to believe that losing themselves is part of the deal.Here, we talk honestly about what motherhood really feels like—the joy, the identity shifts, the overwhelm, and the quiet moments of questioning we don’t always say out loud.And then we explore something different: how to live with more intention, more meaning, and more honesty about what you actually want your life to look like.This is not about doing more.It’s about living better.If that resonates, hit follow—because this is just the beginning.