the Mommy Pod's Podcast

the Mommy Pod

A place where single parents come together to share their stories, find support, and never feel alone. I'm your host, a full-time working mom navigating the highs and lows of co-parenting two toddlers in a bustling city. 

  1. 5 days ago

    Pain Taught Me Power: Rebuilding After a Toxic Relationship with Tiffany Lauren

    Send us Fan Mail Walking away from a toxic relationship may feel like the ending—but for many women, it is only the beginning of the healing journey. In this episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta’ sits down with author and mother Tiffany Lauren for an honest conversation about surviving emotional abuse, rebuilding confidence, navigating the legal system, and co-parenting while protecting your peace and your children. Tiffany shares how writing helped her reclaim her voice and transform painful experiences into purpose. Her memoir, Never Free From A Narcissist, explores the realities of remaining connected to a toxic former partner through shared children. She is also the author of Two Houses, One Heart, a children’s book and companion coloring book created to support children who divide their lives between two homes. Now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Clinical Counseling, Tiffany hopes her experiences will remind women that survival is not the end of their story. You can rebuild, rediscover your worth, and create something beautiful from chapters you never wanted to live. Because we bend—but we don’t break. To connect with Tiffany and learn more about her books, follow @pain_taughtme_power on Instagram and TikTok or find Tiffany the Author on Facebook https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT1KP8Q3?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback https://www.amazon.com/Two-Houses-Heart-Coloring-Book/dp/B0HF8RRJB6/ref=sr_1_9?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tVAHO0N-gLC6rBlg40UI_clN3YUm1Llromj5aaCuPWshHmVKMh0gFDbSJfQaR9cgrXZKQqmIboPYpQxlC9gD2yEGlb6QqsUUbm4uGJzpW9UcsyH6wKvUl-6XbbBe-pX47fIl4I2XLbTcDMlNZzpHK1HEw2lFnxCq6sytfxl4g7OSTHpTq2w3x_0LC0AmKr40jZHtd7l06_Luydk506MrWT0jaGkyF5SP3BfUm47s_pc.4hu36WRgreEN7QNPvf9CUAM01no2QCyGoKH7JIBeDcQ&dib_tag=se&qid=1788798600&refinements=p_27%3ATiffany+Lauren&s=books&sr=1-9&text=Tiffany+Lauren Support the show @themommypod

  2. 21 Aug

    Letting Go of the “Should's”: Its Okay not to be Okay- in this moment! with Dr. Lindsay Weisner

    Send us Fan Mail Letting Go of the “Shoulds”: Its Okay not to be Okay- in this moment~ with Dr. Lindsay Weisner Motherhood can make us feel like we should be doing more, handling everything better, and meeting everyone’s expectations—all while pretending we aren’t overwhelmed. In this episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta’ sits down with psychologist Dr. Lindsay Weisner to discuss anxiety, motherhood, and letting go of the “shoulds” that steal our peace. Lindsay has 20 years of experience, writes for Psychology Today, co-authored “Ten Steps to Finding Happy: A Guide to Permanent Satisfaction,” and co-hosts the true-crime podcasts “The Husband Did It” and “Crimes of Long Island.” Lindsay shares why becoming a parent gave her an entirely new list of things to worry about and explains how outside pressure, perfectionism, comparison, and the fear of disappointing others can intensify anxiety. She also reminds us that it’s okay to ask for help, it’s okay if someone says no, and it’s okay not to be okay in the moment—because the moment will pass. If you have ever felt like you should be able to do it all, this conversation will help you breathe, release unrealistic expectations, and find greater calm when life begins closing in. Connect with Lindsay on Instagram and Tik Tok: @PsychShrinkMom Follow The Mommy Pod and share this episode with another parent who needs permission to put down some of the “should's.” Because we bend—but we do not break. 💜 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ86RF9S Living with ADHD: Getting Clean and Organized is not another rigid “how-to” guide that demands perfection—it’s a compassionate roadmap designed for real people with real ADHD challenges.  Living with ADHD will help you take back control—one small step at a time. Support the show @themommypod

  3. 17 Aug

    A Dance, Not a Wrestling Match: Helping Fathers Become Better Partners and Dads with Dr. Ben

    Send us Fan Mail Why won’t the father of my children step up? For many mothers, that question carries frustration, disappointment, and the exhaustion of feeling like they must manage everything alone. In this episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta' sits down with Dr. Binyamin “Ben” Rothstein—a retired family physician, father of eight, grandfather, author, and mentor to hundreds of men. Dr. Ben explains how growing up without a healthy male role model can affect a man’s ability to become a loving father and dependable partner. Together, they discuss the importance of a father’s presence, why some men become defensive when their partners express their needs, and how couples can move from constant conflict toward healthier communication. They also explore the difference between encouraging a man and parenting a grown adult, why a difficult upbringing can explain behavior without excusing it, and how women can maintain their standards and boundaries without carrying responsibility for a man’s growth. Dr. Ben believes the relationship between partners should be a dance—not a wrestling match. But a healthy dance requires two willing participants. Connect with Dr. Binyamin Rothstein on LinkedIn and learn more about his book, A Real Man’s Guide to Becoming a Terrific Dad, and his mentoring work with fathers and husbands. Listen, download, and share this episode with a parent who needs this conversation. Because we bend—but we don’t break. 💜 Support the show @themommypod

  4. 10 Aug

    Keeping All the Balls in the Air- Fatherhood, Partnership & Being Present with Mark McAuley

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really look like to be a present parent while running a successful business? In this episode of The Mommy Pod, we're joined by Mark McAuley—dad of three, business owner, soccer coach, self-proclaimed Certified Dad Joke Practitioner, and someone passionate about helping parents build thriving businesses without sacrificing what matters most. Mark shares how he's been able to run his cleaning business remotely while creating more time for his family, and why true success isn't just measured by profit—it's measured by presence. Together, we dive into intentional parenting, supporting your partner so they can flourish, building meaningful family rituals, creating a strong family culture, and finding balance in the beautiful chaos of raising children. Whether you're a single parent, co-parent, married, or simply trying to be more intentional with your family, this conversation is full of practical wisdom, laughter, and reminders that showing up consistently is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. *Trigger Warning we do discuss Postpartum Depression  In this episode, we discuss: Creating a family culture with intentional daily ritualsWhy presence matters more than perfectionSupporting your partner while raising a familyRunning a successful business without missing family momentsBalancing work, parenting, and personal well-beingPractical ways to be more intentional with your childrenFinding joy and laughter in everyday parentingWhy success at home is just as important as success at workSupporting a partner through Postpartum and signs you can look out for 💜 Because we bend—we don't break. 🎧 Listen now on The Mommy Pod, available wherever you get your podcasts. Sign Up for Marks program and learn more at  https://warplan.au/about-mark First 5 to use the code get a free course!  Code: MOMMYPOD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ86RF9S Living with ADHD: Getting Clean and Organized is not another rigid “how-to” guide that demands perfection—it’s a compassionate roadmap designed for real people with real ADHD challenges.  Living with ADHD will help you take back control—one small step at a time. Support the show @themommypod

  5. 8 Aug

    Who Are You Beyond Parenthood? Human Design, Healing, and Nervous-System Regulation with Lauren Pearlingi

    Send us Fan Mail Parenthood can make it difficult to remember who you are outside of caring for everyone else. In this episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta’ sits down with Lauren Pearlingi—a mom, television host, author, and Intuitive Human Design Business Guide. Lauren shares how her experiences with postpartum depression, divorce, custody challenges, and ten years in high-risk OB ultrasound transformed her understanding of motherhood, healing, and emotional well-being. Together, they explore nervous-system regulation, recurring emotional patterns, Human Design, identity after major life changes, and why traditional routines don’t work for every parent. Shanta’ also introduces the Integrated Living Program, a practical approach to combining Human Design, biological rhythms, movement, nutrition, and energy-aware scheduling. This conversation will help you stop treating yourself like a problem to fix and begin creating a life that supports who you truly are. Connect with Lauren: linktr.ee/themermaidlight Explore the Integrated Living Program: www.theMommyPod.net https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ86RF9S Living with ADHD: Getting Clean and Organized is not another rigid “how-to” guide that demands perfection—it’s a compassionate roadmap designed for real people with real ADHD challenges.  Living with ADHD will help you take back control—one small step at a time. Support the show @themommypod

  6. 7 Aug

    From Survival to Purpose: Breaking Cycles & Raising Strong Daughters with Cheryl

    Send us Fan Mail Disclaimer: Talk of abuse also My Child was home! For years, Cheryl believed her purpose was hidden in her next job title, promotion, or accomplishment. As a nurse practitioner with nearly three decades in healthcare, she dedicated her life to helping others while quietly surviving challenges of her own. In this heartfelt conversation, Cheryl shares her journey as a single mom of two daughters—including parenting a child born with significant health challenges, surviving two abusive marriages, and ultimately breaking generational cycles of unhealthy relationships. Together, we discuss what it really means to move from surviving to thriving, why knowing your values changes everything, and how teaching our children healthy boundaries begins with healing ourselves. If you've ever questioned your worth, felt stuck in survival mode, or wondered if life has something bigger waiting for you, this episode is your reminder that your purpose isn't something you find—it's something you choose to live every day. In this episode, we discuss: How to move from survival mode into purposeful livingWhy so many women lose themselves in titles and expectationsBreaking the cycle of abusive relationshipsParenting children through medical challengesRaising daughters with confidence and healthy boundariesUnderstanding your values and living in alignmentBuilding self-worth after difficult relationshipsFinding clarity, confidence, and purposeFacebook and Linkden Cheryl Olfert  Support the show @themommypod

About

A place where single parents come together to share their stories, find support, and never feel alone. I'm your host, a full-time working mom navigating the highs and lows of co-parenting two toddlers in a bustling city.