Trust Me Mom

Trust Me Mom
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  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

🌟 Welcome to Trust Me Mom, your go-to destination for trusted parenting advice and expert insights! 🌟 Parenthood can be an incredibly difficult journey filled with challenges, despair, and frustration. This podcast is dedicated to providing you with practical tips, expert interviews, and evidence-based strategies to navigate the complexities of raising children, especially kids with special needs. Tune in for parenting strategies and tips for kids with ADHD, ADD, sensory issues, learning disabilities including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, anxiety, autism, and many other conditions.

  1. 34. How AI Can Help Moms Offload the Mental Load

    18 FEB

    34. How AI Can Help Moms Offload the Mental Load

    Motherhood is exhausting, not just physically, but mentally. In this episode of Trust Me Mom, host Ekaterina Konovalova sits down with Sarah Dooley, founder of AI Empowered Mom, to talk about how AI and automation can help parents (especially moms) offload the invisible mental load of family life.Sarah shares her deeply personal journey from tech consultant to mom of three under 18 months, the moment everything felt out of control, and how generative AI changed the way she manages parenting, work, and life. From meal planning and calendar chaos to bedtime routines and emotional overwhelm, this conversation explores where AI genuinely helps, and where caution is needed, especially for kids.00:00 – Welcome to Trust Me Mom00:43 – Meet Sarah Dooley, Founder of AI Empowered Mom01:33 – From tech consultant to mom of three under 18 months03:10 – The invisible mental load of motherhood04:38 – How AI Empowered Mom was born06:12 – How the tool works: meal planning & calendar chaos07:55 – Will AI call the dentist for you? (future features)08:32 – Birthday parties, trips & event planning with AI09:56 – AI hallucinations: what can go wrong & how to prevent it11:14 – Daily & weekly previews to reduce overwhelm12:20 – The rude awakening of early motherhood15:44 – Offloading the physical load: nannies, family & systems18:18 – Career vs. caregiving: impossible choices moms face20:38 – Using AI to cope with emotional overload22:46 – Adults vs. teens using AI: what’s the difference?24:09 – Sarah’s upcoming book on AI for families25:28 – AI safety, kids & hallucinations29:55 – Why AI “sounds smart” but can still be wrong32:00 – Best AI tools for kids (with supervision)33:00 – AI-powered bedtime stories & mom guilt35:04 – Is AI replacing parenting or supporting it?36:56 – Final thoughts & why this conversation matters#TrustMeMom #MentalLoad #WorkingMoms #AIForParents #MomLife #ParentingAndAI #WomenInTech #AIInEverydayLife #OverwhelmedMoms #FutureOfParenting #AIParenting #TechAndMotherhood #ModernParenting

    37 min
  2. 33. The Truth About Mom Burnout: Identity Loss, Social Media Pressure & Mental Load

    3 FEB

    33. The Truth About Mom Burnout: Identity Loss, Social Media Pressure & Mental Load

    In this episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, episode 33), Ekaterina Konovalova sat down with Vanessa Spinarsky - registered social worker, content creator, and one of the most honest voices in modern motherhood.Vanessa shared her personal story of loss of her father, what led her into social work, and how motherhood shook her sense of identity. Together, we unpacked the reality of postpartum burnout, the pressure and “surveillance” moms feel on social media, why it’s normal to not enjoy every moment, and how shame gets projected in parenting spaces. We also dove into the mental load, inequality at home, and what partners can do that actually helps: acknowledge reality without debating it.To learn more about Vanessa, check her website https://linktr.ee/vanessaspinarsky00:37 — Meet Vanessa Spinarsky 01:10 — Why Vanessa became a therapist: early creativity + psychology02:40 — Losing her dad at 8 and how it shaped her inner world05:46 — “Motherhood rocked me”: identity crash + anxiety07:20 — Social media “surveillance” and moralized motherhood10:24 — The daily grind: “getting back to zero” and burnout10:56 — The “strong one” identity + postpartum vulnerability13:35 — What progress in motherhood really looks like: adapting15:16 — Guilt, overstimulation, and not enjoying every moment16:01 — Why stepping away can be loving (and not “abandoning”)20:58 — Shame: internal vs projected judgment (comment sections)24:21 — Mental load + inequality: shift from blame to acknowledgement29:38 — Lessons from her husband: letting go of control + embracing rest33:25 — Vanessa’s book journey (proposal + what’s coming)35:38 — Nervous system flexibility: micro-rest and realistic regulation40:23 — Why you can’t “switch back” to pre-kid life overnight40:30 — Final thoughts: co-regulation, “me too,” and feeling seen#TrustMeMom #VanessaSpinarsky #Motherhood #Postpartum #MomBurnout #MentalLoad #WorkingMoms #Parenting #GentleParenting #MomShame #Matrescence #NervousSystem #EmotionalRegulation #MarriageAndParenting #WomenSupportingWomen

    42 min
  3. 32. The Healing Power of Handholding: Touch, Parenting & Connection in a Digital World

    28 JAN

    32. The Healing Power of Handholding: Touch, Parenting & Connection in a Digital World

    In this episode of the Trust Me Mom podcast, host EkaterinaKonovalova sat down with author Alex (Sasha) Simakovsky to explorethe science, psychology, and emotional power of human touch. Alex shared what inspired his book, More Than a Touch:Rediscover the Healing Power of Handholding, and why intentional touch ismore important than ever in a post-pandemic, digital-first world. Together,they discussed tactile hunger, parenting and child regulation, relationshiprepair, cultural perspectives on touch, and simple handholding practices thatcan help children and adults feel safer, calmer, and more connected.   📘 Alex’s Book: MoreThan a Touch: Rediscover the Healing Power of Handholding https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Touch-Rediscover-Handholding/dp/B0FKXZX5M4  00:00 Introduction & welcome00:22 Why human touch matters (especially after the pandemic)01:02 What inspired the book More Than a Touch02:10 Growing up with holistic, touch-based healing03:54 The science of touch: hormones, stress & regulation05:37 Parenting, touch, and emotional safety for kids06:03 Hand-in-hand breathing exercise for children08:16 Demonstration: how hand-in-hand breathing works09:32 Why assisted regulation works better for some kids10:17 The “30-second rule” and intentional touch10:41 Handholding during conflict and relationship repair12:59 Cultural differences in handholding around the world15:28 Alex’s favorite chapters and modern-day application16:54 A powerful father–daughter story from the book19:23 Closing thoughts     #TrustMeMom #HumanTouch #Handholding #ParentingTools#EmotionalRegulation #TactileHunger #MindfulParenting #ChildDevelopment#Relationships #MentalHealth #Attachment #NeurodivergentKids #HolisticWellness#ConnectionMatters

    20 min
  4. 31. How to Talk to Emotional Teens: Validation, Fire-Feelers & What Parents Get Wrong

    19 JAN

    31. How to Talk to Emotional Teens: Validation, Fire-Feelers & What Parents Get Wrong

    Raising a teenager with big emotions can feel overwhelming, especially when nothing you say seems to help. In this episode of Trust Me Mom, host Ekaterina Konovalova sits down with therapist and author Katie K. May, a leading expert on teen behavior and emotional regulation.Katie introduces the concept of “fire-feelers” - teens who experience emotions intensely and struggle to calm down once triggered. Drawing from her own lived experience and years of clinical work using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she explains why common parenting strategies like minimizing, fixing, or pushing for conversations often backfire.In this deeply honest and practical conversation, we cover:• Why teen behaviors like self-harm, withdrawal, or lashing out are often coping strategies• The difference between validation and invalidation• How parents can stop escalating conflict and start building trust• When to step back vs. when to intervene during emotional crises• How parents’ own emotional regulation shapes their teen’s outcomes• The grief parents experience as their child grows, and why it matters• What to do if your teen talks about suicide or self-harm To learn more about Katie, check out her website: https://katiekmay.com/ 00:00 – Introduction01:02 – Meet Katie K. May & today’s topic01:42 – Katie’s personal story & why she became a therapist03:03 – What are “fire-feelers”?04:28 – Why parents unintentionally invalidate teen emotions06:34 – What validation really looks like (and sounds like)08:02 – Friendship insecurity & clingy behavior in teens10:55 – The parent-teen escalation cycle (transactional model)12:56 – Why you shouldn’t problem-solve during emotional flooding14:06 – Boundaries without authoritarian parenting16:33 – What to do in serious teen crises (running away, self-harm)18:03 – Why fixing your teen’s problems can backfire19:44 – Are you a fire-feeler too?20:28 – Parental grief as kids grow and push away23:10 – When extended family doesn’t support your parenting choices26:12 – DBT therapy & working with teens and families27:21 – What to do if your teen talks about suicide29:25 – How parents accidentally reinforce harmful behaviors31:57 – What’s normal vs. concerning teen behavior33:47 – Why one bad moment can ruin a teen’s whole day35:24 – Nature vs. nurture in emotional sensitivity37:18 – How teens can safely feel emotions instead of numbing39:03 – Final advice: parents go first #TrustMeMom #teenmentalhealth #parentingteens #FireFeelers #EmotionalRegulation #DBTTherapy #HighlySensitiveTeen #TeenBehavior#MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingSupport #TraumaInformedParenting

    40 min
  5. 30. Women Are Not Pacifiers for Men with Abby Eckel

    30/12/2025

    30. Women Are Not Pacifiers for Men with Abby Eckel

    What really happens after we get married and have kids — and why does “equality” so often disappear?In this powerful episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 1, episode 30), host Ekaterina Konovalova sits down with Abby Eckel — content creator, educator, and advocate for equitable partnerships — to unpack the realities of modern motherhood, invisible labor, emotional load, and why so many women feel overwhelmed despite “doing everything right.”Abby shares her journey into advocacy, the TikTok moment that went viral when she talked about splitting household labor equally, and why so many men don’t even realize they’re at the center of their relationships. This conversation dives into:- Why motherhood feels nothing like what we were promised- How gender roles quietly reassert themselves after children- The danger of framing women as responsible for men’s well-being- Why “just communicate better” is often terrible advice- What centering yourself actually looks like in real life- How raising boys differently can change future generations- This conversation is honest, uncomfortable at times, deeply validating — and necessary.00:00 Introduction & why this conversation matters00:52 Meet Abby Eckel & the struggle of modern working moms01:49 “I felt lied to about motherhood” — Abby’s origin story03:20 The viral moment: splitting cooking & bedtime equally04:32 Raising boys without gendered roles06:48 Teaching kids to fully finish tasks (the train-track story)08:53 Why women don’t want to come home to chaos11:44 Equal custody laws & why they scare mothers12:34 Scott Galloway, single men, and misplaced responsibility15:37 Why women aren’t meant to “fix” men16:39 “Just get a divorce?” — a provocative starting point19:10 Michelle & Barack Obama and invisible labor22:00 Why gender norms explode after kids25:33 Men being centered — and not realizing it29:16 When wives stop being “fun” and why31:09 Religion, submission, and unequal expectations33:00 What women can do right now to reclaim themselves36:04 Centering yourself without burning everything down36:19 Closing thoughts & gratitude#TrustMeMom #MentalLoad #InvisibleLabor #EquitableMarriage #ModernMotherhood #WorkingMoms #EmotionalLabor #Feminism #ParentingBoys #GenderRoles #MarriageReality#MotherhoodUnfiltered #SelfCentering #BreakingTheCycle #weaponizedincompetence

    37 min
  6. 29. Are We Overmedicating Kids? Rethinking Teen Mental Health with Dr. Will Dobud

    23/12/2025

    29. Are We Overmedicating Kids? Rethinking Teen Mental Health with Dr. Will Dobud

    What’s really behind the growing teen mental health crisis —and are we asking the wrong questions? In this episode of Trust Me Mom, host EkaterinaKonovalova sits down with Dr. Will Dobud, social work clinician, researcher, and co-author of Kids These Days, to unpack how modern mental health systems may be unintentionally harming young people. Dr. Dobud challenges the over-medicalization of childhood,the rise of diagnostic labels as identity, and the belief that more therapy manuals and rules equal better outcomes. Drawing from decades of research, clinical practice, and outdoor-based therapeutic work, he explains why teensare often the canaries in the coal mine, and how our systems prioritize control over care. Together, they explore: • Why therapy outcomes haven’t improved in 50+ years• How labels like ADHD or depression can become limiting identities• The real risks and rewards of outdoor and experiential therapy• Power dynamics in therapy — and why acknowledging them matters• What parents should know before outsourcing their child’s mental health• How society shapes teen distress more than we want to admit00:00 – Introduction: Kids, mental health, and whythis conversation matters01:15 – Will Dobud’s personal journey into social work05:30 – From troubled teen to therapist: learning what actually helpskids09:40 – Overdiagnosis, labels, and identity in youth mental health14:30 – Why therapy manuals don’t improve outcomes18:40 – What outdoor therapy really is (and isn’t)23:50 – The myth of “better” therapy models29:10 – Group expeditions, agency, and giving kids control33:40 – How positive experiences can heal more than trauma talk38:20 – Power, safety, and the real risks in therapy45:00 – When systems protect themselves instead of kids51:30 – Teens as the “canaries in the coal mine”56:00 – Environmental, social, and systemic contributors to distress1:01:00 – Why this isn’t a parenting manual — and why that matters1:05:30 – Final thoughts: hope, responsibility, and rethinking care   #TrustMeMom #KidsTheseDays #TeenMentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth #ParentingTeens #MentalHealthAwareness #TherapyReimagined #Overdiagnosis #ADHD #OutdoorTherapy #ExperientialTherapy #SocialWork #Psychology #MentalHealthSystem #RaisingKidsToday

    1h 6m
  7. 28. What Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Really Is

    11/12/2025

    28. What Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Really Is

    In this episode of Trust Me Mom, Ekaterina Konovalova sits down with Brittany Maurizi, ABA therapist and founder of Balanced Behaviors, to demystify what ABA therapy really is — who it helps, how it works, and why it can transform the lives of children and adults.With over a decade of experience as an early childhood and special education teacher, and now a licensed Behavior Specialist, Brittany brings both professional expertise and personal insight as a mom navigating her own child’s developmental challenges.Together, we explore:- What ABA therapy actually is (and what it isn’t)- How ABA supports children with autism and beyond- The difference between ABA and other therapies- Why communication, functional skills, and socialization matter- How to use positive reinforcement effectively- What to expect if your child qualifies for ABA through insurance- Building community, reducing stigma, and supporting mental health- The importance of equipping kids and adults with life skillsWhether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or caregiver, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and real-life examples to help you better understand ABA therapy and mental health support.00:36 — Welcome & Introduction to Brittany Maurizi00:52 — Brittany’s journey from educator to ABA therapist01:39 — What inspired her to pursue ABA therapy02:45 — What ABA therapy is and who it helps04:10 — Is ABA only for autism? Myths & misconceptions04:29 — What ABA looks like day-to-day05:46 — Working with children vs. adults in ABA06:50 — Examples of ABA for young kids, teens, and adults08:48 — Why community support matters for parents09:18 — Brittany’s personal experience as a mom navigating diagnoses10:05 — How personal experience strengthens her approach as a clinician10:50 — In-home, school, community-based ABA support11:36 — Plans for a future sensory space and ABA center12:18 — Beyond autism: Who else can benefit from ABA?13:17 — How insurance approval for ABA works14:25 — Assessment, treatment plans, and parental collaboration15:48 — Boundaries, crisis calls, and keeping kids safe17:10 — Why community familiarity with special needs matters18:25 — Police, crisis response, and neurodiversity training19:52 — The need for better systems and community education20:29 — What ABA looks like for “high-functioning” individuals22:04 — Antecedent interventions & visual schedules23:10 — Changing how we communicate with children23:51 — Positive reinforcement: the core of ABA24:55 — Examples of appropriate reinforcement & avoiding empty promises25:49 — How ABA differs from other therapies27:14 — Breaking stigma around mental health & ABA28:05 — Giving parents time to process diagnoses29:02 — Building community and support through Balanced Behaviors#ABATherapy #AutismSupport #BalancedBehaviors #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingTips #ChildDevelopment #BehaviorTherapy #PositiveReinforcement #SpecialNeedsParenting #TrustMeMom #Neurodiversity #TherapistInterview #EarlyIntervention #ParentEducation #PodcastEpisode #KidsMentalHealth #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis

    30 min
  8. 27. Raising Tomorrow: How to Pass Wisdom to Your Kids

    03/12/2025

    27. Raising Tomorrow: How to Pass Wisdom to Your Kids

    In this episode of Trust Me Mom, Ekaterina Konovalova interviewed Kepler Knott, the author of Raising Tomorrow: Talks to Prepare Our Kids for What Lies Ahead. Kepler is a former soldier, teacher, and long-time writer whose rich life experiences shaped a powerful book of letters to his daughters, exploring identity, values, critical thinking, service, culture, and what it really means to grow up in today’s complex world.This conversation dives into: Raising thoughtful, resilient kidsNavigating multicultural family lifeTeaching critical thinkingUnderstanding identity, values, and religionWhy parents should be guides — not road clearersHow conversations (not answers) shape our children’s futuresIf you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about raising grounded, empathetic humans, this interview is full of meaningful insights — lightly roasted, as Kepler likes to say.To learn more about the book, check https://RaisingTomorrow.org00:35 — Welcome to Trust Me Mom01:02 — Introducing Kepler's journey02:10 — Writing letters to his children during COVID03:00 — From military & teaching to authoring a book04:10 — Why kids struggle more today05:15 — What inspired Raising Tomorrow06:15 — Ekaterina’s thoughts on the book06:26 — Kepler’s favorite chapter: understanding boys08:00 — Humor, hormones & how boys’ brains work09:20 — Challenges boys face today10:05 — Ekaterina’s favorite chapters on values & critical thinking10:26 — Navigating multicultural identity in families12:10 — How identity & religion overlap13:15 — Raising kids with shared values across cultures15:00 — Teaching empathy & giving others the benefit of the doubt16:10 — Religion, spirituality & helping kids explore meaning17:50 — Critical thinking: teaching kids to evaluate information19:35 — Media, narratives & helping kids form their own opinions20:20 — Life skills vs. academic skills22:00 — Teaching responsibility, chores & real-world competence23:20 — Navigating traditions & family expectations25:00 — Politics at the dinner table & the olive branch approach26:35 — Final advice for parents & why communication matters27:40 — Kepler’s hope for future generations#Parenting #RaisingKids #WisdomForKids #ParentingTips #KeplerKnott #RaisingTomorrow #TrustMeMom #ModernParenting #FamilyValues #CriticalThinking #ParentingAdvice

    29 min
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About

🌟 Welcome to Trust Me Mom, your go-to destination for trusted parenting advice and expert insights! 🌟 Parenthood can be an incredibly difficult journey filled with challenges, despair, and frustration. This podcast is dedicated to providing you with practical tips, expert interviews, and evidence-based strategies to navigate the complexities of raising children, especially kids with special needs. Tune in for parenting strategies and tips for kids with ADHD, ADD, sensory issues, learning disabilities including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, anxiety, autism, and many other conditions.

Information

  • Creator
    Trust Me Mom
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Trust Me Mom
  • Show Website
    Trust Me Mom