Let’s Get Real with Jena Burris

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 52: The Hidden Burnout of High-Achieving WomenWith Camilla KahlbergThere comes a moment when the life you’ve built on the outside no longer matches what’s happening on the inside.You’re capable. Strong. High-performing.You lead teams. You manage home. You handle pressure.But privately, you’re exhausted. Disconnected. Running on survival.In this episode, I sit down with Camilla Kahlberg, founder of She Leads the Authentic Leadership Movement, to talk about the hidden burnout so many high-achieving women experience.After decades in corporate leadership at BP, Shell, and IBM, Camilla faced a personal breaking point during a painful separation that forced her to confront the illusion of strength she had been living behind.That unraveling became her turning point.When Strength Is Actually PerformanceMany high-achieving women learn early how to armor up. We become “the strong one.” We perform. We over-function. We push through.And for a while, it works.Until our body says no.Camilla explains how what we call strength is often performance rooted in fear, fear of not being enough, not succeeding, not being worthy. We chase milestones believing achievement will secure our value.But internally, we’re disconnected from our emotions, intuition, and nervous system. The warning signs show up as tension, anxiety, irritability, or exhaustion, and we override them.True strength, Camilla says, isn’t constant self-sufficiency. It’s vulnerability. It’s asking for help. It’s regulating your nervous system and leading from wholeness instead of survival.Rebuilding From the Inside OutBurnout recovery doesn’t begin with doing more. It begins with being differently.Camilla shares practical ways to reconnect with your body, notice where fear lives physically, and question the beliefs driving overachievement. She encourages women to ask: Who do I want to be in the room?That shift moves you from reacting out of old wounds to responding with intention.We also talk about reclaiming ownership of your calendar, setting boundaries without guilt, and redefining success from the inside out.When we shift from “do, have, be” to “be, do, have,” everything changes.If you look strong on the outside but feel stretched thin on the inside, this episode is for you.You don’t have to carry this alone.Connect with CamillaYou can connect with Camilla and learn more about her work through:https://www.youtube.com/@camillacalberghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/camillacalbergP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again. Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 51: Values That Teach Kids ResponsibilityWith Colleen SouzaWhat if discipline didn’t have to feel like a constant power struggle?So many moms find themselves stuck in the same exhausting cycle. Our kids act out. We react. Everyone feels frustrated. Nothing really changes. We want to raise responsible, respectful kids but most days it feels like we’re just putting out fires.In this episode, I sit down with nationally recognized educator, leadership coach, and mom Colleen Souza to talk about a different approach. Instead of reacting to behavior with more control, more yelling, or more guilt, Colleen teaches that responsibility grows from something deeper, the values that guide your home.Through her book Living by the Mantras, Colleen shares 21 simple sayings that transform everyday challenges into teachable moments. This conversation is about shifting from drama to direction.Moving From Power Struggles to PurposeColleen shares how healthy organizations thrive because they operate from clearly defined values. There is alignment. There are expectations. There is unity around what matters most. She challenges us to think: if workplaces with diverse personalities, backgrounds, and perspectives can unite around shared values, why can’t our homes?We explore how defining a few core family values creates clarity. Respect. Integrity. Responsibility. These values aren’t just words on a wall — they become daily anchors. When paired with simple mantras like “Leave it better than you found it” or “You always have a choice,” they give kids language for behavior and decision-making.It’s not about controlling behavior. It’s about cultivating character.Boundaries, Bandwidth & Living by DesignValues don’t replace boundaries, they strengthen them. Colleen explains how values, mantras, and boundaries work together. We also talk about something so practical and often overlooked: developmental capacity. Many power struggles happen because we expect more than our kids can realistically handle. When we understand their bandwidth, their age, their limits, their emotional capacity, we parent more intentionally and less reactively.One of the most powerful takeaways is this: you don’t have to overhaul everything to begin. Start small. Choose one value. Define it clearly. Create a mantra that reflects it. Model it consistently.You don’t have to wait for your spouse to be fully on board. You don’t need a perfect family meeting. You are a leader in your home. You can begin. When values become your compass, discipline shifts from chaos to clarity. From reacting on default to parenting by design.If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s tired of the power struggles. Connect with Colleen:Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/p/ColleenSouzaAuthor-61576298213577/https://livingbythemantras.com/about-colleen-souza/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 50: Real Tools for Handling Anger, Conflict & Parenting TriggersWith Davina HehnSo many of us were never actually taught how to feel our emotions, communicate clearly under stress, or handle conflict in healthy ways. We were told to stay calm. To not overreact. To “just communicate better.” But without real tools, we often end up repeating the same emotional cycles we grew up with.And parenting? Parenting exposes all of it.The triggers we didn’t know we had suddenly surface. Old wounds get activated. Reactions happen faster than we can think. And we’re left wondering, Why does this keep happening? And how do I actually change it?In this episode, I sit down with therapist, coach, and podcast host Davina Hehn, who teaches emotional regulation and conflict skills to individuals, couples, and parents. Through her work, she realized most people were never taught the foundational skills needed to navigate anger or emotional intensity in the first place.Rethinking Anger & Emotional TriggersThis conversation reframes anger completely. Instead of seeing it as something to suppress or tightly manage, Davina explains how anger can actually be information. A signal. An advocate for change.We talk about the shame that surrounds anger, especially for women, and how that shame keeps us isolated and stuck. Davina breaks down the neurobiology of triggers, explaining how our bodies react in a fraction of a second, before our brain even has language for what’s happening.Parenting often magnifies unresolved wounds. The boundary crossings, the noise, the overwhelm, they connect to experiences we may not even realize are still active. Moving from self-judgment to curiosity becomes a powerful shift. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” we begin asking, “What is this connected to?”That shift alone changes everything.A Practical Framework for Real ChangeSelf-awareness is important, but it isn’t enough. Knowing why we react doesn’t automatically change the reaction.Davina shares her SHIFT framework, a practical, repeatable way to move through anger and conflict in real time. Instead of trying to eliminate anger or strive for perfection, she focuses on healing, repair, and innovation. Small, intentional changes that create ripple effects over time.We talk about repairing with your kids in ways that build trust, how to take responsibility without shame, and why growth isn’t dramatic, it’s incremental. It’s messy. It’s practiced.You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to take the next small step.If you’ve ever felt triggered in ways that surprised you…If you’ve felt shame around your anger…If you’re determined to break generational patterns…This episode will give you language, tools, and hope.Connect with Davina:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@asteadyspaceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/asteadyspace/Website: https://www.asteadyspace.com/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You AgainSimple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 49: Rewriting the Fairy Tale of Motherhood With Cheri BergeronSo many women grow up believing motherhood will follow a simple, linear script.First you find the right partner.Then you get married.Then you have children.But for so many women, that fairy tale doesn’t unfold the way they imagined, or it falls apart completely.In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Cheri Bergeron, fertility advocate, nonprofit founder, and bestselling author of Mission Motherhood: Writing a New Fairy Tale of Love and Family, to talk about what happens when your motherhood story doesn’t follow the traditional path.Cheri’s 10-year journey into motherhood included foster parenting, multiple rounds of IVF, donor conception, genetic complications, premature birth, heartbreaking child loss, and a precedent-setting custody battle in Texas involving her legally separated spouse.Her story is not linear.It’s not tidy.And it’s incredibly powerful.This episode is about reclaiming your narrative when the fairy tale falls apart.In This Episode, We DiscussIn this episode, we talk about the outdated expectations women still carry around marriage, fertility, and motherhood and how those narratives create pressure, shame, and confusion when life doesn’t follow a linear path. We explore the emotional and biological realities of fertility, the myths about “having it all,” and how infertility, trauma, and loss can expose cracks in relationships.Cheri shares what non-linear motherhood can look like, from foster care to donor conception, and how to build support when you don’t have a traditional village. Most importantly, we discuss releasing rigid ideals and making space for a version of motherhood that is honest, unconventional, and uniquely your own.The Heart of This ConversationOne of the biggest themes in this episode is this:Motherhood is not a fairy tale.It’s a journey.And sometimes the version we were promised, the neat, linear one, simply isn’t the one we’re given.But that does not mean your story is broken.Cheri shares how hope can exist alongside grief.How resilience can grow through trauma.And how becoming a mother may require rewriting everything you thought it would look like.This episode is especially for the woman who feels “off track.”The woman whose timeline didn’t unfold as planned.The woman wondering if she missed her chance.You didn’t miss your story.It may just be unfolding differently.If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who may need to hear it.Connect with CheriCheri shares more about her organization and the resources available for women navigating infertility, donor conception, nontraditional motherhood, and family-building after loss.You can connect with Cheri and learn more about her work through:https://www.facebook.com/missionmotherhood/https://www.cheribergeron.com/https://www.instagram.com/screwthefairytale/Book: Mission Motherhood: Writing a New Fairy Tale of Love and FamilyP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 48: Living Life by Design in Motherhood with Dr. Wendy O'ConnorSo many moms are living on autopilot.You check the boxes.You show up.You do the “right” things.And yet… something feels off.In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Wendy O’Connor, Stanford-trained positive psychologist, to unpack what it truly means to live life by design instead of default, especially in motherhood.We talk about the quiet kind of burnout that happens when your life looks good on paper but doesn’t feel aligned anymore. The kind where you’re not depressed, but you’re not lit up either. The kind where you start wondering, Is this just how it’s supposed to be?Dr. Wendy shares the pivotal moment that changed everything for her, realizing she had built a successful life that no longer fit who she was becoming. That realization led her into the work she now teaches thousands of women: reconnecting to your strengths, values, and desires so you can stop surviving and start designing forward.A Powerful ShiftOne of the most important takeaways from this episode:You don’t need to overhaul your entire life.You need to start designing forward.That might look like taking an honest audit of your day.Noticing where you hit the “rumble strip.”Asking yourself, Where am I saying yes when I mean no?It’s not about blowing everything up.It’s about inching closer to alignment.Because every time you say yes when you mean no, you fracture self-trust.And every time you choose yourself in a small way, you begin rebuilding it.Why This Matters in MotherhoodThere is no other season of life where you give so much of yourself.And yet, when you disconnect from yourself, you don’t just affect your own fulfillment, you model that disconnection for your children.If we live dimmed, filtered, and small… they learn to do the same.Living by design isn’t selfish.It’s modeling courage.It’s modeling self-trust.It’s modeling what it looks like to come home to yourself.If You’re Feeling “Too Far Gone”Dr. Wendy reminds us: there is no such thing.Everything you desire is waiting on the other side of your next small move.One mindset shift.One boundary.One aligned decision.If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who needs to hear it.Connect with Dr. WendyYou can connect with Dr. Wendy O’Connor on Instagram at @drwendyoconnor and learn more about her work helping women live with clarity, confidence, and intention.P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 47: From Exhausted to Empowered: Helping Families Thrive Through Sleep with Allison EgidiSleep deprivation can quietly unravel even the most capable, prepared parents. When sleep struggles linger beyond the newborn phase, many families find themselves overwhelmed, doubting their instincts, and wondering if they’re doing something wrong.But sleep isn’t just about rest.It affects emotional regulation, impulse control, learning retention, and mental health. And when a family hasn’t slept in months or even years, it can feel impossible to know where to begin.In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I sit down with pediatric sleep consultant Allison Egidi, founder of Sleep and Wellness Coach, to talk about what really happens when families go without sleep for too long and how to reclaim rest in a realistic, supportive way.The Breaking Point That Changed EverythingAllison shares her personal story of nearly two years of severe sleep deprivation with her first daughter. Despite being prepared, organized, and determined to “do it right,” nothing was working. Add postpartum anxiety, a demanding job, and a second baby into the mix, and she hit a breaking point.The turning point came when someone lovingly said, “You don’t seem like yourself.”That moment led her to seek help. Within 11 days of working with a sleep coach, everything changed.Why Sleep Is Foundational for Mental HealthOne of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is this:Five hours of uninterrupted sleep can significantly improve mental health.While adults ideally need seven to eight hours, that five-hour stretch can be a critical starting point for overwhelmed moms. Sleep affects mood stability, anxiety levels, cognitive function, and resilience.We talk about practical strategies like dividing nighttime responsibilities with a partner, creating intentional sleep windows, and asking for help even when it feels uncomfortable.How Sleep Impacts Kids Beyond BedtimeSleep isn’t just about easier nights. It impacts:• Emotional regulation • Impulse control • Learning retention • Classroom behaviorAllison explains how chronic sleep deprivation can mimic ADHD symptoms in children and how improving sleep can dramatically shift academic performance and behavior.It’s never too late to teach a child how to sleep well. Whether your child is six months old or in fifth grade, healthy sleep habits can be built.The Power of Asking for HelpThis conversation also highlights something deeper than sleep.Many moms suffer silently. We tell ourselves we should be able to figure it out. We power through exhaustion. We minimize our struggles.But healing often begins with saying, “I’m not okay.”When we admit we need help, we open the door to real change.If this episode encouraged you, share it with another mom who might need it.Connect with AllisonPodcast: How Long Till Bedtime Instagram: @sleepandwellnesscoach Website: sleepandwellnesscoach.comP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 46: Healing After Trauma, Grief & Identity Loss with Nicole GibsonLife can change in an instant. One moment you’re building a future, and the next, you’re trying to make sense of a life that no longer looks or feels familiar. For many women, trauma doesn’t just bring physical or emotional pain. It brings grief for the life they thought they were living and confusion about who they are now.In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I sit down with Nicole Gibson, an engineer, traumatic brain injury survivor, and author of Shattered Into Grace. Nicole shares her story of surviving a severe brain injury at 20 years old and the long, often invisible journey of rebuilding her identity, her faith, and her sense of worth.This conversation is honest, grounding, and full of hope for anyone navigating life after loss.When Life Breaks and Identity ShattersOne month after turning 20, Nicole was hit by a car while walking to class. The accident left her with a severe traumatic brain injury, multiple skull fractures, and no memory of who she was. When she woke up, her life felt fragmented, like puzzle pieces scattered on the floor with no clear way to put them back together.Recovery wasn’t just physical. It was deeply personal. Returning to school, relearning routines, and trying to reconnect with a version of herself she could barely remember forced Nicole to rebuild from the ground up. The question wasn’t just how to heal, but who am I now?Trauma didn’t erase her life, but it changed it. And learning to live inside that reality took time, patience, and support.The Long Road Through Grief, Relationships, and WorthOne of the most powerful parts of Nicole’s story is her honesty about how long healing really took. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, recovery stretched over years, not months. Even when life looked “fine” on the outside, internally she was struggling with fear, loneliness, and a deep desire to feel accepted.That desire led her into relationships that didn’t reflect her worth. Nicole shares how trauma and identity loss can leave women vulnerable to staying in situations that slowly erode their sense of value. When self-worth is shaky, it’s easy to confuse attention with love and performance with belonging.Healing, Faith, and Becoming Whole AgainFaith played a significant role in Nicole’s healing, but not in a neat or linear way. She speaks honestly about anger, doubt, and wrestling with questions that didn’t have easy answers. Healing didn’t come from bypassing grief, but from allowing space for it.Over time, surrender replaced striving. Instead of forcing life to look a certain way, Nicole began asking what would actually bring her peace, joy, and health. That shift opened the door to a life that looks different than the one she lost, but still whole.Her reminder for anyone healing after trauma is simple and powerful: you are worthy. Your trauma does not define you, and you are allowed to take the time you need to heal.Connect with NicoleYou can learn more about Nicole, her book Shattered Into Grace, and her ongoing writing at dynamicallycrafted.com, where she shares reflections on healing, faith, and rebuilding life after trauma.P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You AgainSimple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 45: How Childhood Shapes Us with Stacy SchafferSo many adults move through life believing they should be “past” what happened to them. That childhood is over. That it shouldn’t still affect them. But our early experiences don’t stay neatly tucked in the past. They quietly shape how we love, how we parent, how we handle stress, and how safe we feel being ourselves.In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I sit down with Stacy Schaffer, a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults. She’s also the author of With Love from a Children’s Therapist and brings a rare dual perspective as both a clinician and a survivor of childhood trauma.This conversation is tender, honest, and deeply relatable.Childhood Doesn’t Stay in ChildhoodStacy shares openly about growing up in an environment marked by trauma, silence, and unmet emotional needs. When she tried to speak up as a young child, she wasn’t heard. That silence didn’t make the pain disappear. It taught her how to survive.Like many people, Stacy learned to cope by starting over. By pushing forward. By performing well and deciding not to look back. For a long time, that strategy worked. It helped her build a life, choose a career, and appear “fine” on the outside.How Childhood Trauma Shows Up LaterOne of the most grounding parts of this conversation is Stacy’s explanation of what childhood trauma actually is. Trauma isn’t about comparison. It’s not about whether someone else “had it worse.” Trauma is any experience that overwhelms a child’s nervous system and changes how they understand the world.Unprocessed childhood trauma often shows up sideways in adulthood. It can look like perfectionism, people-pleasing, emotional shutdown, anxiety, over-functioning, or constantly feeling like you have to hold everything together.When pain stays unnamed, it gets repeated.Why Healing Ourselves Matters for Our KidsA central theme of this episode is the impact parents have when they’re willing to do their own emotional work. Stacy speaks honestly about generational trauma and how cycles continue when pain goes unaddressed, not because parents don’t care, but because they don’t have the tools or support they need.Children don’t need perfect parents. They need parents who are willing to listen without shutting down, who can tolerate discomfort without becoming defensive, and who are open to being human.I was reminded again that I can’t take my children places I’m unwilling to go myself. When parents begin healing, even imperfectly, it creates safety. It gives kids permission to speak, to feel, and to trust that they won’t be alone with their hard emotions.Healing isn’t about blame. It’s about breaking cycles with compassion.You don’t have to carry this alone.Connect with StacyYou can learn more about Stacy’s work, her book With Love from a Children’s Therapist, and download the first chapter for free at stacyschaffer.com.She also shares thoughtful, grounded insights for parents and caregivers on Instagram at @hoperestored.P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 44: Navigating Change with Grit & Gratitude with Laura BrattonChange can feel terrifying especially when it arrives without warning. For many women, unexpected loss, health challenges, or major life transitions don’t just disrupt daily routines; they shake identity, belonging, and the future we thought we were building.In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I sit down with Laura Bratton, author of Harnessing Courage and founder of UB Global, for a deeply honest conversation about grief, fear, faith, and what it really looks like to move forward when life no longer looks the way you imagined.Laura shares her personal story of losing her sight as a teenager and the years of denial, depression, anxiety, and grief that followed. Instead of a polished “everything worked out” narrative, this conversation stays rooted in the real middle: the fear, the doubt, and the slow, day-by-day work of healing.When Change Hits Before You’re ReadyLaura was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition as a child, but it wasn’t until her teenage years that vision loss began to impact every part of her life. At first, denial took over, believing it wouldn’t be permanent, that life would somehow return to normal after graduation.When reality finally settled in, it brought an overwhelming wave of grief and fear.As a teenager navigating identity, friendships, and belonging, Laura described being caught between the sadness of what she had already lost and the anxiety of an unknown future. One question kept surfacing:“Do I still belong?”The Quiet Truth About Grief and DepressionOne of the most powerful moments in this episode was Laura’s honesty about her internal dialogue during those years. Rather than anger or “why me,” her dominant thought was simple and heavy:“I can’t. This is too hard.”That sentence became her nightly prayer and her first thought each morning.This part of the conversation matters deeply to me, because so many women feel isolated in their grief, believing something is wrong with them for struggling. Laura named what often goes unspoken: depression, anxiety, and fear are not signs of weakness or failure. They are normal human responses to loss.When those realities aren’t talked about, people stay stuck believing they’re alone.Why Support Systems Matter More Than We RealizeHealing didn’t happen overnight and it didn’t happen in isolation.Laura shared how her parents became a steady anchor during those years. Instead of asking her to imagine an entire future, they helped her narrow the focus:Eat breakfastGet to schoolMake it through one classThat was enough.Sometimes, healing looks like someone else holding hope for you until you can hold it yourself.If this conversation resonated with you, I encourage you to share it with another woman who might need it. You are not alone in this.Connect with Laura BrattonYou can learn more about Laura’s work, her book Harnessing Courage, and her coaching and speaking at LauraBratton.com.Her work is a powerful reminder that grief, fear, faith, and gratitude can exist together and that moving forward doesn’t require having everything figured out.P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Click here to download it nowEpisode 43: Breaking the Generational Cycle of Addiction with Jennifer ChaseAddiction doesn’t affect just one person.It weaves itself through families, childhoods, marriages, and motherhood often quietly, often hidden behind appearances, success, or silence.In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I sat down with Jennifer Chase for a conversation that felt honest, brave, and deeply necessary.Jennifer is a woman in long-term recovery, the daughter of an alcoholic, the mother of a recovering addict, and now a life coach who helps families heal together. Her story is layered shaped by generational addiction, trauma, codependency, and ultimately, healing.What she shared wasn’t just about addiction. It was about survival, identity, and what it truly takes to break cycles that have been passed down for generations.When Addiction Is the Environment You Grow Up InJennifer shared what it was like growing up in a home where addiction was ever-present even if it wasn’t always named.Her father struggled with alcoholism. Her mother was emotionally distant. From the outside, her family looked successful, stable, and even enviable.But inside, life felt unpredictable and unsafe.As a child, Jennifer learned what so many children in these environments learn: If something feels wrong, it must be me.She spoke about isolating at a very young age, internalizing shame, and believing that if she could just be quieter, easier, or less emotional, things might feel better.What struck me most was how early survival patterns form when safety isn’t consistent and how those patterns often follow us into adulthood.Codependency: The Other Half of the StoryOne of the most powerful parts of this episode is Jennifer’s explanation of codependency especially within families.She shared a simple but revealing question:When your loved one is okay, are you okay and when they’re not, are you not?Codependency, she explained, mirrors addiction neurologically. It’s another survival response, another attempt to control fear, pain, and uncertainty.We talked about how parents can swing between under-protecting and over-protecting and how both extremes leave children without the tools they need to navigate life.Connect with Jennifer ChaseFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.reinhartchaseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_chase/Website: https://www.riseaddictionlc.com/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you:🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You AgainSimple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Click here to download it nowEpisode 42: How to Find Peace When Life Feels Overwhelming: The Heart of a Caregiver with Mary TutterowCaregiving seasons often arrive without warning.One moment, life feels predictable, your plans, your identity, the direction you’re heading. And the next, everything feels uncertain.In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I sat down with Mary Tutterow to talk about what it truly means to find peace when life feels overwhelming not by escaping hardship, but by learning how to walk through it differently.Mary is a former news anchor and PR executive whose life took an unexpected turn when she became a full-time caregiver first to her daughter born with a severe seizure disorder, then to her son, and later to her mother-in-law battling cancer and dementia.What began as the unraveling of everything she thought she knew about herself became the doorway back to her truest self and to a peace she never believed was possible in circumstances this hard.The Moment Everything ShiftedOne of the most powerful moments in our conversation came when Mary shared a deeply personal experience that transformed how she understood suffering, faith, and peace.In the middle of a long night, holding her infant daughter through relentless seizures, Mary reached a breaking point and for the first time, cried out not for answers, but for God’s presence.That moment marked the beginning of a new way of living:Releasing the need to fix everythingLearning to say “I don’t know”Letting go of self-sufficiencyAllowing God to walk with her instead of rescuing her out of the painAs Mary shared this, I was reminded of something so many of us resist:peace doesn’t come from circumstances changing, it comes from changing how we walk through them.Peace Is Not the Absence of PainOne of the biggest misconceptions Mary gently dismantled in this episode was this belief:“I can’t have peace until things get better.”Instead, she shared a powerful reframe:Peace is not dependent on healing, finances, or certaintyPeace is a choice available even in chaosPeace comes from presence, not control.We talked about how resisting reality often deepens suffering and how grief, acceptance, and surrender can create space for peace to emerge in the middle of the mess.If You’re an Overwhelmed CaregiverIf you’re in a season where:You feel stretched beyond capacityYou’re grieving a life you didn’t chooseYou’re exhausted from holding everything togetherYou’re longing for peace but don’t know where to find itThis episode is for you.Peace doesn’t mean your life becomes easy.It means you are no longer destroyed by what is hard.Connect with Mary TutterowWebsite: https://www.TheHeartoftheCaregiver.comWebsite: https://www.MaryTutterow.comP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you:🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You AgainSimple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 41: High-Conflict Divorce — Protecting Your Sanity in Legal Chaos with Lisa JohnsonFor many women, divorce isn’t just the end of a marriage, it becomes a long, exhausting battle they never saw coming.Instead of closure, they’re met with manipulation, intimidation, endless court filings, and an ex who refuses to let go. The emotional toll is heavy. The financial cost can be devastating. And the question so many moms quietly ask is: How do I survive this without losing myself or my kids?In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I sit down with Lisa Johnson, a high-conflict divorce strategist and certified domestic violence advocate who knows the family court system from the inside out, not just professionally, but personally.Lisa spent nearly 10 years navigating post-separation legal abuse, represented herself through over 100 court appearances, and ultimately won a precedent-setting case now published in state law. Today, she helps parents around the world navigate high-conflict divorce, custody battles, coercive control, and post-separation abuse.This conversation is honest, grounding, and deeply validating for anyone who feels trapped in legal chaos.When Divorce Becomes Legal AbuseLisa explains that high-conflict divorce is not the same as a difficult divorce.In many cases, emotions run high at first but eventually settle down. In high-conflict situations, that never happens. Instead, the legal system itself becomes a weapon.Legal abuse (also called litigation abuse or paper abuse) happens when an ex uses the courts to:Drain you financiallyForce constant court appearancesControl your time, energy, and emotional bandwidthMaintain power long after the relationship endsThe goal isn’t resolution — it’s punishment.Why Smart, Capable Women Get StuckOne of the most important truths Lisa shares is this:Abuse doesn’t happen because someone is weak.Many of her clients are highly educated, successful professionals — even attorneys and therapists. Abuse unfolds slowly through coercive control, gaslighting, and manipulation. By the time it’s visible, the person is already deeply entangled.Shame keeps people silent. Confusion keeps them stuck.Naming what’s happening is often the first step toward clarity.Why This Conversation MattersIf you’re in the middle of a high-conflict divorce and questioning your sanity, hear this:You are not crazy.You are not weak.And you are not alone.There are ways to protect your peace, your children, and your future — even when it feels overwhelming.If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Sometimes, clarity is the most powerful form of hope.CONNECT WITH Lisa JohnsonFacebook:  https://facebook.com/beentheregotoutInstagram: https://instagram.com/been_there_got_outYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeenThereGotOutP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Click here to download it nowEp. 40  Breaking Free from Caregiver Burnout with Lynette WeldonMotherhood stretches us in more ways than we ever imagined—but caregiving asks even more of the heart. When you're caring for a child with special needs or ongoing medical concerns, the emotional, physical, and mental load multiplies. You love fiercely, but you’re also human. And too often, that humanity—your exhaustion, grief, resentment, guilt, and deep longing to feel like yourself again—goes unseen.This week’s episode of Let’s Get Real is one so many moms have been waiting for. I sit down with Lynette Weldon—a longtime caregiver, practitioner, and mom who has walked through medical trauma, emotional collapse, and the quiet unraveling that happens when you disappear inside the needs of everyone else.This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply validating. If you’ve ever thought:“I should be able to handle this…”“Everyone needs me—I’ll take care of myself later…”“I feel guilty for wanting a break…”“I don’t even recognize myself anymore…”You are not alone. And you are not failing.Why Caregiving Burnout Doesn’t Happen OvernightLynette shares how burnout begins slowly—long before we name it:You start putting yourself last “just for now.”Survival mode becomes normal.Your identity shrinks to appointments, advocacy, and medical paperwork.You swallow guilt, resentment, loneliness, and grief because you don’t want anyone to misunderstand your love.Over time, it wears down your patience, your body, your joy, and your sense of self.And the hardest part? Moms often feel like they aren’t allowed to talk about it.Because if they do… they fear being judged. Misunderstood. Seen as ungrateful or selfish.But caregiving brings its own grief. Its own losses. Its own invisible wounds. Naming them is not selfish—it’s sacred.If You’re Feeling Burned Out… You’re Not Failing. You’re Tired. And You Deserve Support.This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to hold it all together. You don’t have to be the strong one all the time. You don’t have to bury your exhaustion and pretend you’re fine.You matter too.And healing doesn’t mean abandoning your child—it means keeping yourself whole so you can keep showing up with love without losing yourself in the process.If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another mom who needs the reminder that she doesn’t have to do this alone.You aren’t failing. You aren’t selfish. You aren’t invisible.You’re human—and you deserve support, rest, and room to breathe again.Connect with Lynette WeldonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095075297153Instagram: http://instagram.com/lynetteweldon3P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Click here to download it nowEp. 39 When Motherhood Feels “Too Much”: Understanding the Highly Sensitive Mom with Elizabeth CushHave you ever wondered why motherhood feels louder, heavier, or more overwhelming for you than it seems to for everyone else?Why the school pickup line makes your chest tighten, why constant noise feels like too much, or why you need just five minutes alone before you can even think straight again?If you’ve ever whispered to yourself, “What is wrong with me? Why can’t I handle this like other moms?” I want you to hear this clearly:Nothing is wrong with you. You might just be a highly sensitive woman trying to survive modern motherhood.In this week’s episode of Let’s Get Real, I sat down with therapist and podcast host Elizabeth Cush, who has spent nearly two decades supporting highly sensitive women through overwhelm, deep processing, and the emotional intensity that so often gets misunderstood.This conversation felt like someone finally turning the lights on in a room I didn’t know I’d been sitting in.Practical First Steps for the Highly Sensitive MomHere are some of Elizabeth’s simplest, most powerful strategies:1. Put a hand on your heart and breathe.Physical touch + deep breathing signals safety to your nervous system.2. Build a micro-community that “gets it.”Just one or two people who understand sensitivity can change everything.3. Let yourself experiment.There is no perfect routine, no perfect strategy. Try things. Adjust. Repeat.4. Stop apologizing for your sensitivity.It’s not a liability — it’s a gift.This Episode Is for Every Mom Who Has Ever Whispered “It’s Too Much.”Motherhood asks a lot of us. But sensitive moms feel that “lot” more intensely — biologically, emotionally, and spiritually.My hope is that this episode feels like an exhale. A naming. A homecoming.Because when we understand our sensitivity, we stop fighting ourselves and start caring for ourselves.And that’s when motherhood begins to feel lighter — not because it gets easier, but because we stop carrying it alone.CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH CUSHFacebook:   / aywwpodcast  YouTube:   / @elizabethcushlcpc3220  Instagram:  / awakenyourwisewoman  P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Ep 38 — Rebuilding After Emotional Abuse: Finding Yourself Again with Julie BarthThis episode is one of the most important conversations I’ve ever had on the podcast regarding emotional abuse.So many women—maybe even you—know what it feels like to wake up one day and realize, I don’t even recognize myself anymore. Somewhere in the surviving, the caregiving, the giving up pieces of yourself to keep the peace, you lose your voice, your confidence, your clarity, and the parts of you that used to feel alive.In this episode, I sat down with Julie Barth, a writer, mom of six, trauma survivor, and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach. Julie has lived through more crisis and heartbreak than most people will experience in a lifetime—and she has rebuilt herself every single time.Our conversation is honest, emotional, and full of truth that so many women need to hear.💛 Julie’s Story Took My Breath AwayAs she shared her journey, I found myself amazed by her strength and heart.She spent nearly a decade in survival mode:raising a child with a significant medical conditiontraveling constantly for surgeriescaregiving for her husband through terminal cancerraising six kidsand somehow trying to keep life moving forwardWhen her husband passed, she didn’t have space to grieve. She was already numb, already on autopilot, already surviving.That’s when she entered a new relationship—one that seemed freeing at first, but ultimately became emotionally and financially abusive.Listening to her talk about ignoring red flags because she was desperate for relief… I know many women will see themselves in her story.🧠 What Emotional Abuse Actually Feels LikeJulie said something that hit me deeply:“Nothing makes sense anymore. You’re confused all the time.”That’s the part of emotional abuse we rarely talk about—the slow unraveling of your reality.You stop trusting your instincts.You start doubting your sanity.You rationalize what you’d never tolerate for someone else.You shrink yourself smaller and smaller until you don’t recognize who you’ve become.It’s not weakness.It’s survival.✨ If You’re in This Situation, Here’s What Julie Wants You to KnowThese were her most powerful pieces of advice:1. Commit fully.2. Record yourself in your hardest moments.Julie said:“You forget the pain just like you forget childbirth.” Those videos remind you why you can’t go back.3. Prepare in small, doable ways.You don’t need a master plan.You just need the next right step.4. You will survive the messy middle.And on the other side?There is peace.Connect With JulieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie_barth_author/?hl=enP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Ep. 37 How Avoidant Attachment Impacts Motherhood with Bev MitelmanIf motherhood has ever made you wonder, “Why do I react like this?” or “Why do I need so much space when I love my kids so much?” — you’re not alone. So many moms quietly carry the fear that something is “wrong” with them because they get overstimulated, shut down, or feel irritable in the chaos of everyday life.In this episode, Bev Mitelman breaks that shame wide open.Bev is a certified attachment practitioner and the founder of Securely Loved, and she has spent 25+ years helping people understand their attachment patterns so they can reconnect with themselves and the people they love. Her work is deeply personal — she grew up in chaos, learned to shut down emotionally, and rebuilt her own attachment style through healing.Her honesty makes this episode feel like a breath you didn’t realize you were holding.💛 “Avoidant” Isn’t What Most Moms ThinkAvoidant and fearful-avoidant attachment styles don’t always look like detachment.They often look like:independence“I’ll handle it myself”keeping things togetherbeing the strong onenever asking for helpnot wanting to feel like a burdenneeding space to breatheThese patterns usually come from childhood experiences where emotions weren’t met with comfort. Maybe you grew up hearing:“Stop crying.”“You’re fine.”“Don’t make a big deal out of it.”“Handle it yourself.”“You’re too sensitive.”So you did.You learned to shut down your needs.You learned to stay quiet.And now as a mom, those patterns show up in the moments when you’re most overwhelmed.🌱 A Real Moment That So Many Moms Will Relate ToOne of the most vulnerable parts of this episode is the conversation about the after-school “witching hours.”So many moms feel guilty because:“I haven’t seen them all day — why do I already need a break?”Bev explained that this is actually one of the most common triggers for avoidant wiring:sensory overloadpressure to cook/clean/homeworkhungernoisetransitionsmultitaskingzero downtimeAnd when the nervous system is maxed out, it will shut down or react.Her advice?Create a rhythm that includes together time and alone time for everyone.Togetherness → Snack → A few minutes alone to decompress → ReconnectionThis builds secure attachment — not avoidant attachment. And it helps you show up with more patience, presence, and emotional bandwidth.Connect With Bev MitelmanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecurelyLovedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/securely_loved/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you:🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You AgainSimple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Ep. 36 Yelled at Your Kids Again? How to Regulate Your Emotions Before You Explode — with Kristin CoganThere are moments in motherhood that feel so heavy I can barely catch my breath. I love my kids deeply, but there are days where the noise, the mess, the constant needs, and the pressure to “hold it all together” feels like more than I can handle.And suddenly—I snap.If you’ve ever had those moments where you say something you regret instantly, or you find yourself thinking, “Why am I like this? Why am I always on edge?”—this episode is one you won’t want to skip.This week, I sat down with Kristin Kogan, a licensed therapist, coach, and mom of five, who helps overwhelmed, high-achieving moms break the cycles of stress, guilt, and self-doubt. Our conversation felt like a big exhale. It reminded me that I’m not broken… I’m human. And so are you.The Fight-or-Flight Cycle That No One Talks AboutKristin explained something I needed to hear: when I’m constantly rushing, my nervous system assumes something must be wrong. It shifts into survival mode.That’s why the smallest thing can trigger a big reaction.It’s not that I’m failing.It’s that my body is overloaded.Slowing down—something that feels unnatural and even uncomfortable at times—becomes the way I tell myself, “I’m safe. I’m okay. I don’t have to rush.”That slowing down helps me regulate, and when I regulate, I can respond with intention instead of reacting out of overwhelm.🪞 The Identity I Lost (and How I’m Rebuilding It)One of the most impactful parts of our conversation was when Kristin explained why so many moms feel like they’ve “lost themselves.”Before motherhood, I knew what I loved. I knew what made me feel alive. I could rest, create, be spontaneous, spend time with friends, go on walks, dance, read, and actually finish a sentence without being interrupted.Over time, those parts of me started disappearing under the weight of responsibility. And suddenly I woke up one day thinking:“Where did I go?”Kristin uses a method she calls The Ripple Effect Method, made up of four pillars:Physical – the daily habits that help my body feel supportedSocial – the relationships that fill me up (and the ones that drain me)Emotional – the feelings I want to experience more intentionallySpiritual – the life-giving practices that nourish my soulWhen I think about who I used to be before becoming a mom, I’m reminded that those pieces are still there. They just need room again.Connect With KristinIf you want to feel supported, seen, and understood in the messy parts of motherhood, you can find Kristin here:Instagram: @imperfectlywonderfulmotherhoodP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you:🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Ep. 35 From Overwhelmed to Calm: A Guided EFT Tapping Session for Moms with Amy VinczeIf you’ve ever found yourself standing in the kitchen, heart racing, noise all around, and thinking “I can’t do this right now”—you’re not alone.Motherhood can feel like one long to-do list where your name always comes last. Between caring for your kids, managing a home, and trying to hold onto some sense of who you are, it’s easy to lose your cool—and yourself—in the process.That’s why this week’s episode of Let’s Get Real might be one of the most powerful we’ve ever done.I sat down with Amy Vincze, an EFT Tapping Coach who has spent over 16 years helping people release stress, anxiety, and the emotional overload that so many moms carry daily. In our last conversation, Amy explained what tapping is and why it works.This time, we put it into practice—together.It’s an episode you can experience in real time.What is EFT Tapping and Why Does It Work?EFT—short for Emotional Freedom Techniques—is a science-backed, body-based practice that helps you release stress and regulate your nervous system. Amy describes it as a combination of:Energy healing (like acupuncture, but using gentle tapping on acupressure points instead of needles).Cognitive therapy (naming what you want to release while you tap).Somatic therapy (bringing your awareness back into your body so you can feel safe again).Facing the “Negative” Feelings We Try to AvoidOne of the biggest misconceptions about tapping is that it’s “negative” because it starts by focusing on hard emotions—like overwhelm, fear, or sadness.Amy explains that this isn’t dwelling on the negative; it’s giving those emotions a pathway out.“We’ve been conditioned to push down uncomfortable feelings and just put on a happy face. But the truth is, avoidance doesn’t make them go away—it just traps them in our bodies.”By naming the emotion and allowing yourself to feel it, you open the door for release. And that release is what brings calm back into your mind and body.If you loved this episode, explore Amy’s SOAR with Tapping App—complete with 160 guided scripts, visual tapping cues, and soothing voice prompts to help you find calm anywhere, anytime.Because peace isn’t a luxury—it’s a practice. 💛Connect with Amy:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/191vWHGCk8/?mibextid=wwXlfrYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@soarwithtapping9898Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soarwithtapping/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801How Healing Ourselves Can Heal the World with Phyllis LeavittHave you ever felt like the world is just… too much?Too divided. Too loud. Too angry.It’s easy to feel helpless when you look around and wonder, “How could anything I do possibly make a difference?”But what if the greatest impact you could ever make on the world starts with healing what’s inside of you?That’s the question we’re exploring in today’s conversation with Phyllis Leavitt, a psychotherapist and author who spent more than 30 years helping people work through trauma, family conflict, and deep emotional disconnection. Her newest book, America in Therapy, takes the same principles she’s used to help families heal—and applies them to an entire nation.Because according to Phyllis, the same wounds that break families are the ones breaking society.And the same tools that restore connection at home can restore compassion in the world.The First Step in Healing: ReliefPhyllis shared that when someone begins the healing journey, the first thing she notices isn’t clarity, or joy—it’s relief.Relief that they don’t have to pretend anymore.Relief that they can cry without being judged.Relief that someone finally sees them beneath the layers of coping and survival.That’s the beginning of trust. And from that trust comes transformation.“Whatever happened to you is not who you are.” — Phyllis LeavittWhen we experience that kind of acceptance, we begin to soften. We let go of self-blame. And we start to reconnect with the part of us that’s always been whole—just hidden under years of survival.The Ripple Effect of HealingPhyllis has seen hundreds of clients change their lives—and in doing so, change the world around them.Parents who stopped yelling and started listening.Leaders who stopped controlling and started empowering.Individuals who stopped hiding and started showing up authentically.Why This Conversation MattersWe’re living in a time of deep polarization and pain. But Phyllis believes—and I do too—that hope starts closer to home than we think.It starts in our hearts.In our families.In the small, daily choices we make to respond with love instead of fear.Healing is not selfish. It’s sacred work.It’s how we make the world gentler, one person at a time.If you loved this episode, click here to explore how healing your own heart can transform your relationships, leadership, and the world around you, starting today.Connect with Phyllis Leavitt:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phyllis.leavittWebsite: https://www.phyllisleavitt.com/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 33 – Picking Up the Pieces: Finding Yourself Again After Divorce with Nanette MurphyWhat do you do when the life you built suddenly falls apart?When the home you created, the person you trusted, and the future you imagined—all vanish overnight?I’ve had friends walk through divorce, and I’ve watched the way it shatters not just a marriage, but a sense of self. And if you’ve ever been there—or loved someone who has—you know it’s more than signing papers. It’s grief. It’s identity loss. It’s learning to live in a world that no longer fits the way it used to.That’s why I wanted to have this conversation.In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I sit down with Nanette Murphy, a Divorce and Life Reinvention Coach who helps women rebuild their lives after their world has been turned upside down. Nanette knows this story firsthand—after twenty-one years of marriage, she found herself facing infidelity, heartbreak, and the long road back to herself.What You’ll Hear in This Episode🌿 Why grief after divorce can feel like a death—and how to move through it🌿 What healing really looks like when you can’t go back to who you were🌿 How to start rebuilding your confidence one tiny step at a time🌿 Why finding support (coach, therapist, friends) changes everything🌿 How stepping outside your comfort zone becomes the doorway to peace🌿 The surprising ways purpose and possibility begin to returnWhy This Conversation MattersSo many women walk through divorce believing it’s the end of their story.They feel ashamed, unworthy, and unsure of who they are without the titles that once defined them—wife, partner, caregiver.But what if this isn’t the end?What if it’s the moment God hands you the pen and says, “Now let’s write the next chapter together”?Nanette said something that stuck with me long after our conversation:“Healing is an active process. You have to be intentional about it.”That line stopped me.Because it’s easy to wait until we feel ready.But healing doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you choose—again and again—to show up for yourself, even when it still hurts.This episode is a reminder that grief and growth can coexist.You can mourn what was and make space for what’s next.You can cry and still hope.You can start over at 30, 50, or 70—and it can still be beautiful.Connect with NanetteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/divorcecoachingwithnanetteWebsite: https://www.livelifenowwithpurpose.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoachingwithnanette/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 32 — The Truth About Abundant Life with Jennifer BosmaMost of us have heard Ephesians 3:20 — “God can do exceedingly and abundantly more than all we ask or imagine.” It’s a beautiful promise, but sometimes, if we’re being honest, that verse can feel like salt on an open wound.When life looks messy, when you’re overwhelmed, when your prayers seem to go unanswered — the word “abundance” can feel almost cruel. You might start to wonder, If God can do all this, why doesn’t my life look like that? Am I doing something wrong?In this episode, I sat down with Jennifer Bosma, wife, mom, grandma, author, and host of The Front Parking Spot Podcast, to talk about what abundance really means — and what it doesn’t.The Story Behind the “Front Parking Spot”Jennifer’s story starts in a simple moment — three little girls, a double stroller, and a crowded parking lot.Every car in front of her turned left, following the crowd, but something nudged her to turn right.And there, waiting for her, were two open spots right at the front.It wasn’t just a lucky parking moment. It was a metaphor — a reminder that sometimes, the abundant life God invites us into starts with a quiet decision to go against the flow.That day became her life motto: Go for the front parking spot.And not just in parking lots — but in life, motherhood, and faith.In This Episode, We Talk About:How Jennifer’s “front parking spot” story became a picture of faith in motion.Why abundance isn’t about more money, more ease, or more followers — it’s about more trust.The danger of tying abundance to external success instead of spiritual contentmentWhat it looks like to model courage and obedience for your kids (they’re watching how you try, not how you succeed).Why This Conversation MattersWe live in a world obsessed with “more.”More money. More productivity. More everything.But real abundance — the kind that doesn’t vanish when life gets hard — begins when we stop chasing and start surrendering.If you’ve ever wrestled with feeling “behind,” or wondered if God’s promises still apply to you, this episode is for you.Because abundance isn’t about getting the front row — it’s about realizing you were invited there all along.Maybe abundance isn’t a destination.Maybe it’s the quiet, everyday courage to believe that even now — even here — you are living inside God’s promise of “more.”So before you go, take a breath.Look around. And ask yourself: 💭 What would it look like to go for the front parking spot today?Connect with Jennifer:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferjbosma/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frontparkingspotP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 31 – When Faith is Used to Numb Instead of Heal – The Truth About Spiritual Bypassing with Maria CarrascoHave you ever been told to “just have faith” when your heart was breaking?Or had a verse quoted at you when all you really needed was someone to sit in the silence and say, “I’m so sorry”?I’ve been there. And honestly, it can leave you feeling even more alone — like your pain is somehow proof that your faith is too small.That’s why I wanted to have this conversation.In this episode of Let’s Get Real, I sit down with Maria Carrasco, someone who has played an important role in my own healing journey. Maria serves in prayer and deliverance ministry, and she has walked with so many people through the hard, hidden places of their stories — where faith meets pain, and healing finally begins.Maria has helped me name things I didn’t even realize were buried. She’s helped me see that God doesn’t ask us to hide behind spiritual strength. He meets us right in the middle of our weakness — not with shame, but with love.Together, we unpack what’s known as spiritual bypassing — using faith, prayer, or Scripture to cover up our wounds instead of healing them. We talk about how easy it is to mistake “doing all the right things” for actually being healed… and how this quiet kind of avoidance costs us something far deeper than we realize: intimacy with God.What You’ll Hear in This Episode🌿 What spiritual bypassing really is — and why it’s so common in the Church🌿 How well-intentioned words like “God’s got this” or “They’re in a better place” can shut people down instead of bringing comfort🌿 The hidden cost of trying to be strong for God instead of being honest with HimWhy This Conversation MattersFor so long, I thought faith meant staying strong — pushing through, praying harder, serving more, reading more Scripture, doing whatever it took to make the pain go away. But that’s not what Jesus asks of us.He isn’t looking for perfectly put-together people who never struggle. He’s looking for people who are willing to tell the truth — about their doubts, their fears, their heartbreak, their humanity.Why this Episode MattersThis episode felt tender and holy to record.As Maria spoke, I could feel parts of my own story stirring — moments when I tried to hide my grief behind “faith,” times when I said “I’m fine” because I thought that’s what strength looked like.But the more I walk with God, the more I realize: He’s not impressed by my composure. He’s moved by my honesty.And I hope this conversation gives you permission to bring your full self to Him — the questions, the hurt, the parts you’ve tried to pray away.Because He’s not afraid of it. He’s coming after it.Connect with Maria:Instagram: @mariamariaartandclayP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 30: How to Quiet a Barking Brain for Busy Moms — with Phyllis ColettaIf your mind feels like it never stops barking — you’re not alone.Between managing schedules, cleaning up spills, remembering appointments, and trying to keep everyone alive and loved… motherhood can feel like living inside a mental hurricane.For many moms, the noise never stops. The lists, the worries, the self-doubt. What’s for dinner? Did I respond to that text? Am I failing my kids?But what if the loudest noise in your life isn’t outside — it’s inside your own head?This week, I sat down with Phyllis Coletta, a former litigation attorney, single mom of three boys, and the author of How to Be a Good Dog: Learning to Sit, Stay, and Heal. Her story is equal parts hilarious, honest, and deeply human. Phyllis has lived through the burnout, anxiety, and chaos that so many of us know all too well — and she’s found a simple, loving way to calm it all down.Her approach?Train your mind like a puppy.Because, as Phyllis puts it:“Our minds are like untrained puppies — barking, running wild, and exhausting us. But with love, patience, and consistency, they can learn to sit, stay, and heal.”From Chaos to CalmBefore discovering meditation, Phyllis described her life as “Mach 4 with my hair on fire.” She was juggling life as a single mom, working as an attorney in a male-dominated field, and constantly running on fumes. Every day was a race — and the noise inside her head only got louder.By her early 40s, she hit a breaking point. The anxiety, the pressure, the overthinking — it was too much. “I got sick of myself,” she says. “I knew something had to change.”What followed was a journey that changed everything. Phyllis found meditation — but not the kind that requires robes, mountain retreats, or hours of silence. She found a way to make it simple, real, and rooted in everyday life.Because peace isn’t found in perfection — it’s found in practice.In This Episode:🌿 Why most moms live with a constant “mental hum” — and how to turn down the volume 🐶 How to train your mind like a puppy (and why that changes everything) 💨 What it really means to “pause” and how 10 seconds can change an entire day 🧘‍♀️ Simple, practical ways to meditate when you don’t have time (or quiet)Why This Episode MattersIf you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I can’t stop my mind,” this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.Phyllis’s approach is refreshingly real, deeply funny, and full of grace. It’s not about escaping your life — it’s about learning to live it differently.Because peace isn’t found on a mountain top.It’s found in the car line, in the chaos, and in the small moments where you choose to pause instead of react.Connect with Phyllis:Website: https://www.howtobeagooddog.comP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Ep 29 Why Self-Compassion Changes Everything (Especially for Moms) — with Elizabeth CushMotherhood has a way of magnifying every flaw we think we have.We’re patient and loving one moment—then snapping the next.We hold everyone else’s emotions, yet struggle to hold our own.Most moms extend endless compassion to others… but when it comes to themselves, that grace disappears.The truth? Many of us have learned to be our own harshest critic.In this episode, Jena sits down with Elizabeth Cush, a therapist and coach who helps highly-sensitive women quiet the inner critic and reconnect with their true selves. Together, they unpack what self-compassion really means—and why it’s not indulgent, but essential.Elizabeth shares how learning to speak to herself with the same kindness she offers others transformed her life as a mother, a therapist, and a woman.She also reveals how perfectionism, shame, and cultural expectations keep moms trapped in cycles of guilt—and how awareness and grace can finally break them.In This Episode, You’ll Hear Us Talk About …🌿 What self-compassion actually looks like beyond “just being nice to yourself.”🌿 Why moms are so quick to criticize themselves—and where that voice really comes from.🌿 How the inner critic often develops as a protective part rooted in childhood experiences.🌿 The science behind compassion—how new neural pathways form when we practice gentleness.Why This Conversation MattersWe live in a culture that praises moms for doing more—but rarely for being gentle with themselves.We tell our kids to “use kind words,” but forget to model that same kindness inward.Elizabeth reminds us that compassion isn’t about letting ourselves off the hook; it’s about learning to stay with ourselves when we fall short.It’s about understanding that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence.She says it best:“Criticism doesn’t motivate us to change. Compassion does.”When we start talking to ourselves differently, everything shifts—our parenting, our relationships, and our sense of peace.Because the voice our children hear most often is the one we use on ourselves.Next time your inner critic starts shouting, pause. Place a hand on your heart and whisper: “This is hard—and I’m learning.” It might sound simple, but that tiny moment of gentleness rewires the way you relate to yourself.Connect with Elizabeth CushFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AYWWPodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethcushlcpc3220Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakenyourwisewoman/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You AgainSimple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 28: Fighting for Your Child Without Losing Yourself with Jen RobbWhen your child is struggling, every part of you aches to make it better.You fight for answers. You show up to every appointment. You pray until your voice shakes.And still—sometimes—it feels like you’re failing.This week’s episode is one that every mom needs to hear.Jena sits down with Jen Robb, a nurse practitioner, functional medicine provider, and author of Warrior Mom Rising, to talk about what it means to advocate for your child without losing yourself in the process.Jen knows this fight firsthand.When her daughter Chloe began battling severe anxiety and depression at just 12 years old—later uncovering trauma no parent ever wants to imagine—Jen’s world turned upside down. She became a full-time warrior mom, navigating hospitals, therapists, and endless sleepless nights while trying not to lose her own identity in the chaos.In this conversation, Jen and Jena get real about what that journey looked like—the heartbreak, the faith, and the freedom that comes from surrender.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:🌿 What it really looks like to advocate for your child—without burning out or trying to fix everything yourself 🌿 The painful but powerful realization that “it’s not your job to carry your child’s pain” 🌿 How to walk with your child through their struggles instead of walking for them 🌿 Why surrendering control doesn’t mean giving up—it means partnering with GodWhy This Conversation MattersSo many moms are fighting invisible battles—advocating for their kids while secretly falling apart inside. We tell ourselves that good moms don’t break. That strong moms don’t ask for help.But the truth? Even warrior moms need rest. Even warrior moms need rescue.This episode isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about learning that your strength doesn’t come from holding everything together—it comes from knowing when to hand it over.As Jen says,“Our kids don’t need a perfect mom. They need a present mom.”If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying too much, or that loving your child means losing yourself, this conversation will meet you right where you are.If you’re in a season of fighting, advocating, or holding your breath for breakthrough, I hope this episode brings you peace, permission, and a reminder that you are not alone.Connect with Jen RobbFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenn.robb.2025/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriormom_jennrobbP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 27: The Hidden Cost of Unprocessed Emotions—And How Tapping Cab Help with Amy VinczeMotherhood can feel like a constant balancing act—love and exhaustion, joy and overwhelm, strength and fragility. And yet, so many of us carry invisible weights that no one else can see.We push through. We smile. We keep going.But here’s the truth: unprocessed emotions don’t just disappear. They sit in our bodies, turning into stress, anxiety, pain, and sometimes even illness.That’s what today’s guest, Amy Vincze, knows firsthand.Amy is a certified EFT Tapping coach and the founder of the Soar with Tapping app. After being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 31—with no family history—Amy began asking deeper questions about the link between unprocessed trauma, emotions, and physical health. What she discovered not only helped her heal, but has transformed the lives of countless others over the past 16 years.In This Episode, You’ll Hear Us Talk About: 🌿 How Amy connected her own cancer diagnosis to years of suppressed emotions. 🌿 Why ignoring or minimizing uncomfortable feelings doesn’t make them go away—it makes them grow. 🌿 The science behind EFT Tapping and how it calms the brain’s stress response. 🌿 The surprising link between unprocessed emotions, survival mode, and chronic health struggles. 🌿 Practical ways moms can use tapping in everyday life—from the car line to a bedtime meltdown. 🌿 The hope of healing—even after decades of carrying invisible pain.Why This Conversation Matters:We live in a culture that tells us to push through—that feeling sad makes us weak, that being angry makes us “too much,” that anxiety is just part of motherhood. But what if those emotions are actually invitations? What if they’re signals pointing us toward growth, healing, and deeper connection?As Amy explains, tapping isn’t just about calming down in the moment (though it’s powerful for that too). It’s about creating space in our bodies to finally release what we’ve been holding for years. It’s about giving ourselves permission to feel, so we can step into freedom.I’ve been on my own journey of unlearning old patterns—learning how to name what I feel instead of pretending I’m “fine.” It’s messy. It’s vulnerable. And it’s also the most freeing work I’ve ever done. Amy’s words reminded me that emotions aren’t enemies to conquer—they’re teachers to listen to.If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode, overwhelmed by stress, or afraid to face what’s really underneath the surface—this episode is for you.Connect with Amy Vincze:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/191vWHGCk8/?mibextid=wwXlfrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/soarwithtapping/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-vincze-1a86063/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 26: The Cost of Teaching Our Boys to Hide Their Feelings (Part 2) with Dr. Gloria VanderhorstMarriage falling apart. Work crises piling up. Friendships that feel shallow or nonexistent.These are often the moments that push men into therapy. Not because they’ve been taught to seek help for their inner world, but because the outer one has finally crumbled.That’s where Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst begins.In Part 1, we uncovered how boys are trained from toddlerhood to shut down their emotions. In Part 2, we talk about what happens when those boys grow up—how swallowed feelings resurface in adulthood, and how healing is possible even after decades of silence.Inside This Episode, You’ll Hear Us Talk About: 🌿 Why men usually only seek therapy in the middle of a crisis—marriage or career falling apart. 🌿 The subtle ways culture trains boys to disconnect from their emotional needs. 🌿 How buried emotions don’t disappear—they resurface in anger, isolation, or unhealthy coping. 🌿 Why many women feel unsure of how to respond when their husbands do begin to share their emotions. 🌿 Practical tools for couples learning how to build safe emotional connection—together.💔 One of the most powerful things Gloria shared was how women sometimes say they want emotionally open husbands—but when faced with their partner’s vulnerability, they feel unsafe, confused, or overwhelmed. And without meaning to, they shut it down.That hit me hard. Because it’s not just about our sons. It’s about our marriages, our friendships, our own healing.Why This Conversation Matters We cannot expect men to suddenly become tender, emotionally available husbands or fathers if we’ve spent decades training them to suppress what they feel. Healing takes work—for them, and for us too.Gloria reminds us: feelings are not a threat. They are an invitation. An invitation to grow, to connect, and to truly see one another.As a mom, this conversation hit me hard. I found myself reflecting on the subtle ways I’ve sometimes tried to “manage” or minimize my son’s emotions when they felt overwhelming to me. But I also walked away with hope: that with awareness, intention, and courage, we can create a different path. One where boys grow up whole, and men know how to love and be loved without shame.She reminds us of something we desperately need to hear: feelings are not threats. They are opportunities. Opportunities to connect, to grow, to be curious, to truly know one another.If you’re raising sons, married to a man who struggles to open up, or simply curious about how to break this cycle for the next generation, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen to Episode 26 – The Cost of Teaching Our Boys to Hide Their Feelings (Part 2) with Dr. Gloria VanderhorstLet’s keep rewriting the story—one boy, one man, one family at a time.Connect with Gloria:Facebook: https://facebook.com/gloria.vanderhorst.7LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-vanderhorst-ph-d-730826b/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 25: The Cost of Teaching Our Boys to Hide Their Feelings (Part 1) with Dr. Gloria VanderhorstMotherhood is full of contradictions—joy and exhaustion, pride and fear, laughter and tears. But there’s one contradiction that so many of us bump into when raising boys: 👉 We want our sons to be strong and tender. 👉 We want them to succeed and stay connected. 👉 We want them to know how to fight for what matters—but also how to love deeply.And yet, from the time they’re toddlers, boys are often told: “Don’t cry. Toughen up. Be a man.”What does that do to a child’s heart? What happens when boys learn early on that emotions are not welcome—that their sadness, fear, or even silliness is too much?That’s what today’s guest, Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, has been studying and working with for nearly 50 years. She’s a psychologist, author, and expert in attachment and emotion-focused therapy, and her stories will stop you in your tracks.She told me about a 3-year-old boy who once explained his sadness like this: “My tears go into my mouth, down into my belly, and turn into rocks. Then they come back out, and I throw them all around the room.” 💔 If that doesn’t paint the picture of swallowed pain turning into anger, I don’t know what does.In This Episode, You’ll Hear Us Talk About:🌿 Why boys are actually born with more emotional range than girls—and how culture unintentionally trains them to shut it down. 🌿 The subtle ways parents (especially moms) signal what emotions are “acceptable” and which ones aren’t. 🌿 How swallowed emotions don’t stay buried—eventually they resurface as anger, detachment, or even destructive behavior.Why This Conversation MattersWe say we want husbands who are emotionally available, dads who are tender with their kids, and sons who know how to use their voices. But if they’re never given permission to feel, how can they possibly grow into that?This episode isn’t just about raising boys. It’s about breaking cycles. It’s about healing ourselves as parents so we can model what healthy emotional expression looks like. Because our kids don’t just need lectures—they need examples.It reminded me that so much of this starts with us as parents—our own regulation, our own willingness to sit with big emotions instead of rushing to silence them.And it gave me hope, too. Because if emotions can be learned, they can also be relearned. We can choose a different path—for our kids and for ourselves. If this episode speaks to you, please share it with a friend who’s raising boys. Let’s change the story together—one conversation at a time.Connect with Gloria:Facebook: https://facebook.com/gloria.vanderhorst.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-vanderhorst-ph-d-730826b/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Motherhood Redefined: Learning to Thrive While Raising a Complex Kid (Part 2) — with Michelle ChoairyLast week, in Part 1, my guest Michelle Choairy shared what it was like to step into motherhood with a premature baby, years of uncertainty, and the grief of realizing her motherhood journey looked nothing like what she had imagined.In Part 2, Michelle goes deeper into what it looks like to thrive while raising a complex child. Through her own story and the moms she now supports, she reminds us that there is a way forward—one rooted in advocacy, resilience, and hope.What We Talk About in This Episode🌿 How redefining “support” helps moms move from survival mode to thriving🌿 The role of grief and why processing it is essential to healing🌿 What it looks like to advocate for your child through IEPs, doctors, and school systems🌿 The danger of staying in victim mode—and how to step into your role as the hero of your child’s story🌿 Why community (like Michelle’s mom panel) is key for breaking isolation🌿 Practical tools for self-care, resilience, and celebrating the small winsWhy This Episode MattersMichelle says it best: “You cannot be a victim when you have a complex kid. You have to be the hero for your child.”Her wisdom is both raw and practical. She doesn’t sugarcoat the pain or the exhaustion, but she offers a framework for moving forward: building a team, leaning on support, tending to your own needs, and choosing to expect the miracle.This conversation is a lifeline for any mom who feels like she’s drowning in survival mode.And if you haven’t heard it yet, be sure to listen to Part 1 first. Together, these episodes give you both the real and the hopeful—the messy middle and the path toward thriving.Connect with Michelle:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisdom4complexkids/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.choairy/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

Free Resource for MomsFeeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You AgainSimple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Episode 23 – Motherhood Redefined: Learning to Thrive While Raising a Complex Kid (Part 1) with Michelle ChoairyMotherhood doesn’t come with a roadmap.We imagine bedtime stories, playdates, family dinners that look like they belong in a picture book. But sometimes reality crashes in and forces us to rewrite everything we thought motherhood would be.That’s what happened for Michelle Choairy.Her son was born at just 32 weeks, a tiny three-pound fighter who spent his first days in the NICU. From the very beginning, Michelle’s story of motherhood looked different than the picture she had carried in her heart.Feeding struggles, endless crying, developmental delays, and eventually the diagnosis of a rare genetic disorder… Michelle found herself grieving the life she thought she’d have while trying to survive the one she’d been given.And yet, what makes her story powerful is not just the hardship—but the resilience, humor, and light she’s learned to hold onto along the way.Michelle is now a mom, advocate, and founder of Collective Wisdom for Complex Kids, where she helps other parents feel seen and supported on their own journeys.In This Episode, Michelle Shares:🌿 The hidden grief of raising a child with complex needs—and why moms must allow themselves to grieve the life they imagined. 🌿 How comparison and isolation creep in when your motherhood journey looks different from others. 🌿 The messy middle of survival mode—and what it takes to move toward resilience. 🌿 Why celebrating small wins (like finishing a hike as a family for the first time) changes everything. 🌿 The power of finding community with other moms who “just get it.”Why This Matters for MomsIf you’ve ever looked around and thought, “Why does it seem so easy for everyone else?”—you’re not alone.If you’ve ever turned down invitations because your child couldn’t handle the environment—you’re not alone.If you’ve ever wondered whether your grief was valid—you’re not alone.Michelle’s story is a gentle but powerful reminder that even when life doesn’t go as planned, motherhood can still be meaningful, beautiful, and deeply transformative.It doesn’t mean pretending it’s easy. It means learning to thrive even in the messy middle.Connect with Michelle:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisdom4complexkids/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.choairy/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓜𝓸𝓶𝓼Feeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801𝐄𝐩 𝟐𝟐 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 (𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐) 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐯 𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐧Guest: Bev MitelmanIf Part 1 was about uncovering the roots of your attachment style, Part 2 is all about what happens when those roots show up in the messy, everyday moments of motherhood.Because let’s be honest—our kids don’t trigger us in theory. They trigger us in the middle of making dinner when someone wants to “help” and you’re already exhausted. They trigger us when a slammed bedroom door sends our blood pressure through the roof. They trigger us when we’re trying to do everything perfectly—bake the Pinterest-worthy cake, say yes to every request—and then wonder why we feel so resentful and unseen.In this episode, Bev Mitelman, founder of Securely Loved and a certified attachment practitioner, brings her 25+ years of experience and her own raw stories as a mom of two to help us see these patterns with new clarity. More importantly, she gives us tools to pause, repair, and create connection instead of chaos.What You’ll Hear in This Episode✨ Repair is possible. Why it’s never too late to go back and say, “I missed it yesterday—but here’s what I wish I had said.” ✨ Perfectionism doesn’t equal love. Bev shares a personal story about three-layer birthday cakes that will change how you think about “being a good mom.” ✨ The danger of “should.” Why this one little word keeps us stuck in guilt, shame, and exhaustion—and how to replace it with freedom. ✨ Boundaries = love. Why people-pleasing isn’t kindness, and how learning to set limits is a gift to both you and your kids. ✨ Practical calming tools. From naming body cues (like a tight chest or hot flush) to moving your body when emotions spike, Bev shows us how to shift from fight-or-flight back into calm.Why This Conversation MattersIf you’ve ever found yourself thinking…“I have to do it all, or I’m not enough.”“I can’t say no without disappointing someone.”“I’m so tired of reacting before I even realize it.”…this episode will remind you: you’re not broken beyond repair, you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.Bev reminds us that perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. When we regulate ourselves, repair after we miss it, and model boundaries and honesty, we’re giving our kids something far more valuable than flawless parenting: a secure foundation for their own lives.🎧 Haven’t caught Part 1 yet? Listen here before diving in—it lays the groundwork for everything we talk about today.Connect with Bev:IG: https://www.instagram.com/securely_loved/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecurelyLovedWebsite: https://securelyloved.com/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓜𝓸𝓶𝓼Feeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this FREE guide for you: 🎁 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You AgainSimple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 Grab it here: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801𝐄𝐩 𝟐𝟏 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 (𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏) 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐯 𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐧Guest: Bev MitelmanMotherhood often feels like you’re holding everything together with duct tape and sheer willpower. From the outside, it might look like you’ve got it all together. But on the inside? You’re tired, stretched thin, and quietly wondering:👉 “Why do I keep reacting this way? Why do I feel so unseen, even in my own family?”If you’ve ever had those thoughts, this conversation is for you.In today’s episode, I sit down with Bev Mitelman, founder of Securely Loved, a certified attachment practitioner, and a mom of two. Bev grew up in a chaotic, unstable home filled with conflict and mental illness. While her parents did love her, she never felt truly safe emotionally — and that shaped how she learned to give and receive love.What We Talk About in This Episode✨ The impact of childhood chaos — Bev shares what it was like to grow up without emotional safety and how that shaped her patterns as an adult. ✨ Attachment styles explained — What it means to have a secure attachment vs. an insecure one, and how kids develop survival strategies to hold on to love. ✨ The people-pleasing wound — How children who fear abandonment learn to put their own needs last, tiptoe around others, and grow up feeling like they have to “earn” love. Why This Matters for MomsAs Bev says, the emotional safety of a child is just as important as food, shelter, and clothing. Without it, we carry wounds like:“I’m not good enough.”“I will be abandoned.”“My needs don’t matter.”Those wounds don’t magically disappear when we become adults. They resurface in our parenting, our marriages, and even our friendships.Bev reminds us: healing your attachment wounds isn’t selfish. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. Because when you heal, you teach your kids by example that their needs matter too.As Bev described the anxious, preoccupied style — the tendency to put everyone else first, to constantly seek advice before trusting your own decisions — I found myself nodding through tears. I’ve lived this. I’ve been the mom who calls three friends before sending a text. I’ve been the woman who felt like I had to shrink myself to keep peace in the room.And it hit me: I can’t expect my kids to grow up secure if I don’t model what security looks like. My healing matters for their healing.Listen to Part 1 NowThis episode is raw, real, and foundational. If you’ve ever wondered why you react the way you do in motherhood — why the anger, the fear, or the people-pleasing feels so automatic — Bev’s story and wisdom will help you make sense of it.👉 Start with Part 1 here, and don’t miss Part 2, where we’ll go deeper into practical tools for breaking free from these patterns.You don’t have to carry this alone anymore. Let’s take the next step together.Connect with Bev:IG: https://www.instagram.com/securely_loved/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecurelyLovedWebsite: https://securelyloved.com/P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓜𝓸𝓶𝓼Feeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this free guide for you: 🎁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗺’𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801𝗘𝗽. 𝟮𝟬 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀 (𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮) 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄Guest: Susan SNowI’m sitting here writing these words with a full heart.There are episodes that leave you with goosebumps… And then there are episodes that stay with you for days.This one stayed.In Part 2 of my conversation with Susan Snow, daughter of LAPD Detective Thomas Williams, we pick up where we left off—with truth, grief, and the resilience of a woman who has been through hell and somehow found healing on the other side.If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I invite you to pause and start there. 🔗 Listen to Part 1 hereIt sets the foundation for everything we talk about in today’s episode. And trust me—you’ll want the full story.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The unseen reality of living with PTSD for decades—how it shaped Susan’s relationships, career, and sense of identityWhat healing actually looked like for her (it wasn’t a straight line—and it didn’t happen all at once)Why she decided to write her story in her book The Other Side of the Gun—and what happened when she didThe turning point moment when she stopped hiding her grief and started giving it a voiceAnd the powerful way she’s now using her story to help other women, other daughters, other families who’ve experienced unthinkable lossThis conversation isn’t just about a daughter losing her dad.It’s about what happens after.When the world moves on and you’re still carrying the weight.When the headlines fade, but the trauma lingers.When people stop asking, but you’re still not okay.Susan brings us into that sacred space—the space after the shock—and shows us what it means to rebuild from the inside out.This one is for you if:You’ve ever lost someone and felt like the world expected you to "move on" too quicklyYou’re navigating chronic stress, emotional burnout, or trauma responses you can’t quite nameYou’ve wanted to tell your story, but fear, shame, or grief have made it feel too big to shareOr you just need to know you’re not the only one who’s struggled to keep goingI hope this conversation lands gently in your heart.I hope it reminds you that healing is still possible.You don’t have to do it alone.You are seen. You are held. You are healing.𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻:Facebook: Susan SnowYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG1QrgGgeQdwVeQplu_VkBwInstagram: @susansnowP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓜𝓸𝓶𝓼Feeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this free guide for you: 🎁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗺’𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801𝐄𝐩. 𝟏𝟗 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲: 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬 (𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏) 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰Guest: Susan SnowWhat happens when your life changes forever—and you never saw it coming?In this deeply moving episode of Let’s Get Real, I talk with Susan Snow, who knows firsthand what it means to experience devastating trauma—and still choose healing.When Susan was just 17 years old, her father—LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams—was murdered in a planned ambush while on duty. Her world shattered. And while everyone told her she had to be strong, inside she was struggling with panic attacks, PTSD, and a silence that nearly consumed her.This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and full of truth for anyone who’s ever walked through grief and wondered if they’d ever feel whole again.We talk about:- The moment she knew something was wrong before the police even knocked on her door- How grief shows up in your body—not just your emotions- Why saying “I’m fine” became her coping mechanism for years- The weight of carrying trauma that no one around you understands- Her experience with therapy that didn’t help—and the breakthrough moment that finally did- The difference between surviving and truly healingQuote to sit with:“I wasn’t crazy—I had PTSD. And when someone finally saw me, everything began to shift.”Listen to this episode if you’ve ever:- Felt like you had to hold it all together for everyone else- Wondered if you were the only one still stuck in the past- Tried therapy and felt like it just didn’t work- Wanted permission to slow down, grieve, and begin againSusan’s story is the invitation to breathe you didn’t know you needed. To be human. To feel. To not have it all figured out.And maybe… to believe that healing isn’t linear—but it is possible.This is Part 1 of her story. Next week, we dive into the hope-filled part: what healing actually looked like, and how she turned pain into purpose.𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻:Facebook: Susan SnowYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG1QrgGgeQdwVeQplu_VkBwInstagram: @susansnowP.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓜𝓸𝓶𝓼Feeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this free guide for you: 🎁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗺’𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801𝙀𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙚 18 — 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙚𝙚𝙣: 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙑𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 (𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 2)Guest: Pamela MichauxWhat happens when silence becomes your survival… but also your prison?In this powerful part two conversation, Pamela Michaux returns to share more of her journey from enduring childhood abuse to reclaiming her voice as a woman and a mother.Pamela isn’t just telling a story, she’s giving us language for pain, for panic, for the hidden battles so many women carry silently. Her story reminds us that healing isn’t about having it all together. It’s about speaking up, seeking help, and advocating for yourself.In this episode, we talk about:- What anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias really feel like (and how to spot the warning signs)- The difference between silence as protection—and silence as self-betrayal- Why loyalty can quietly destroy you- How Pamela used writing to reclaim her story—and why speaking the truth is worth the risk- The power of surrounding yourself with people who let you shineShe also introduces a term you’ll never forget: Vitamin N—the life-changing practice of saying no. 👏🏻Pamela’s wisdom is born from lived experience. It’s raw. It’s honest. And it’s full of the kind of strength that only grows in the dark. If you’ve ever felt like you lost your voice—or questioned whether you’re “allowed” to walk away from what’s hurting you—this is for you.This episode will challenge you to ask:- Am I surrounding myself with givers or takers?- Am I being honest about what I’m carrying?- Do I need to start saying no in order to say yes to healing?It’s never too late to take your power back. You are worth it. You are not alone. And this is not the end of your story.Connect with Pamela: IG: @mundelediaries Book: Mundele Diaries P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.

𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓜𝓸𝓶𝓼Feeling overwhelmed and like you’ve lost yourself in the chaos of motherhood?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep feeling this way.I created this free guide for you: 🎁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗺’𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 Simple, realistic shifts you can start making today without adding more to your plate.👉 https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801𝙀𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙚 17 — 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙚𝙚𝙣: 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙑𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 (𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 1)Guest: Pamela MichauxHave you ever been told directly or indirectly to stay small, stay quiet, or just “get over it”?This week’s episode is one of the most powerful conversations I’ve had on this topic.Pamela Michaux is the author of Mundele Diaries, a raw and honest memoir about surviving childhood trauma, racial identity struggles, and emotional abuse. But even more than that. Pamela is a woman who has fought to reclaim her power and voice after years of being silenced.In This Episode:- Pamela shares the incredible story of how she went from being an 8-year-old caretaker and survivor of abuse... to taking her guardians to court by age 12... to becoming a voice of healing and strength for women around the world.She talks about:- Growing up biracial and displaced in a world where she never fully belonged- What it meant to raise her siblings while enduring silence, shame, and abuse- The turning point that made her say “enough” and begin advocating for herself- How staying silent gave her abusers more power — and what it cost her emotionally- Why learning to say “no” (aka taking your daily dose of “Vitamin N”) changed everythingHer courage is palpable. Her honesty is disarming. And the way she turns pain into purpose is nothing short of inspiring.“𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙚.” — Pamela MichauxThis is more than a story of survival,  it’s a message of hope, redemption, and reclaiming who you were always meant to be.𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐈𝐟…- You’ve ever felt silenced, dismissed, or overlooked- You’re tired of living in survival mode- You’re learning to set boundaries and say no- You want to raise emotionally healthy kids while healing yourself- You’re trying to reclaim your voice or maybe even discover it for the first timeThis conversation is honest, tender, and powerful. And if you're feeling broken or like you’re still in the pit,  this is your reminder: you don’t have to stay there.You’re allowed to speak up.You’re allowed to take up space.You’re allowed to start again.𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗮: IG: @mundelediaries Book: Mundele Diaries: https://www.amazon.com/Mundele-Diaries-Pamela-Michaux/dp/1917613040P.S. If this episode resonates with you, please reach out. I truly want to hear your story. You can DM me on Instagram @jenaburris or email me at [email protected]. Your voice matters — and I’m here for you.#podcast #letsgetrealpodcast #silence #motherhood

Have you ever had a dream or a plan so clear in your mind… only to have life completely flip the script?In this raw and honest episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own journey, one that started with plans to build a coaching practice and turned into something totally unexpected (and honestly, something better… but not without pain first).A few years ago, I thought I’d be coaching clients 1:1 every week. That was the plan. But my body had other ideas. Between chronic health issues, brain fog, and extreme fatigue, I couldn’t keep up. My desire to “push through” (hello, oldest child and former competitive gymnast energy) wasn’t enough anymore. And it led me to a breaking point.In this episode, I share:What it looked like when my plans completely fell apartThe shame I carried around not being able to “make it happen”The grief of letting go of what I thought life was going to look likeHow God met me in the mess and showed me a new wayWhy this podcast became the redemptive thread I didn’t know I neededI also get really honest about the expectations we carry (spoken and unspoken), and how hard it is to live with limitations when our hearts are full of vision and dreams.But friend, if you’re in that place, stuck in the pit, grieving plans that didn’t work out, I want you to know that you’re not alone. There is purpose in the pause. There is beauty in the surrender. And sometimes, the most unexpected path leads to the most aligned destination.FREE RESOURCE FOR YOU: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you’ve lost yourself in motherhood, grab my Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide—it's free and filled with gentle steps to help you feel like you again. >> https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Let’s Connect: I’d love to hear from you seriously. Whether you’re in the middle of letting go, finding new plans, or walking out your purpose in the mud… I see you.Instagram: @jenaburrisUntil next time, keep taking the next right step—even if it’s small. You’re not alone. And your story isn’t over. 

If you’ve ever found yourself in a season of not quite this, not quite that — a space between who you used to be and who you’re becoming — this episode is for you.In Part 2 of my conversation with Xia Chekwa, we go even deeper.We talk about identity, depression, motherhood, transitions, grief, and what it means to walk away from something that once defined you — and then rebuild your life with intention and purpose.And y’all... this one hit hard.In the early NFL years, Xia felt like she was losing herself. The job title was gone. The career goals were paused. The friendships didn’t feel safe. And everyone around her seemed to be asking, What do you have to be sad about?“People saw the money and the games... but I was coming home and crying.”This is the side of professional sports no one talks about. The emotional toll it takes on women — not just the players. The wives. The girlfriends. The moms. The women who quietly carry the weight of someone else’s dream while trying to figure out their own.But Xia didn’t stay stuck. She did the work. She got support. She found her people. And slowly, she started to rebuild.And now? She and her husband, Chimdi, are taking all of that pain, all of that wisdom, and turning it into purpose through their new venture — Root 3 Sports — a multi-layered agency that helps athletes (starting in college!) and their families build holistic success from the inside out.This episode is real and raw and redemptive in all the best ways.One of My Favorite Moments:“If I can find my gray… what’s for me… I’ll be at peace.”I wasn’t expecting her to say that. But it stopped me in my tracks. Because yes. We need that reminder. It doesn’t have to be black or white. Right or wrong. Perfect or nothing. There is life in the messy, in-between middle. The gray. And it’s where so much healing happens.Connect with Xia:Instagram: Xia Chekwa (@xiac5)Real Moms Too PodcastRoot 3 SportsConnect with Jena: Instagram: @jenaburris Get your FREE Overwhelmed Moms Guide here: 👉 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide – 10 Small Ways to Start Feeling Like You Again.It’s free, gentle, and designed to help you reconnect with yourself, one small, meaningful moment at a time.If this episode spoke to your heart, will you do me a favor?➡️ Send it to a woman in your life who might be quietly struggling with her own transition.➡️ Subscribe & leave a review — it helps more than you know.➡️ Tag me on Instagram @jena.burris and let me know your favorite moment. I’d love to connect with you.Because friend, you are not alone.We’re all just doing our best to live in the gray — and find peace in the process.Until next time!

I’ve been sitting with this question a lot lately:“Who am I now?”Not who I was when I had the title…Not who I used to be when life felt more certain or clear...But right now—in this new chapter, in the messy middle, in the sacred space between what was and what’s next.And if you’re asking yourself that same question, I want you to know you’re not alone.Not even close.This week’s conversation with my longtime friend Xia Chekwa is one of those episodes that reached into my chest and grabbed my heart. It reminded me how much we carry as women, especially in those moments when we feel invisible in someone else’s spotlight.Xia knows that feeling. She lived it.And she tells the truth about it—with so much wisdom and tenderness.When I think back to our early days together—both of us freshly married, trying to figure out life in the NFL with husbands chasing big dreams—I can still feel the swirl of excitement and confusion. There was so much access, so much pressure, and no real manual for how to hold on to yourself in the middle of it all.Xia shares what it was like being 23, far from home, newly married, and suddenly seen only as “the wife.” She opens up about the unexpected identity crisis that followed, the depression she faced quietly, and the slow, courageous process of coming home to herself.“Everywhere we went, people asked what I did. And all I could think was, I don’t know anymore. I thought I knew. But I don’t know where I fit in now.”Same, girl. I felt that.But more than anything, this episode is about identity.About what happens when your title shifts, your dreams get delayed, or life looks nothing like what you imagined—and how to still believe there's purpose and power in your story.It’s raw. It’s hilarious in parts (wait until you hear the car story).And it’s healing.Listen if you’ve ever:Lost yourself in someone else’s dreamFelt like you were “just” the supportive oneWondered what it means to be you when everything around you changesOr quietly asked, Is there more for me?Because friend, there is more for you.And Xia’s story is living proof of that.👉 Part 2 drops next week—and you’re going to want to hear how things begin to shift for her. (Spoiler: it’s so good.)In the meantime… connect with Xia:Instagram: Xia Chekwa (@xiac5)Real Moms Too PodcastRoot 3 SportsIf this episode made you laugh, cry, or breathe a little easier—would you share it with someone else who needs it?This space is for us.The real us.No masks, no titles required.Let’s keep getting real together.Connect with Jena: Instagram: @jenaburris Get your FREE Overwhelmed Moms Guide here: 👉 The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide – 10 Small Ways to Start Feeling Like You Again.It’s free, gentle, and designed to help you reconnect with yourself, one small, meaningful moment at a time.

Have you ever woke up and wondered, When did I stop recognizing myself?It happens slowly. First, you’re in survival mode. Then, you’re managing everything—kids, marriage, maybe even a demanding lifestyle that looks picture-perfect from the outside. But somewhere in the mix, your voice gets quieter. Your confidence fades. And the version of you that once felt vibrant, full of purpose, starts to disappear behind all the roles you're carrying.In today’s episode, Eileen Noyes is back—and this part of her story is raw, brave, and deeply personal.We pick up after the NFL chapter of her life ends, and the real work of healing begins. When her daughter was born, what should’ve been one of the most joyful seasons quickly became the start of a spiritual and emotional unraveling. Her marriage shifted in ways she couldn’t have predicted. What started as shared faith turned into distorted teachings—messages that told her women weren’t made in the image of God, and that her worth was only found in submission, silence, and service.Let that sink in. That’s the level of confusion and spiritual control she was up against.But what’s so powerful is how Eileen chose to respond. She didn’t walk away right away. She stayed. She prayed. She fought. For years, she kept quiet, leading others while breaking inside. Until finally, she couldn’t anymore.And that’s when everything changed.She let her community in. She got honest. She got desperate. And she started what she calls “soldier mode”—getting up at 5 a.m., praying in the Spirit, journaling, and holding onto God’s voice above everyone else’s. The courage it took to walk away from what was familiar—to trust God’s voice over spiritual leaders, over family pressure, over fear—is what makes her story so relatable and so powerful.There’s so much in this conversation about the importance of community, the trap of isolation, and how healing doesn’t always come with a grand plan. Sometimes it looks like tiny steps of obedience. Sometimes it’s just staying close to God one day at a time, especially when the road ahead is still unclear.And the message woven through it all? You don’t have to wait for someone else to change before you start healing. You don’t have to stay stuck in silence or confusion. You’re allowed to move forward. You’re allowed to reclaim your voice.Eileen’s no longer sitting in the stands. She’s in the game—and she’s helping other women step off the sidelines too.If this episode hit home for you? Share it with a friend. You never know who might need these words of encouragement today. And if you want to talk more, come hang out with me on Instagram @jenaburris I’d love to hear what part of Eileen’s story spoke to you most.Until next time, remember that in order to heal, we have to get real.Connect with Eileen:https://www.ladybellator.comThe Unsidelined Life PodcastInstagram: @eileenpnoyes Facebook: Eileen Bermundo NoyesFree Guide:If you’re in a season that feels heavy or hard to name, motherhood can leave you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from who you are.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t even feel like myself anymore,”—you’re not alone.That’s exactly why I created The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again.It’s a free, practical resource with doable shifts that help you reconnect with yourself without adding more to your to-do list.Click the link to download it and start taking your life back today. Link: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801

Have you ever looked around and thought, “I should feel grateful... but instead, I feel like I’ve lost myself”?That’s exactly what we’re diving into today.In this episode, I sat down with my friend Eileen Noyes, and her story is one that I know so many of you are going to feel deep in your bones. From the outside, she was living the dream—married to an NFL player, raising a beautiful family, doing everything “right.” But behind the highlight reel, Eileen was slowly fading. She had left behind her career, her community, and the version of herself that felt fully alive.And what followed was a painful unraveling—one that led to healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming her voice.Eileen shared what life looked like before the big move to Green Bay. She had built something meaningful as a strength coach at San Diego State. She was coaching athletes, praying over them, and walking in her calling. But when she bought a one-way ticket to follow her husband into the NFL life, she was tossed into a new world where everything familiar disappeared.She didn’t know a soul. Her husband was gone most of the time. And suddenly, she was alone in a duplex, holding a newborn, wondering where her purpose went.It didn’t happen overnight. That’s the thing—losing your identity is often a slow fade. A hundred small compromises. A thousand moments of telling yourself, “This isn’t about me.” And over time, your voice just... disappears.We talked about the unspoken rules women face in high-pressure marriages: Don’t complain. Don’t burden him. Don’t rock the boat. For Eileen, it meant silencing her own struggles, staying small, and hiding behind her kids to avoid being seen.And y’all—I get it. Because I’ve done that too.This conversation is tender and real. Eileen opens up about numbing through shopping. About clinging to roles like “mom” just to feel some sense of identity. About how her faith felt stuck while her husband was taking off. And yet—God never stopped pursuing her.She started to remember who she was. Not because of her title or role, but because of her worth in Christ. And now? She’s helping other women do the same.If you’ve ever felt like your voice doesn’t matter... if you’ve ever believed the lie that you’re “just” a mom or “just” a wife... this episode is your reminder that God has more for you. You were made for fullness, not survival.Connect with Eileen:https://www.ladybellator.comThe Unsidelined Life PodcastInstagram: @eileenpnoyes Facebook: Eileen Bermundo NoyesAnd if this episode spoke to you, send it to a friend who might need it too. Or come find me on Instagram @jenaburris —DM me and let’s talk. I’d love to hear your story.We’re picking up the rest of Eileen’s story in Part 2. Trust me, you’ll want to hear what happens next.Free Guide:Motherhood can leave you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from who you are.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t even feel like myself anymore,”—you’re not alone.That’s exactly why I created The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again.It’s a free, practical resource with doable shifts that help you reconnect with yourself without adding more to your to-do list.Click the link to download it and start taking your life back today. Link: https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801

You know those moments where someone asks you something simple like, “What do you do for fun?” and your brain short-circuits? You draw a blank. You panic. Because... you honestly don’t know.That’s a sign that you’ve likely lost yourself in motherhood and is what Jena dives into in this episode. If you’ve ever felt like motherhood slowly erased the version of you that used to dream, dance, or do anything just for you, this is a must-listen.Jena shares a vulnerable story of when she realized she had truly lost herself—pregnant with baby number two, stuck inside during the dead of winter, solo parenting while her husband was away. It all came to a head over smoothies with a friend, when she blurted out, “I feel dead inside.” And they both laughed—but not the happy kind. The kind where you realize, Oh wow... this is serious.That moment cracked something open. Because the truth is, motherhood can bury you beneath endless snacks, forgotten field trip forms, and the emotional weight of an entire household. And often, no one sees it—not even you—until something snaps.Jena walks us through how she began the slow, guilt-ridden process of reclaiming herself. It started with a panic attack in a parking lot that landed her in counseling, physical therapy, and learning to ask for help (without shame). Her honesty is refreshing, her insight comforting, and her message clear: survival mode is not supposed to be permanent.She reminds us that healing doesn’t have to be massive. Sometimes it’s five minutes of journaling. Or joining a dance class because it makes you feel alive. Or simply locking the door while you take a bath—without tiny humans asking you for snacks.This episode is about recognizing that your needs still matter. That you’re allowed to take up space. And that version of you before the overwhelm? She’s still there, waiting to be seen again.Motherhood can leave you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from who you are.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t even feel like myself anymore,”—you’re not alone.That’s exactly why I created The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Small Changes to Start Feeling Like You Again.It’s a free, practical resource with doable shifts that help you reconnect with yourself without adding more to your to-do list.Click the link to download it and start taking your life back today. https://jenaburris.kit.com/ecc29b3801Download it now through the link in the show notes. If this episode moved you, share it with a friend who might need to hear she’s not alone.You’re not too far gone. You’re still in there. Let’s find our way back together!

Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about staying connected to ourselves in the chaos of life. In Part 2 of this conversation with Maria Carrasco, we explore how creativity shows up in everyday moments, how it impacts our emotional and spiritual well-being, and what it looks like to reclaim it in adulthood.Maria shares why creating is more than just a hobby—it’s a tool for healing, identity, and connection. Whether it’s pottery, journaling, or even the way we problem-solve and plan for our families, creativity is woven into who we are.We also talk about how to rediscover creative outlets when time is limited, and the surprising ways they help us come alive again.If you’re in a season where you’ve lost touch with that part of you—especially if you’re a mom—this episode is a reminder that it’s still there, and it still matters.What you’ll learn in this episode:How creativity helps us process emotions and heal Why creativity is part of our identity as image-bearers How to find creative outlets that work for your life What to do when it feels like “just one more thing” The connection between staying creative and staying emotionally engaged Why it’s worth staying in the process, even when it’s hard Practical ways to create in a busy season How creativity affects our mental health and sense of self Connect with Maria:Instagram: @mariamariaartandclayDownload Jena’s Free Guide:The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Simple Ways to Feel Like Yourself AgainThis short, powerful guide will help you reconnect with your needs, build rhythms of rest, and rediscover who you are beneath the noise.Click Here for your free guide.Connect with Jena:Instagram:@jenaburrisEmail: [email protected]:jenaburris.com

So many of us (especially moms) move through life feeling disconnected from our creative side. In this episode, Jena sits down with Maria to explore what happens when creativity feels buried under the weight of daily life, motherhood, and pressure to always be productive.They talk about how early experiences shaped their beliefs about creativity, how perfectionism and self-doubt can shut it down, and what it looks like to reconnect with the creative part of yourself not to produce something impressive, but to feel alive again.Whether you’re a writer, a painter, or a mom who hasn’t picked up a hobby in years, this conversation is a gentle invitation back to the creative spark within you.Come back for Part 2, where Maria shares simple, powerful encouragement for busy moms to make space for creativity and why it deeply matters.Connect with MariaInstagram: @mariamariaartandclayDownload Jena’s Free Guide:The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Simple Ways to Feel Like Yourself AgainThis short, powerful guide will help you reconnect with your needs, build rhythms of rest, and rediscover who you are beneath the noise.Click Here for your free guide.Connect with Jena:Instagram:@jenaburrisEmail: [email protected]:jenaburris.com

Do you ever feel like you’ve lost yourself in motherhood?In the final part of our series with Jackie Gainey, we talk about what happens when moms slowly become a shell of who they used to be. We unpack the pressures of performance, the anger that comes from unmet needs, and the grief of realizing we’ve abandoned parts of ourselves along the way.But this isn’t where the story ends.This episode is full of honest stories, deep emotion, and practical insight on what it actually looks like to reconnect with who God created us to be—not just as moms, but as whole people. You’ll hear how emotions like anger and sadness aren’t enemies—they’re actually signals pointing to what we need most.In this episode, we cover:What happens when you start to feel hollow inside Why performing doesn’t lead to true connection How to model emotional health for your kids What healing looks like when you’re running on empty Why reclaiming your identity is the best gift you can give your children If you’ve been operating on autopilot or feel buried under the pressure to be everything for everyone—this is your invitation to pause, breathe, and begin to come home to yourself.Connect with Jackie Gainey:Website: TheHomeDesignCo.comFacebook & Instagram: @jackiegaineyJackie is a mom, entrepreneur, and co-leader of a local moms group in Tennessee. She recently launched her home staging business while raising two (soon to be three!) kids and helping other moms find freedom from guilt and shame.Download My Free Guide:The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Simple Ways to Feel Like Yourself AgainThis short, powerful guide will help you reconnect with your needs, build rhythms of rest, and rediscover who you are beneath the noise.Click Here for your free guide!Connect with me:Instagram:@jenaburrisEmail: [email protected]:jenaburris.com

If you’ve ever wondered why motherhood feels so heavy—even when you love your kids deeply—this episode is for you.In Part 2 of our conversation, Jackie and I go deeper into what’s really behind mom guilt. We unpack the cultural and generational messages that have shaped us, the anger that bubbles up when our needs go unmet, and the shame that keeps us silent.This isn’t just about parenting tips. It’s about healing.You’ll hear honest stories about coping mechanisms (like wine or overperformance), unmet emotional needs, and what it actually looks like to reconnect with the parts of ourselves we’ve buried. We talk about how to raise emotionally healthy kids without losing ourselves in the process—and how to move from guilt-driven living to freedom and wholeness.What we cover in this episode:Why guilt often masks deeper shame The real reason moms feel hollow and resentful How unmet needs show up in anger, burnout, and performance The power of naming emotions and reclaiming your voice How to start breaking generational cycles with compassion Mentioned in this episode:The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd The Needs of the Heart by Chip DoddConnect with Jackie Gainey:Website: TheHomeDesignCo.comFacebook & Instagram: @jackie.gaineyJackie is a mom, entrepreneur, and co-leader of a local moms group in Tennessee. She recently launched her home staging business while raising two (soon to be three!) kids and helping other moms find freedom from guilt and shame.Download My Free Guide:The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Simple Ways to Feel Like Yourself AgainClick Here for your free guide.This short guide will help you reconnect with your needs, build rhythms of rest, and find yourself again in the chaos of motherhood.Connect with me:Instagram:@jenaburrisEmail: [email protected]

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do as a mom, it’s never enough?If you’ve chosen to stay home, you feel like you should be working.If you’re working, you feel like you’re neglecting your kids.If you take a moment for yourself, guilt whispers that you’re selfish.In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend and co-leader of our moms group, Jackie Gainey—a mom of two (with one on the way), home stager, and one of the wisest women I know—for a raw and deeply needed conversation on the invisible weight of mom guilt.We unpack:What we often call guilt—but is actually shame How that shame manipulates the way we show up for our families Why so many moms feel like a shell of who they once were The performance trap of “doing it all” How coping mechanisms like wine or busyness keep us stuck What our unmet needs are trying to tell us—and how to begin naming them The generational patterns that keep us disconnected from our true selvesYou’ll also hear some of our real-life stories—of anger, burnout, and even wanting to cry alongside our kids—and why those moments might be exactly where connection and healing begin.Whether you’re drowning in guilt or quietly numbing the overwhelm, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone, you’re not crazy, and there’s a way through this.Resources mentioned:The Needs of the Heart by Chip Dodd The Voice of the Heart by Chip DoddConnect with Jackie Gainey:Website: TheHomeDesignCo.comFacebook & Instagram: @jackiegaineyJackie is a mom, entrepreneur, and co-leader of a local moms group in Tennessee. She recently launched her home staging business while raising two (soon to be three!) kids and helping other moms find freedom from guilt and shame.Download My Free Guide:The Overwhelmed Mom’s Guide: 10 Simple Ways to Feel Like Yourself AgainThis short guide will help you reconnect with your needs, build rhythms of rest, and find yourself again in the chaos of motherhood.Click Here for your free guide.Connect with me:Instagram:@jenaburrisEmail: [email protected] sure to subscribe and stay tuned for Part 2 — where we talk about how we begin healing from this invisible burden.

We’re told to chase our dreams, hustle hard, and climb to the top—but what happens when you get there and it still doesn’t feel like enough?In this episode, Jena sits down with her husband, former NFL linebacker and Hollywood actor Miles Burris, for a raw conversation about what success really costs behind the scenes. From locker rooms to film sets, Miles has lived the high-performance life—and yet what mattered most wasn’t the external wins, but the inner struggles he had to face along the way.Together, they unpack how ambition shaped (and sometimes strained) his identity, how faith and inner healing shifted his definition of success, and the often invisible toll of living in the spotlight. You’ll hear real stories, honest reflections, and even a few light-hearted moments as they talk about the deeper truth behind success and what it means to build a life rooted in wholeness, not just achievement.In this episode, you’ll learn:•The hidden emotional toll of success no one talks about•Why identity can crumble when performance becomes everything•How faith reshaped Miles’ mindset in and after the NFL•And how to start redefining success on your own termsWhether you’re a high achiever, someone married to one, or just questioning if chasing success is worth the sacrifice—this episode is for you.For speaking inquiries, brand partnerships, or workshop opportunities, visit www.jenaburris.com or email [email protected].

What happens when the blinders come off and you finally see the relationship for what it really is? In Part 1, Gianna shared the destructive patterns of narcissistic abuse that kept her stuck. In this follow-up episode, she opens up about the pivotal moment that gave her the strength to walk away—and the hard but beautiful process of healing that followed.You’ll hear how she broke free from the toxic relationship, how she reconnected with her sense of identity and worth, and the specific tools and resources that supported her recovery. From practical steps to emotional turning points, Gianna walks through what it takes to stay out of the cycle and build a life rooted in truth, safety, and wholeness.If you’ve ever felt trapped in a toxic relationship—or know someone who is—this episode is a powerful reminder that freedom and healing are possible.  In this episode, you’ll learn:The catalyst that finally helped her leave How she resisted the pull to go back Resources that were instrumental in her recovery Practical ways to begin healing from narcissistic abuse What to hold on to when you feel like giving upThis is the hope-filled follow-up to a story so many need to hear.For speaking inquiries, brand partnerships, or workshop opportunities, visit www.jenaburris.com or email [email protected].

It can start with charm, passion, and even a shared heart for serving others. But what happens when love masks manipulation, and your sense of reality begins to erode?In this episode of Let’s Get Real, Jena sits down with Gianna, who bravely shares her story of navigating a relationship with a covert narcissist. They dive deep into what narcissism actually is (it’s not just being self-centered), how it subtly shows up early on, and the predictable patterns that keep people stuck in a cycle of emotional abuse.You’ll learn how narcissism can often hide behind charisma and even spiritual or service-oriented behavior—making it all the more difficult to recognize. Gianna opens up about the red flags she missed on the first date, the gut feelings she ignored, and how her desire to be loved was weaponized against her.This is Part 1 of a powerful two-part conversation that doesn’t just name the harm—it brings it into the light so others can begin to heal.In this episode, you’ll hear:What narcissism really is (and what it’s not)How Gianna’s relationship began—and why it seemed so good at firstThe emotional patterns and tactics used by narcissistsCommon red flags to watch for in early datingWhy these relationships are especially hard to recognize and leave If you’ve ever questioned your reality in a relationship, felt drained but couldn’t explain why, or are supporting someone walking through a similar experience—this episode will offer clarity, compassion, and hope.Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll talk about Gianna’s turning point, how she got out, and the healing journey that followed.For speaking inquiries, brand partnerships, or workshop opportunities, visit www.jenaburris.com or email [email protected].