Womenemies: Set Your Inner Enemy Free With Love

In this deeply personal Episode 7 of Season 2 of the Womenemies Podcast, Marilena Fallaris opens up about what happens when overwhelm builds silently… until we snap.From the invisible labor of motherhood and running a household, to the pressure of leadership roles and workplace expectations, Marilena shares raw real-life stories about burnout, resentment, emotional overload, and the importance of making our work visible — both at home and outside the home.This episode explores:• Invisible labor and the mental load women carry• Why “home is work too”• How resentment builds when overwhelm goes unspoken• The emotional impact of not feeling seen or appreciated• The importance of documenting your workload• How writing things down helps with confidence, communication, boundaries, delegation, and asking for support• Why women often minimize the work they do• Productive communication at home and in the workplaceIf you’ve ever felt like you were carrying too much, doing everything for everyone, or silently drowning while trying to “hold it all together,” this conversation is for you.Because if it takes mental or physical energy… it counts as work.And it deserves to be visible.🎙 Follow, rate, and share the podcast if this episode resonates with you.

Companies, have you actually checked your culture when it comes to pregnancy?Not your policies.Not your compliance.Your culture.Because how a woman feels when she’s pregnant in your company will determine whether she stays… or quietly plans her exit.In this episode, Marilena Fallaris speaks directly to leadership and decision-makers about the reality women experience when navigating pregnancy at work.From representation in leadership to everyday language, this conversation goes beyond what’s required and into what actually matters.We talk about:• Why women may feel afraid to share they’re pregnant• How representation of mothers in leadership changes everything• The subtle comments that create pressure without intention• What true support looks like before, during, and after maternity leave• How companies lose talent without realizing itIf your culture doesn’t support mothers in practice, not just on paper…you risk missing out on the next generation of mothers in your applicant pool.And that impacts everything.This is where companies need to start paying attention.📩 For listening audits, coaching, or workshops, message Marilena directly

Are you the default parent in your home?And does that same pattern show up in your work?In this episode, we explore what it really means to be the “default parent.” It is the person who carries the mental load, anticipates needs, and keeps everything running both at home and in the workplace.So many women, especially mothers, find themselves in this role without even realizing it. Everything falls on them. The planning, the organizing, the thinking. Over time, this leads to stress, exhaustion, and sometimes burnout.But it doesn’t have to be this way.We talk about what the default parent looks like in both the home and in corporate settings. We explore why this dynamic creates imbalance and how language can reinforce these roles without us even realizing it.We also discuss the importance of writing everything down to make the invisible visible. When we see clearly what is being carried, we can begin to shift it.This episode focuses on how to move from one default parent to a shared, team-based approach. Because strong leaders, both at home and at work, are the ones who make themselves replaceable by teaching and empowering others.When we prepare, communicate, and delegate, we create more balance, more freedom, and more support.Because no system, at home or at work, should depend on one person holding everything together.I would love to hear from you.Are you the default parent?

Season 2, Episode 4 — Womenemies Podcast (Επεισόδιο στα Ελληνικά)Σε αυτό το επεισόδιο μιλάμε για κάτι απλό που μπορεί να αλλάξει τα πάντα:Γράψ’ τα όλα.Τόσα πολλά από αυτά που κάνουμε ως μητέρες είναι αόρατα.Όχι μόνο η σωματική δουλειά, αλλά και το νοητικό φορτίο — η συνεχής σκέψη, ο προγραμματισμός, η οργάνωση, η ευθύνη που δεν σταματά ποτέ.Σε αυτό το επεισόδιο εξηγώ γιατί είναι τόσο σημαντικό να τα γράψουμε όλα.Πρώτα, για εμάς.Για να δούμε πραγματικά πόσα κάνουμε και να αρχίσουμε να δίνουμε αξία σε αυτό.Και μετά, για να μπορέσουμε να κάνουμε ουσιαστικές συζητήσεις με τον σύντροφό μας.Για να περάσουμε από το «τα κάνω όλα μόνη μου» στο να μοιραζόμαστε τις ευθύνες ως ομάδα.Σε μια κοινωνία που συχνά δεν αναγνωρίζει τη δουλειά μέσα στο σπίτι ως «πραγματική δουλειά», το πρώτο βήμα για να αλλάξει αυτό είναι να το αναγνωρίσουμε εμείς οι ίδιες.Γιατί όταν γίνει ορατό, μπορεί να αναγνωριστεί.Και όταν αναγνωριστεί, μπορεί να μοιραστεί.

Season 2, Episode 3 — Womenemies PodcastWhat is a listening audit, and why does it matter?In this episode, Marilena Fallaris explains the work she does through listening audits for employees within organizations who are mothers.A listening audit goes beyond a survey. It is a series of real, person-to-person conversations designed to understand how mothers are truly experiencing their workplace.Through these conversations, Marilena helps companies:• understand what is working and what is not• identify gaps in support for mothers• improve retention and well-being• create a more supportive and flexible work environmentThe feedback gathered through a listening audit also helps companies update their culture and operational strategy in a meaningful and informed way.She also shares how listening audits uncover the invisible emotional and mental load many mothers carry, both at work and at home.When mothers feel heard and supported, they are able to thrive — and so are the organizations they are part of.This episode is an invitation for companies to listen more deeply, and for mothers to know their experiences matter.If you’re interested in learning more about listening audits or working together, feel free to reach out.

Mamas, Show Your Work! (You’re Not Doing “Nothing” — You’re Doing Everything)In this episode of the Womenemies Podcast, I take a deeper dive into one of the most overlooked realities of motherhood: the invisible labor that happens every single day.From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep, mothers are managing, planning, anticipating, and carrying a constant mental load that often goes unseen and unspoken.But what happens when we finally stop and write it all down?In this episode, I walk through a real example of what a single day can look like and why documenting everything you do is one of the most powerful first steps toward change.Because when we make the invisible visible, we can:understand the true scope of what we carryshift the way we speak about itand begin to redistribute responsibilitiesThis conversation is not just for mothers.It’s for partners, families, and organizations.Because when we truly understand the value and workload of motherhood, we can create more supportive environments both at home and at work.This is also a core part of the work I do with women, couples, and companies through listening audits, coaching, and seminars.If this resonates, I invite you to reflect, write things down, and start the conversation.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Motherhood as a Hidden Job01:05 The Hypocrisy of Parenting Expectations02:02 Motherhood as Full-Time Employment02:59 The Benefits of Listing Daily Tasks04:01 A Stream of Consciousness Exercise05:02 Sample Daily Routine Breakdown07:47 The Psychological Endurance of Motherhood09:30 Organizing Responsibilities with Excel11:35 Sharing Responsibilities with Partners13:28 Homework: Document Your Daily Tasks14:59 Using Data to Advocate for Support16:10 Outro

There is a moment in your life when you realize:This is not me.This is not my life.And everything starts to change from that moment.In this episode of the Womenemies podcast, I share my personal story of reaching that breaking point in 2020. On the outside, life looked full. On the inside, I was overwhelmed, anxious, grieving, exhausted, and completely disconnected from myself.This episode is about the courage it takes to admit you are not happy, and how that one truth can begin your healing.Because the hardest words to say are often the ones that set you free.In this episode, we talk about:the “this is not me” moment and why it mattersthe pressure to look like everything is okaymotherhood, invisible labor, and emotional overloadanxiety, trauma, grief, and burnoutwhy admitting you’re not happy is powerfulhow healing begins when you ask for helpKey takeaways:Admitting you’re not happy is the first step toward changeIt’s easier to pretend than to heal, but healing is worth itMotherhood can wake you up to your own needsYou are allowed to say “I’m not okay”You can find your way back to yourselfIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman who may need to hear it.And I’d love to hear from you:Have you ever had a “this is not me” moment?Follow for more conversations on motherhood, healing, and self-awareness.If you’re a woman or mother navigating this, you’re not alone. Message me.

Season 2 Introduction is here! Motherhood, Trauma, and Reparenting: A Conversation with Marilena FallarisDiscover how motherhood can trigger childhood trauma and how reparenting ourselves can lead to healing and growth. In this episode, Marilena Fallaris shares her journey from burnout to becoming a coach and speaker, focusing on self-reflection and breaking free from invisible cages. Key topics:Marilena's personal story of burnout, trauma, and transformationThe pivotal moments during early motherhood that surface unresolved issuesThe concept of reparenting oneself to heal childhood woundsExploring the invisible labor and emotional workload of momsPractical tips for women to start reparenting and self-healingThe importance of self-awareness in breaking self-imposed limitationsHow motherhood often reflects our own upbringing and patternsCreating a supportive mindset for personal growth in motherhoodTimestamps:00:06 - Introduction to Marilena Fallaris and her background00:32 - The turning point at age 36 and the impact of motherhood01:17 - The process of reparenting oneself through motherhood01:47 - Topics to be covered: self-reflection, breaking free, invisible labor02:14 - Invitation for listener engagement and future topicsResources & Links:Connect with Marilena Fallaris:

Φτάσαμε στο τέλος της Πρώτης Σεζόν — και τι υπέροχο ταξίδι ήταν αυτό.Σε αυτό το τελευταίο επεισόδιο, μοιράζομαι μαζί σας σκέψεις και στιγμές από όσα ζήσαμε: το βάρος του νοητικού φορτίου, την ανάγκη να απολογούμαστε συνεχώς, τις μικρές (και μεγάλες) μορφές αυτο-σαμποτάζ που μας κρατούν πίσω — και την αλήθεια πως η θεραπεία ξεκινάει με επίγνωση.Είμαι βαθιά ευγνώμων που ήσουν εδώ σε αυτή τη διαδρομή. Τα μηνύματά σας, οι κοινοποιήσεις και οι προσωπικές σας ιστορίες μου έδωσαν ακόμα περισσότερο σκοπό.Η Δεύτερη Σεζόν ήδη σχεδιάζεται — και θέλω να σε ακούσω:Τι σε άγγιξε περισσότερο αυτή τη σεζόν;Τι θέλεις να συζητήσουμε στη συνέχεια;Μέχρι τότε, θα επισκεφθούμε ξανά κάποια επεισόδια με νέα ματιά και διάθεση για ακόμα βαθύτερη συζήτηση.Μόλις ξεκινήσαμε.

We’ve reached the end of Season One — and what a journey it’s been.In this final episode, I reflect on the powerful themes we’ve explored together: the invisible weight of the mental load, the pressure to over-apologize, the ways we sabotage our own freedom — and the truth that healing starts with awareness.I’m so grateful you’ve joined me in these conversations. Your messages, shares, and reflections have meant more than you know.Season Two is already in the works — and I want to hear from you:What resonated most this season?What topics or struggles do you want to explore next?Until then, I’ll be revisiting past episodes with fresh insight and continued conversation.We’re just getting started.

Η υγεία σου είναι η νούμερο ένα επένδυσή σου, γιατί εσύ είσαι η Νο 1 ΠΡΟΤΕΡΑΙΟΤΗΤΑ!Σ’ αυτό το επεισόδιο, μιλάμε για τους τρεις βασικούς λόγους που εμείς οι γυναίκες καθυστερούμε ή αποφεύγουμε να κλείσουμε ραντεβού για την υγεία μας — και φυσικά, δίνουμε και λύσεις!

Your health is your number one investment because you are your #1 INVESTMENT! This episode discusses top three reasons we women skip or don’t make appointments for our health care. We talk solutions too ! 

τι δεν σε εξυπηρετεί πια; μένεις για αυτά που έχεις επενδύσει ;

Many times we stick with a career, investment , relationship (business , romantic or friendship) because we have given so much time, energy and/or money.  We stay even when it is isn’t serving us , or even hurting us . This is the “sunken cost theory” - where we stick with our investments , good or bad , because we have already invested so much and to give up we would view us as a failure .In this episode we discuss when it’s time to say goodbye to that which is not serving us, and to be ok with that. 

Το να είμαστε «καλό κορίτσι» σήμαινε να βάζουμε τις ανάγκες των άλλων πάνω από τις δικές μας. Σε αυτό το επεισόδιο συζητάμε την ανάγκη να σταματήσουμε να είμαστε ΚΑΛΟ ΚΟΡΙΤΣΙ και να βρίσκουμε τη φωνή μας και να ομαλοποιούμε βάζοντας τις ανάγκες μας πρώτα!

In this episode we discuss how being the “good girl” is a way we are an enemy to ourselves , and how the next generation of phenomenal women are watching …

Πολλές φορές κάνουμε πράγματα για λάθος λόγους – για να εντυπωσιάσουμε τους άλλους, για να γίνουμε καλύτερες μητέρες, σύζυγοι, συνάδελφοι, κόρες κ.λπ. Πρέπει να αρχίσουμε να συνειδητοποιούμε ότι αξίζουμε να κάνουμε πράγματα για ΕΜΑΣ, για να είμαστε υγιείς, χαρούμενες και γεμάτες ζωή. Όταν βαδίζουμε στην αλήθεια μας, το αποτέλεσμα είναι μια καλύτερη εκδοχή του εαυτού μας. Τα θετικά αποτελέσματα για τους άλλους θα έρθουν, αλλά ο στόχος πρέπει να ξεκινά από το να το κάνουμε για ΕΜΑΣ!

A lot of times  we do things for the wrong reasons - to impress others, to be a better mom, wife, coworker, daughter , etc.  We need to start realizing we deserve to do things for US, to be healthy, happy and joyful in our lives. When we step in our truth , the result is a better version of us in the world. Positive results will occur for others, but the goal must start with doing things for YOU!

Το να βλέπουμε καταστάσεις ή ανθρώπους από θέση έλλειψης είναι ένας τρόπος με τον οποίο είμαστε εχθροί του εαυτού μας. Ακούστε αυτό το επεισόδιο για συμβουλές για να αλλάξετε τη νοοτροπία σας για να δείτε τα πράγματα από την οπτική της αφθονίας!

Viewing every situation or person from a perspective of lack is a way we are an enemy to ourselves. Listen to see how we can change this mindset towards abundance!

Σε αυτό το επεισόδιο συζητώ τον τρόπο με τον οποίο μιλάμε αρνητικά για το σώμα μας, την εμφάνισή του και πώς το τιμωρούμε. Στη συνέχεια προσφέρω συμβουλές από το δικό μου ταξίδι που δείχνει αγάπη και εκτίμηση για το εκπληκτικό σώμα μας.

In this episode I discuss the way we negatively speak about our body, its appearance and how we punish it. I then offer tips from my own journey which shows love and appreciation towards our amazing body.

Σε αυτό το επεισόδιο συζητώ έναν άλλο τρόπο με τον οποίο είμαστε εχθροί οι ίδιοι - συνεχίζουμε να λέμε στον εαυτό μας «Απλώς πρέπει να αποκτήσω μέσα από αυτήν την_____» εποχή της ζωής μου και μετά μπορώ να χαλαρώσω, να φροντίσω τον εαυτό μου, να απολαύσω τη ζωή κ.λπ. Λοιπόν, μαντέψτε τι; Πάντα κάτι θα υπάρχει ή κάποιος που πρέπει να "περάσουμε" και αν συνεχίσουμε να "ξεπερνάμε" θα χάσουμε τη ζωή. Αυτό το podcast συζητά πώς να βρίσκετε χαρά σε κάθε κατάσταση ή διαδικασία.

In this episode I discuss another way we are an enemy ourselves- we keep saying to ourselves “I just need to get through this_____” season of my life and then I can relax, take care of myself, enjoy life , etc . Well guess what? There will always be something or someone we must “get through” and if we keep “getting through” we will miss out on living life. This podcast discusses how to find joy in every situation or process.

Join me as I discuss a big way we are enemies to ourselves : putting other people and things before our health. I end with tips to get our health to the top of the priority list !

A way we are an enemy to ourselves is when we apologize when there is no need to apologize. I go through examples and how to communicate our message Without over apologizing or over explaining.

A big way we are enemies to ourselves is we never give our minds a break. This can lead to psychological and physical exhaustion. I share three tips which help me confront and alleviate the daily mental load I carry.

Ελάτε μαζί μου καθώς παίρνω συνέντευξη από τη Λούλα Πρέντη. Μερικά από τα πολλά μαθήματα που μας διδάσκει - κάντε λάθη, πιστέψτε στον εαυτό σας, επικεντρωθείτε σε αυτά που έχετε και μην ξεχνάτε να γελάτε!

In a recent podcast I interviewed Lula Prendi in Greek. In this episode I summarize it and go over the lessons she teaches us - make mistakes, believe in yourself, focus on what you have and don't forget to laugh!