Rewrite the Mother Code with Dr. Gertrude Lyons

Dr. Gertrude Lyons
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Mothering isn't just a role—it's an energy, a transformative experience that transcends traditional definitions. Whether as a noun, a verb, or a profound force, mothering is accessible to everyone who embraces it. Dr. Gertrude Lyons' groundbreaking work celebrates this essence, providing the tools and support to lead more authentic, joyful, and fulfilling lives - whether you’re seeking greater intimacy, more job satisfaction, or something else, you’re in the right place. Dive into this revolution with the Rewrite the Mother Code podcast and awaken the mothering spirit within you. On Rewrite the Mother Code, Dr. Gertrude explores women’s development, parenting, self-love, and relationship fulfillment through storytelling, interviews with experts, and conversations with community members. Dr. Gertrude is having conversations about motherhood and mothering that no one else is having. She brings herself and her guests into alignment through the transformational opportunity in mothering. If you’re curious about what embarking on the journey of Rewriting YOUR Mother Code could feel like, interested in joining a community of open-hearted women, and learning to celebrate what makes you you, you’ve come to the right place.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    212: Nurturing Your Creations: A Solo Episode with Dr. Gertrude Lyons

    In this heartfelt solo episode, Dr. Gertrude Lyons reflects on the transition from a monumental year of birthing her book and TEDx talk in 2025 to a year of deep nurturing in 2026. Recording from her sanctuary in Mexico, she shares her personal experiences with slowing down, the pressure of new year resolutions, and the profound lessons she's learned about planning, solitude, and self-mothering. Dr. Gertrude opens up about the "liminal space" of post-creation, feeling lost yet guided by intuition and trusted advisors to embrace a "nurture mode." She discusses the difference between linear "spreadsheet planning" and "dreaming planning," encouraging listeners to trust their desires as a form of strategy. She also shares a vulnerable story about taking four days of solitude in Mexico, initially questioning its necessity, only to discover how critical that space was for her well-being and connection to the environment. This episode is an invitation to explore how we can better nurture ourselves and our creations. Dr. Gertrude also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming retreats in Mexico and Ireland, designing containers for women to drop deep, heal, and connect with the elements and each other. You'll also hear about: (00:32) "Tales from the Tub": Dr. Gertrude's new Substack musings and the joy of different creative mediums .(04:56) Declaring 2026 as a "year of nurturing" for herself, her book, and her community after a year of intense creation .(07:36) Overcoming the fear of media exposure and receiving affirmation from experts like Lynn Smith and Nicole Bigley to step into bigger visibility .(12:44) The two types of planning: "spreadsheet planning" vs. "dreaming planning," and why following your desires is a valid strategy .(15:12) The power of solitude: Dr. Gertrude's experience taking 4 days alone in Mexico and why we often resist giving ourselves necessary space .(18:19) Why retreats are essential for women: creating a container to be tended to, nurtured, and deeply connected to oneself and nature .(20:00) Upcoming retreats: Spring Equinox in Mexico (March) involving temazcal and water work, and two retreats in Ireland (May & October) focusing on the ancient landscape and silence . Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Follow Dr. Gertrude: Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s WebsiteFollow Dr. Gertrude on InstagramStay in the loop and sign up to Dr. Gertrude’s a href="https://substack.com/@drgertrudelyons"...

    26 min

  2. 26 JAN

    211: Living Boldly Before Time Runs Out: A Conversation with Karen Salmansohn

    In this vibrant and deeply insightful episode, I sit down with best-selling author and "happiness expert" Karen Salmansohn. Karen shares her fascinating journey from a high-powered career as an award-winning creative director in advertising to becoming a leading voice in personal development and behavioral change. We dive into her latest book, Your To Die for Life, which explores how embracing our mortality can actually help us live more fully and joyfully. Karen opens up about the pivotal moment of her father's passing and how writing his eulogy inspired her to reverse-engineer her own life to minimize regrets. She introduces powerful concepts like "emotional diversity", the idea that a full life requires a range of emotions, not just happiness, and her unique "mortality marble jar" ritual for visualizing time and prioritizing what truly matters. Our conversation also touches on the power of identity-based habits, the importance of "best mode" over "beast mode," and Karen's experience as a later-in-life mother. She shares practical tools, humorous anecdotes (including a bagel-chewing call with Marisa Tomei!), and her refreshing perspective on rewriting the rules of life and motherhood. You'll also hear about: (06:54) Karen's bold decision to leave a successful advertising career to pursue her dream of writing books .(12:32) The incredible story of how she bypassed her agent to get her manuscript directly to Marisa Tomei .(19:30) How her father's death and writing his eulogy sparked a realization about living intentionally to avoid regrets .(22:06) The research-backed concept that embracing death leads to living more boldly and authentically .(28:33) "Emotional diversity" (emodiversity) and why a life of pure bliss without challenges wouldn't be meaningful .(33:00) The "To-Die List" vs. the To-Do List: focusing on core values and identity-based habits .(35:12) The 7 core values to avoid the top regrets of the dying: Authentic, Brave, Curious, Discerning, Empathic Love, Fun, and Grateful .(51:23) The "Mortality Marble Jar" visual tool for tracking time left and ensuring monthly highlights .(01:03:22) Karen's personal take on "Rewrite the Mother Code": proving that energetic, vibrant motherhood is possible later in life . Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Learn more about Karen Salmansohn Visit Karen's main website: notsalmon.comLearn about her new book...

    27 min

  3. 19 JAN

    210: Beyond the Baby: Why Moms Deserve Beautiful Postpartum Essentials with Courtney Boylan

    In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Courtney Boylan, the founder of LeiLolo, a brand dedicated to revolutionizing the postpartum market by turning sterile, clinical accessories into beautiful, empowering essentials. Courtney shares her personal journey from corporate life at Target and Amazon to becoming an entrepreneur, driven by her own postpartum struggles and the desire to feel like herself again after childbirth. We discuss the genesis of LeiLolo, which started with a simple frustration over losing clear nipple shields and evolved into a mission to honor new mothers. Courtney opens up about the vulnerability of launching a business while raising young children, the invaluable support of her husband, and the parallels between birthing a baby and birthing a brand. Our conversation delves into the importance of self-mothering, establishing rituals like journaling and early morning connection, and the cultural shift needed to prioritize the mother's well-being alongside the baby's. Courtney passionately advocates for normalizing all aspects of the female body and postpartum experience, reminding us that "there's no one who deserves pretty accessories more than a new mom." You'll also hear about: (03:37) The "nipple shield epiphany": how losing clear shields led Courtney to design beautiful, colored alternatives .(04:25) Why postpartum products are often "stale and sterile" and make moms feel like patients rather than creators of life .(09:08) The pivotal role Courtney's husband played in pushing her to follow her dream and the emotional journey of taking that leap .(14:05) Breaking the stigma around female bodily functions and products, like hiding tampons or nursing pads .(19:34) Courtney's philosophy that LeiLolo is a "company for moms," regardless of how they choose to feed their babies .(29:48) The power of journaling as a release and self-connection tool during early motherhood .(31:44) Establishing a morning routine with her husband at 5 AM to connect before the chaos of the day begins .(40:08) Letting go of rigid visions for the future and learning to be present in the messy, beautiful "now" of motherhood and business .(45:03) The funny story behind the name "LeiLolo" and its accidental perfect meaning .(46:15) Courtney's definition of "Rewrite the Mother Code": living authentically, following your dreams, and believing in your power as a woman . Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Learn more about Courtney Boylan & LeiLolo Visit a href="https://wearelelolo.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooGBruNLwGi_Tp_ixnI03FStEzHQFLNzs7q9p5Y5zW-YFDhDyAK" rel="noopener...

    50 min

  4. 12 JAN

    209: Asking for Help: Feminine Leadership, Community, and Reinventing Life at 50 with Susie Transou

    In this inspiring episode, I sit down with my friend Susie Transou, founder of Hearth and Soul, a unique retail concept that feels more like a home than a store. Susie shares her fascinating journey from growing up in the beer industry and running a large beverage distributorship with her husband to launching a completely new venture at age 50. We discuss the pivotal moment at a birthday party where a life coach's vision sparked the idea for Hearth and Soul, and how Susie turned that spark into a reality within 48 hours. Susie opens up about the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of community, hospitality, and the courage to ask for help, both professionally and personally. Our conversation delves into the challenges of self-care for high achievers. Susie shares the concept of "the goose and the golden egg," emphasizing that to continue producing, one must take care of oneself. We also touch on the power of vulnerability, sharing our struggles, and the profound impact of her mother's openness about addiction on Susie's own comfort with sharing her story. You'll also hear about: (03:40) The birthday party retreat and life coaching session that planted the seed for Hearth and Soul .(05:27) How Hearth and Soul was born in 48 hours with a vision of a "kitchen" gathering place for community .(10:00) Susie's realization that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, and crucial for success in work and motherhood .(17:00) The three core pillars of Hearth and Soul: Home, Friend, and Family, and how they shape the customer experience .(29:51) The "goose and the golden egg" analogy for self-care: why taking care of yourself is essential for sustaining achievement .(36:59) A therapist's assignment for Susie to sit still with her daughter for 15 minutes a day, and the challenge of simply "being" .(43:08) Susie's definition of "Rewrite the Mother Code": being open to new and different ways to mother beyond traditional roles . Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Learn more about Susie Transou & Hearth and Soul Shop online at hearthandsoul.comFollow Hearth and Soul on Instagram Follow Dr. Gertrude: Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s Websiteli...

    53 min

  5. 5 JAN

    208: Wholeness Is Your Birthright: A Conversation on Memoir and Mothering with Harper Bailey

    In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Harper A. Bailey (the pen name of Teosha Bailey), a public health leader, speaker, and author of the powerful new memoir It Was Her. Harper shares the deeply personal and spiritual journey of bringing her book to life, a process she describes as a "co-creation with God and my ancestors." We discuss how the idea for her memoir came to her four years ago as a "God idea," and how a vivid dream on her birthday finally pushed her to commit to writing it. Harper opens up about the vulnerability of sharing her story, particularly the heavy first chapter about her mother's transition, and the writer's block she had to overcome. She reveals her unique writing process, which included creating a sacred shrine with photos of her ancestors, using music and scents to set the mood, and dedicating time for writing retreats around the world, from Hawaii to Rome. Our conversation also touches on the healing power of storytelling within families. Harper shares how her book has sparked profound conversations with her son, aunt, and cousins, allowing them to see her in a new light and uncover hidden family histories. We explore the concept of "self-mothering" through the creative process, the importance of celebrating small milestones (like hitting word counts with ice cream!), and the profound realization that wholeness is our birthright. You'll also hear about: (03:52) The vivid dream that finally pushed Harper to write her book after being stuck for a year and a half .(04:14) How Harper gifted herself a writing retreat at a hotel and left with a complete outline for her memoir .(07:59) Her "YOLO Mother's Days" tradition: traveling to Rome with her aunts instead of doing the traditional "pancakes and construction paper" routine .(15:37) The detailed "shrine" Harper created for her writing sessions, featuring photos of her ancestors to remind her she wasn't alone .(18:10) Using the four elements (earth, air, fire, water) and sensory details like music and incense to create a sacred writing space .(26:37) How her book has opened up new dialogues with her family, including her son realizing what she was going through as a mother .(29:59) Harper's core message for readers: "Wholeness is your birthright," and you have the power to reclaim your narrative .(41:20) Her definition of "Rewrite the Mother Code": being authentically who you are, mothering in any season, and learning how you want to be mothered yourself . Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Learn more about Harper A. Bailey Buy her memoir, It Was HerFollow Harper on Instagram Learn more about Harper on her a href="https://www.harperabailey.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    51 min

  6. 22/12/2025

    207: The Embodied Spiritual Path: Finding Home in Your Body and the World with Chameli Ardagh

    In this profound episode, I sit down with Chameli Ardagh, a yogini, mystic, and founder of Awakening Women. Chameli shares her powerful personal journey, beginning with a childhood in Norway deeply connected to nature but marked by family volatility. She recounts her early escape into spirituality as a way to transcend suffering, only to realize later, through a pivotal moment of reckoning, that true spiritual awakening requires full embodiment and confronting our own internal "warfare". Our conversation delves deep into the concept of the Divine Feminine and how patriarchal structures have historically co-opted or erased goddess wisdom. Chameli illuminates how ancient myths, from the Greek god Apollo to the Norse god Odin, reflect a pattern of conquering and stealing feminine wisdom rather than honoring it. We explore the transformative power of women gathering in circles, leaving dogma at the door, and using embodiment practices like dance and song to reconnect with their innate spiritual authority. Chameli passionately describes her work in creating spaces, both online and through retreats in Greece, where women can reclaim their "golden mead" of wisdom without needing a middleman. We discuss the critical need for a new way of living that honors the "mother code" at the center of existence, moving from power-over to power-with, and birthing a future rooted in balance and love. You'll also hear about: (04:05) Chameli's upbringing in Norway and her early spiritual seeking as an escape from suffering.(07:46) Her "9/11 moment" of realizing her internal state mirrored the warfare in the world, leading to a shift from transcendence to embodiment.(14:33) Meeting the goddesses as a "hall of mirrors," revealing that all expressions, even anger and lust, can be holy.(20:48) How mythology illustrates the "top-down, exploitive energy" of the left brain conquering the body and feminine wisdom.(30:36) The story of Odin stealing the "golden mead" of wisdom from a giant goddess, a metaphor for patriarchal appropriation of feminine knowledge.(34:39) The importance of not burning down the old structures but "walking away" to create new, life-affirming systems.(40:36) Chameli's Summer Goddess Ashram in Corfu, Greece: a space for women to refill their inner wells through dance, ritual, and connection.(53:23) Chameli's definition of "Rewrite the Mother Code": a reclamation of the mother principle as the center of life and a rewriting of our future in partnership with evolution. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Learn more about Chameli Ardagh Learn more on Chameli's Websiteli...

    1h 2m

  7. 08/12/2025

    206: From Addiction to Awakening: Whitney Walker on Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Self-Love

    In this powerful episode, I sit down with Whitney Walker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, recovery coach, spiritual guide, and host of the Women Waken podcast. Whitney shares her incredibly raw and vulnerable journey, from a childhood marked by an absent father and an emotionally immature mother to struggling with debilitating low self-esteem, addiction, and eating disorders in her 20s. She opens up about hitting rock bottom, a moment where she realized "time's run out" on the chaos and just wanted peace, and how that catalyzed her profound transformation. We explore the concept of addiction as a symptom of not feeling safe or "enough" and the societal conditioning that breeds fear and competition instead of connection. Our conversation delves deep into the power of the Divine Feminine, contrasting it with the "force" of masculine energy, and how embracing flow, intuition, and collective care can heal both individuals and society. Whitney passionately discusses the need for women to trust their inner wisdom, stand their ground with clarity (like the Queen of Swords in Tarot), and create new systems based on love rather than fear. You'll also hear about: (04:03) Whitney's "brutal yet beautiful" 20s, marked by addiction and insecurity, and finding peace and power turning 40.(09:44) Addiction as a search for soothing in a world where we don't feel safe or believe we are our own source of healing.(14:38) Growing up with an emotionally absent father and the impact of conditional love on a child's sense of worth.(17:39) The simplicity of the solution for humanity: knowing we are safe and loved.(27:57) How we "play by the rules of the game that we choose to play" and the power of disengaging from dysfunctional systems.(36:01) The "Queen of Swords" energy: deliberate action, clarity, and setting boundaries without malice.(40:30) Being wary of gurus who claim their way is the only way, and trusting your own intuition.(47:19) Whitney's beautiful definition of "Rewrite the Mother Code": recognizing that we all have the ability to mother—to love, nurture, and see others—regardless of whether we have children. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Learn more about Whitney Walker: Learn more on Whitney's WebsiteFollow Whitney on Instagram (DM her to connect!)Listen to the Women Waken Podcast Follow Dr. Gertrude:  Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s WebsiteFollow Dr. Gertrude on InstagramStay in the loop and sign up to Dr. Gertrude’s SubstackOrder Dr. Gertrude’s new book “a href="https://www.drgertrudelyons.com/book-rewrite-the-mother-code" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    58 min

  8. 01/12/2025

    205: The Child-Free Choice: Community, Value, and the Mothering of Self with Emily Paulsen

    In this insightful episode, Dr. Gertrude Lyons welcomes Emily Paulsen, an award-winning entrepreneur, brand strategist through her studio Electric Collab, and host of the Curious Life of a Child-Free Woman podcast. Emily is dedicated to shining a light on the often-overshadowed child-free by choice perspective. Their conversation centers on the powerful collision of the "mother code" world with the child-free narrative, demonstrating that the essence of mothering is universal, regardless of motherhood status. Emily shares her deep personal passion for empowering women, describing "girlfriends" as her love language. This passion for female community is what Dr. Lyons connects to the core of self-mothering, explaining that while the spark begins within, the "blaze" is ignited and kept alive in sisterhood. They discuss how patriarchal and over-masculine value systems have historically sought to disempower women by splitting them up and pitting them against each other. The episode also tackles the intense societal judgment placed on women, referencing the shocking death threats received by a woman who dared to write about "regretting having children". Emily also details her work with Electric Collab, which is focused on helping women entrepreneurs and founders articulate their unique value and "secret sauce" to the world through premium branding. You'll also hear about: (03:08) The challenge for women to define themselves beyond statistics (job, marital status, kids) .(03:25) Emily's lifelong passion for female community, calling "girlfriends" her love language.(03:30) Her frustration as a cheerleader that their job was to root for boys, not celebrate the women's own accomplishments.(05:10) Emily's continued commitment to female community through college and career, and her current work to professionally and personally build other women up.(06:00) Dr. Gertrude Lyons's distinction between mothering (universal) and motherhood (choice), and the critical importance of self-mothering.(07:18) Why the self-mothering flame is amplified in community and how the separation of women is a tool of disempowerment.(07:53) How patriarchal and over-masculine value systems intentionally split and pit women against each other to disempower them.(20:19) The profound and hostile reaction, including death threats, a woman received for sharing her truth about "regretting having children".(29:51) How the word "selfish" is weaponized against women on both sides of the parenting divide—whether for not having kids or for having them.(38:40) The importance of normalizing child-free lives beyond celebrities like Oprah and Dolly Parton to show that it is a valid, happy path for everyday women.(42:23) The workplace bias that assumes child-free women have unlimited free time and should pick up the slack.(49:40) Why parents should include child-free friends in kid-centric events rather than assuming they don't want to attend to avoid creating an "echo chamber".(51:40) Emily's work with her brand studio, Electric Collab, to help women entrepreneurs articulate their unique "secret sauce" and value. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Learn more about Emily Paulsen: Learn more on Emily's a href="https://www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 2m
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Mothering isn't just a role—it's an energy, a transformative experience that transcends traditional definitions. Whether as a noun, a verb, or a profound force, mothering is accessible to everyone who embraces it. Dr. Gertrude Lyons' groundbreaking work celebrates this essence, providing the tools and support to lead more authentic, joyful, and fulfilling lives - whether you’re seeking greater intimacy, more job satisfaction, or something else, you’re in the right place. Dive into this revolution with the Rewrite the Mother Code podcast and awaken the mothering spirit within you. On Rewrite the Mother Code, Dr. Gertrude explores women’s development, parenting, self-love, and relationship fulfillment through storytelling, interviews with experts, and conversations with community members. Dr. Gertrude is having conversations about motherhood and mothering that no one else is having. She brings herself and her guests into alignment through the transformational opportunity in mothering. If you’re curious about what embarking on the journey of Rewriting YOUR Mother Code could feel like, interested in joining a community of open-hearted women, and learning to celebrate what makes you you, you’ve come to the right place.

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