Podcast
Motherkind
Hosted by Zoe Blaskey · EN
Motherkind is the podcast for women who know that motherhood changes everything — and want to grow forward, not “bounce back”. Hosted by Zoe Blaskey, Motherkind explores the profound personal, emotional and professional transformation that happens when you become a mother. This is a space for women navigating the wild, identity-shifting years of motherhood who want to reclaim confidence, redefine ambition, and build a life that works for who they are now.
Each week, Zoe sits down with world-leading experts, thought leaders, psychologists, authors and well-known figures to unpack the real experiences of modern motherhood — from matrescence and identity loss to confidence, boundaries, work, relationships and self-worth. Expect honest conversations, evidence-based insight and practical tools that help you move through this season with clarity and strength.
Motherkind is not about doing more, fixing yourself, or returning to who you were before children. It’s about becoming who you are now — with intention, compassion and growth. If you’re a mother who wants to feel more like herself again — confident, grounded and excited about what’s next — this is your place. Motherkind: for the woman behind the mother.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Lou Beckett: Why Mothers Carry So Much of the Mental Load and How to Change It
2d ago00:38:37Tap to summarizeDuring August, the Motherkind team and I try to practise what we preach by slowing down, taking some time off and making the juggle just a little easier over the summer holidays.So, throughout the month, we're bringing you some of our most listened-to episodes of the year so far.If you’re the person who remembers the PE kits, books the appointments, sorts the childcare, knows when the suncream needs reapplying and automatically assumes you’re looking after the children unless you’ve specifically arranged otherwise — this episode is for you.This week’s episode is with author Lou Beckett for a brilliantly honest conversation about being the default parent and the invisible mental, emotional and physical load so many mothers carry.Lou describes default parenting as something bigger than the mental load. It’s not only thinking about everything that needs to happen; it’s doing it, managing it and carrying the underlying assumption that ultimately, you are responsible. And often, couples don't consciously choose these roles at all. They simply fall into them after having children and never stop to renegotiate them.We talk about what that does to your identity, your relationship and your time — including Lou's experience of stepping away from her career while her husband's career accelerated, and the gradual feeling that she had lost sight of who she was outside motherhood.Lou also shares what has actually helped them change the dynamic at home: having honest conversations about responsibility, creating space for both parents' needs and recognising that wanting time for yourself doesn't make you selfish. We also talk about the enormous standards mothers place on themselves, comparison, mum guilt and why sometimes “good enough” really is enough.This is a funny, validating and incredibly relatable conversation for any mother who has ever thought: Why does everything seem to fall to me?💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to recognise if you’re the default parentWhy the mental load so often falls to mothersHow to start sharing responsibility more equallyWhy motherhood can leave you feeling like you’ve lost yourselfHow to let go of guilt and make space for yourself againWatch this episode on YouTube and subscribe. Loved this episode?Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Zoe’s conversation with Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat SheetConnect with Zoe:Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTokGet Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.Key TopicsDefault parent • Mental load • Invisible labour • Overwhelmed mothers • Mum guilt • Parental burnout • Sharing the load • Motherhood identity • Relationships after children • Maternal mental load • Asking for help • Self-care for mothers • Working motherhood • Losing yourself in motherhood • Parenting roles
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The 5-Minute Reset Every Overwhelmed Mother Needs This Summer
5d ago00:11:27Tap to summarizeIf the summer holidays have left you feeling overstimulated, overwhelmed and like you haven't had five minutes to yourself, this Moment is for you.When the children are around more, routines disappear and the noise, demands and mental load feel relentless, it's incredibly easy for our nervous systems to tip into stress mode. You might find yourself snapping over something tiny, wanting to escape to another room, giving in because you can't handle one more request—or simply shutting down completely.In this Moment, Zoe explains what's actually happening in your nervous system when motherhood feels too much, and why these reactions aren't something to feel ashamed of. She shares simple techniques you can use in just a few minutes to move out of fight, flight, freeze or fawn, widen your window of tolerance and release some of the stress you've been carrying.You'll also discover why completing the stress cycle can be so important for preventing burnout, and how changing the way you speak to yourself can help you feel calmer and more regulated when family life gets intense.💡 What You’ll Learn in This MomentHow to recognise your own stress responseA simple breathing technique to calm your nervous systemHow to complete the stress cycle and release built-up tensionWhy your inner critic makes overwhelm feel even harderHow five minutes a day can help you feel calmer and more regulatedIf this Moment resonates, you can listen to the full episode here: Can 5 minutes a day really change your motherhood?And if you want to put these ideas into practice, Zoe teaches them step-by-step inside Five Minute Motherkind—21 days of simple five-minute practices designed to help you feel calmer, happier and more like yourself again. Get the first 3 episodes of the 21-Day Motherkind Reset - completely free. Watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe. Loved this episode?Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.Connect with Zoe:Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTokGet Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.
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Dr Mindy Pelz: The Surprising Cause of Brain Fog Every Mother Needs to Know
1w ago01:00:52Tap to summarizeDuring August, the Motherkind team and I try to practise what we preach by slowing down, taking some time off and making the juggle just a little easier over the summer holidays.So, throughout the month, we're bringing you some of our most listened-to episodes of the year so far.If you've ever wondered why you're eating well, exercising, and still struggling with brain fog, exhaustion, or stubborn belly fat, this episode is going to completely change how you think about your body.This week I'm joined by bestselling author and women's health expert Dr Mindy Pelz. We explore why so much health advice has been designed around male bodies, why chronic stress changes everything for women, and how understanding your hormones can help you feel calmer, think more clearly and work with your body rather than against it.We also dive into fasting for women, why it isn't one-size-fits-all, what every mother should know about stress and self-care, and Dr Mindy's fascinating perspective on why perimenopause isn't something to fear—but a powerful new chapter of leadership and confidence.Whether you're navigating early motherhood, feeling overwhelmed by brain fog, or starting to think about perimenopause, this conversation is packed with practical, hopeful insights.💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy chronic stress makes belly fat harder to loseThe surprising connection between fasting, brain fog and calmWhy women need a different approach to fasting than menHow to support your hormones through every stage of lifeWhy menopause could be your most powerful chapter yetWatch this episode on YouTube and subscribe. Loved this episode?Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Zoe’s conversation with Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat SheetConnect with Zoe:Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTokGet Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.Key WordsWomen's health • Hormones • Fasting for women • Intermittent fasting • Brain fog • Belly fat • Stress • Cortisol • Metabolism • Blood sugar • Perimenopause • Menopause • Hormone health • Female health • Weight training for women • Protein • Nervous system • Burnout • Self-care • Maternal wellbeing • Energy • Longevity • Healthy ageing • Midlife • Motherhood • Women's wellbeing • Confidence • Emotional health • Motherkind
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Why "Having It All" Is Making Mothers Miserable
2w ago00:12:02Tap to summarizeHave you ever looked around at your life and wondered why it feels so hard just to keep up?In this powerful Moment, Dr Giselle Goodwin shares the personal turning point that changed the course of her life—and the research that followed.After reaching a breaking point on her 35th birthday while juggling two young children and two businesses, Giselle became convinced she simply wasn't coping. But years later, after completing a PhD in women, work and wellbeing, she discovered something that completely changed her perspective:It wasn't her that was failing. It was the impossible expectations placed on modern mothers.Together, Zoe and Giselle explore why so many women feel overwhelmed, burnt out and like they're constantly falling short, despite doing more than ever before. If you've ever wondered why motherhood feels so much harder than you expected, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, understood and far less alone.💡 What You’ll Learn in This MomentWhy so many mothers feel like they're failingThe three jobs modern women are expected to doThe hidden pressures driving burnout and mum guiltWhy motherhood isn't the problem—our expectations areThe one message every overwhelmed mother needs to hearWatch this episode on YouTube and subscribe. Loved this episode?Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.If you enjoyed this Moment, listen to the full episode: Women's happiness has been declining since the 1970s - this is why and what we need to do about it, with Giselle GoodwinFeeling like you’re carrying it all? Download your FREE Mental Load Cheat Sheet and learn how to start feeling lighter, even if nothing in your life changes.Connect with Zoe:Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTokGet Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.Jurassic Oceans Exhibition at The Natural History Museum. Kids go half price.
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Emma Grede: “The Parenting Rules I Refuse to Follow”
2w ago01:00:39Tap to summarizeDuring August, the Motherkind team and I try to practise what we preach by slowing down, taking some time off and making the juggle just a little easier over the summer holidays.So, throughout the month, we're bringing you some of our most listened-to episodes of the year so far.Can you be an ambitious mother without feeling guilty?Emma Grede believes you can, and that our children actually benefit when they see us fully expressed, fulfilled and living in alignment with our own values.Emma is one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, co-founder of SKIMS, CEO of Good American, founding partner of Safely, investor on Shark Tank and author of Start With Yourself. But this conversation isn't really about business. It's about the invisible pressure mothers carry, the impossible standards we set ourselves, and how to build a life that feels true to you.Together, Zoe and Emma explore why so many mothers feel depleted, how to let go of guilt, and why success looks different in different seasons of life. Emma shares the parenting philosophy that has helped her build multiple global businesses while raising four children and why she believes children don't need a perfect mother; they need one who is fulfilled.They also discuss work-life balance, career ambition after children, asking for help, letting go of control, sharing the parenting load, and why learning to say no is one of the most powerful leadership skills a mother can develop.💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy your children need a fulfilled mother, not a perfect oneHow to let go of mum guilt and make decisions with confidenceWhy success changes through different seasons of motherhoodHow to stop doing everything and start asking for helpThe boundaries that protect your time, energy and ambitionWatch this episode on YouTube and subscribe. Loved this episode?Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Zoe’s conversation with Feeling like you’re carrying it all? Download your FREE Mental Load Cheat Sheet and learn how to start feeling lighter, even if nothing in your life changes.Zoe’s favourite Aspire episode with Emma Grede: “Don’t Let Anyone Control You With Money” with Reese WitherspoonConnect with Zoe:Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTokGet Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.Jurassic Oceans Exhibition at The Natural History Museum. Kids go half price.
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Why You Feel Guilty Resting in Motherhood (And Why You Don't Have to Earn It)
3w ago00:12:26Tap to summarizeDo you ever sit down to rest... only to feel like you should be doing something else?In this Moment, Zoe is joined by psychologist and author Dr Nicola Jane Hobbs to explore why so many mothers struggle to slow down. The answer isn't that you're lazy, bad at resting or doing motherhood wrong. It's that your nervous system has learnt that being busy feels safe.Together they explore why matrescence can feel like such a shock to our system, how years of rushing make stillness feel unfamiliar, and why learning to weave tiny moments of slowness into your day can help your nervous system feel calmer, safer and more regulated.Nicola also shares a beautiful redefinition of rest: it's not just lying down or getting more sleep. Rest is anything that helps your nervous system switch off its stress response.If you've ever struggled with mum guilt or burnout, or found it impossible to truly relax, this conversation will completely change the way you think about rest.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why your nervous system can experience slowing down as a threatWhy rest feels so uncomfortable after becoming a mumTiny ways to teach your nervous system that slowness is safeA new definition of rest that actually feels achievable in motherhoodWhy resting benefits both you and your childrenWatch every full episode on YouTube and subscribe. Loved this episode?Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.If you enjoyed this moment, you can listen to the full episode here: If you want to become an instantly relaxed mother, listen to this.Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat SheetConnect with Zoe:Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTokGet Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.Jurassic Oceans Exhibition at The Natural History Museum. Kids go half price.
Transcribe →4 Simple Shifts to Enjoy the Summer Holidays, Not Just Survive Them
3w ago00:07:36Tap to summarizeDo you already feel the pressure to make this summer magical?Maybe you're trying to juggle work, childcare, family holidays, the mental load and the constant feeling that you should be doing more. If so, this episode is for you.In this solo episode, Zoe shares the simple mindset shifts that can help you let go of mum guilt, stop chasing the perfect summer, and focus on what your children will actually remember. She explores why asking for help before you're overwhelmed is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, why feeling guilty doesn't necessarily mean you've done something wrong, and how lowering the pressure can help everyone enjoy the holidays so much more.If you're looking for practical advice to help you navigate the school holidays with more calm, connection and self-compassion, this episode is packed with simple reminders you'll come back to all summer long.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why feeling guilty doesn't mean you've done anything wrongHow to let go of the pressure to create the "perfect" summerWhy children remember how summer felt, not what you spentThe importance of asking for help before you reach burnoutSimple ways to reduce the mental load during the school holidaysHow to create more connection with your children this summerWatch every full episode on YouTube and subscribe. Loved this episode?Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Zoe’s conversation with with Rachael Twumasi-Corson, The Lie of Work-Life Balance (And What Actually Works)Feeling like you’re carrying it all? Download your FREE Mental Load Cheat Sheet and learn how to start feeling lighter, even if nothing in your life changes.Connect with Zoe:Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTokGet Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.Jurassic Oceans Exhibition at The Natural History Museum. Kids go half price.
Transcribe →The Real Reason You Keep Snapping At Your Kids (And What to Do About It)
4w ago00:10:11Tap to summarizeHave you ever shouted at your child and been instantly overwhelmed with guilt?If you've ever wondered, "Why did I react like that?" or worried that losing your temper means you're a bad mum, this Moment is for you.In this honest Moment episode, Zoe shares a parenting moment she's not proud of and the powerful insight that completely changed how she understands motherhood anger. She explains why snapping at our children is rarely about the moment itself, what the "drip, drip, drip effect" teaches us about stress and emotional overload, and why your nervous system, not your parenting, is often driving your reaction.You'll also discover simple, science-backed tools to regulate your nervous system throughout the day, understand what your anger might be trying to tell you, and replace guilt with greater self-compassion.If you've been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally reactive or stuck in a cycle of snapping at your children and then feeling guilty afterwards, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're not failing. You're human, and there is another way.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why snapping at your children is rarely about the moment itselfThe "drip, drip, drip effect" and how stress builds throughout the dayHow to regulate your nervous system before reaching breaking pointWhy anger is often a sign of unmet needsPractical ways to widen your "window of tolerance"How to repair after losing your temper without carrying shameWhy anger can become a catalyst for healthier boundaries and positive changeWatch every full episode on YouTube and subscribe. Loved this episode?Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.If you enjoyed this Moment, you can listen to the full episode: A New Way To Look at Your AngerFeeling like you’re carrying it all? Download your FREE Mental Load Cheat Sheet and learn how to start feeling lighter, even if nothing in your life changes.Connect with Zoe:Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTokGet Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.
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Nedra Glover Tawwab: Why Mothers Feel So Resentful (And The Boundaries That Change Everything)
Jul 1600:52:05Tap to summarizeDo you ever find yourself saying yes when you desperately want to say no? Feeling resentful, overwhelmed or taken for granted, but not quite sure why?In this week's Motherkind episode, Zoe sits down with therapist, bestselling author and boundaries expert Nedra Glover Tawwab to explore why so many mothers struggle to set healthy boundaries—and how learning to do so can transform every relationship in your life.Together, they unpack why resentment is often a sign that a boundary is missing, how motherhood changes our friendships, and why boundaries aren't about controlling other people—they're about honouring your own needs. Nedra also answers real questions from the Motherkind community, covering everything from asking for help without micromanaging, navigating difficult family dynamics, setting boundaries with grandparents and in-laws, managing work expectations, and protecting your time without feeling guilty.If you've ever struggled with people-pleasing, found yourself carrying the invisible mental load, or wondered why you're constantly feeling frustrated or emotionally exhausted, this conversation will leave you with practical scripts, compassionate insights and simple tools you can start using today.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why resentment is one of the biggest signs that a boundary is missingWhat healthy boundaries actually are (and what they aren't)Practical scripts to help you set boundaries without guiltHow to ask for help without micromanaging your partner or familyHow motherhood changes friendships—and how to reconnectWhat to do when someone repeatedly ignores your boundariesHow to navigate boundaries at work without feeling like you're letting people downWhy boundaries strengthen relationships rather than damage themWatch every full episode on YouTube and subscribe. Loved this episode?Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Zoe’s solo episode, You are not limitless: How to set boundariesFeeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat SheetConnect with Zoe:Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTokGet Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.Jurassic Oceans Exhibition at The Natural History Museum. Kids go half price.
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The 5-Minute Habit That Makes Juggling Work and Motherhood Feel Easier
Jul 1300:10:16Tap to summarizeDoes it feel like you're constantly juggling work, childcare, the mental load and everything else on your never-ending to-do list?As the summer holidays begin, many mothers find themselves trying to balance work alongside having the children at home, leaving them feeling stretched, overwhelmed and like they're constantly falling behind.In this Motherkind Moment, entrepreneur, writer and mum of four Rachael Twumasi-Corson shares why work-life balance isn't actually the goal—and what to aim for instead.She introduces her simple 5-4-3-2-1 planning method, a practical daily tool that helps you prioritise what matters most, reduce overwhelm and create more harmony between work, motherhood and your own wellbeing.If you've been feeling like you're spinning too many plates, this conversation will leave you with a fresh perspective and one practical habit you can start using today.💡 In this Moment, you’ll learn:Why work-life balance often leaves mothers feeling like they're failingThe difference between work-life balance and work-life harmonyHow the 5-4-3-2-1 planning method can reduce overwhelmWhy scheduling your priorities is more effective than reacting to everyone else'sSimple ways to create more time for yourself without guiltWatch every full episode on YouTube and subscribe. Loved this episode?Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode of Motherkind. It helps more mothers find the show and keeps our community growing.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Zoe’s conversation with The Lie of Work-Life Balance (And What Actually Works) with Rachael Twumasi-CorsonFeeling like you’re carrying it all? Download your FREE Mental Load Cheat Sheet and learn how to start feeling lighter, even if nothing in your life changes.Connect with Zoe:Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTokGet Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’This Motherkind episode is sponsored by:Headline sponsor Wild Nutrition, the brand raising the bar for women’s supplements. Want to feel the Food-Grown difference yourself? Get 50% off for three months at wildnutrition.com/motherkind. Ts and Cs apply.
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