Motherkind

Zoe Blaskey
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Parenting
  • Updated weekly

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.

  1. 2 days ago

    Fitness Expert Stef Williams: I Thought I’d “Bounce Back” After Birth — Then Everything Changed.

    What happens when your career is built around fitness and, after having a baby, you realise you don't actually want to rush to get your old body or routine back? This week, Zoe is joined by fitness expert, entrepreneur and WeGLOW founder Steph Williams, just four-and-a-half months after becoming a mother, for an incredibly honest conversation about postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, exercise, body image and the enormous identity shift that happens when you have a baby. Steph shares the reality of breastfeeding and why stopping to return to work left her feeling unexpectedly emotional and guilty. She also opens up about the pressure she felt to “bounce back” after birth — particularly as someone whose career has been built around fitness, strength and her body. But motherhood changed her perspective. Instead of rushing back to the person she was before, Steph realised that exercise would always be there — these first months with her baby wouldn't be. We talk about how to return to exercise after having a baby without falling into an all-or-nothing mindset, why a 10-minute workout still counts, and what “listening to your body” actually means. Steph shares how she's learned to adapt movement depending on what her body needs rather than forcing herself through a rigid training plan. Steph also shares her experience of endometriosis, being dismissed before eventually receiving a diagnosis, and how that experience led her to learn more about women's hormones, menstrual cycles, nutrition and exercise. We explore how understanding your cycle can help you adjust the way you move and eat — and why women deserve far better education about their own bodies. This is a conversation about fitness, but it's really about something much bigger: letting go of who you thought you'd be after having a baby and learning to work with the woman and body you are now. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:How to approach exercise after having a baby without “bounce back” pressure Why 10 minutes of movement still counts when you're exhausted or short on time How Steph navigated breastfeeding guilt and returning to work How to move away from all-or-nothing thinking around fitness How your menstrual cycle can influence your energy, appetite and approach to exercise Watch 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 Elizabeth Davies - The ultimate (realistic) guide to fitness in motherhood Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet Connect with Zoe: Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok Get 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 topicsPostpartum exercise • Postpartum fitness • Exercise after having a baby • Postpartum recovery • Post-baby body • Bounce back culture • New motherhood • New mum • Matrescence • Breastfeeding • Breastfeeding guilt • C-section recovery • Returning to work after maternity leave • Working motherhood • Mum guilt • Motherhood identity • Women’s fitness • Women’s health • Hormones • Menstrual cycle • Cycle syncing • Exercise and your menstrual cycle • Endometriosis • Endometriosis symptoms • Pilates • Strength training for women • Postpartum workouts • Body image after pregnancy • Steph Williams • WeGLOW • Period Proof • Motherkind

    Fitness Expert Stef Williams: I Thought I’d “Bounce Back” After Birth — Then Everything Changed.

  2. 5 days ago ·  Bonus

    Steven Bartlett’s CEO: How to Navigate Career and Motherhood Without Losing Yourself

    What happens when you genuinely love your career and desperately want to be there for your children? In this week’s Moment, we explore one of the hardest tensions of working motherhood: the feeling that however much support you have, there are some parts of being a mother you simply don’t want to outsource. After taking on a huge new role with Steven Bartlett while six months pregnant with her third child, Amy Golding shares how motherhood completely changed the way she makes career decisions. Before having children, she thought combining work and family was largely a logistical challenge, something you could solve with enough childcare, money and careful planning. Then she became a mother and realised she'd forgotten something much harder to quantify: love. We talk about the invisible mental load, wanting to be the primary attachment figure, the complicated emotions that can come with childcare, and why loving your work doesn’t make it any easier to miss the school plays, appointments and everyday moments with your children. Because perhaps the tension between motherhood and ambition isn't an equation we're supposed to perfectly solve. 💡 In this Moment, you’ll learn:Why working motherhood can feel impossible to get right How motherhood can change the way you make career decisions Why childcare doesn't necessarily remove working mum guilt The emotional side of the mental load we rarely talk about How to navigate loving your career and wanting to be with your children Watch 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, listen to the full episode: Steven Bartlett’s CEO: How I Make Career Decisions Around My Family Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet Connect with Zoe: Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok Get 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 topics:  Working motherhood • Working mum guilt • Career after children • Motherhood and career • Mental load • Invisible labour • Childcare • Career decisions • Motherhood and ambition • Maternal guilt • Work-life balance • Working parents • Motherhood identity • Primary attachment • Career change • Women at work • Returning to work after maternity leave • Maternity leave • Ambitious mothers • Modern motherhood • Motherkind

    Steven Bartlett’s CEO: How to Navigate Career and Motherhood Without Losing Yourself

  3. 10 Sept

    Frankie Bridge: How to Stay Ambitious After Kids Without the Mum Guilt

    Motherhood changes so much — including what success, ambition and a fulfilling career actually look like. This week, Zoe is joined by Frankie Bridge for a brilliantly honest conversation about working motherhood, career reinvention, confidence, mental health and letting go of the impossible standards we set ourselves as mothers. Frankie has been working since she was 12, from S Club Juniors and The Saturdays to television and now building her own business, Faves. But becoming a mother forced her to rethink what success actually meant. She shares why having her two boys made her braver and more ambitious, but also far more protective of her time. Now, before saying yes to work, she asks whether it brings her joy, makes financial sense or genuinely moves the needle — because leaving her children has to be for a good reason. We talk about reinventing your career after children and the fear that comes with starting something completely new. Frankie opens up about imposter syndrome as a founder and the important realisation that even the most successful people don't have everything figured out, they're learning as they go too. Frankie also speaks incredibly openly about depression, anxiety and maternal mental health. She was talking publicly about her mental health at a time when those conversations were far less common, and shares why mothers need permission to admit they're struggling without first having to reassure everyone that they love their children. We also explore something I think so many mothers will recognise: how easily the things that bring us joy disappear once we have children. Frankie shares why, after losing confidence in her singing following The Saturdays, she's started vocal training again — not for an audition or career goal, but simply because she loves it. This is such a warm and reassuring conversation about ambition after motherhood, mum guilt, mental health, career pivots and permitting yourself to want something for yourself too. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:How to redefine success after becoming a mother Why having children can make you braver and more ambitious How to navigate a career change when you don't have all the answers Why mothers need things that bring them joy outside parenting How to let go of guilt and impossible motherhood standards Watch 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 Maria Hatzistefanis - The Rodial Founder on Burnout, Discipline and Why Hustle Culture Fails Mothers Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet Connect with Zoe: Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok Get 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 topicsWorking motherhood • Career after children • Mum guilt • Motherhood and ambition • Career change • Career reinvention • Working mum • Mental health • Maternal mental health • Depression • Anxiety • Motherhood identity • Confidence • Imposter syndrome • Starting a business • Female founders • Working parents • Work-life balance • Motherhood expectations • Parenting guilt • Self-care for mothers • Finding yourself after motherhood • Frankie Bridge • The Saturdays • Faves • Motherkind

    Frankie Bridge: How to Stay Ambitious After Kids Without the Mum Guilt

  4. 7 Sept ·  Bonus

    Why You’re Being Overlooked in Your Career—and How to Stand Out Instead

    What if the opportunities you’re waiting for aren’t passing you by because you lack experience, but because the right people don’t know what you’re capable of? In this powerful Moment, Zoe is joined by personal branding expert and entrepreneur Amelia Sordell to explore why women need to stop waiting to be picked and start making themselves visible. Amelia explains that your personal brand isn’t simply what you post on social media. It’s the impression you create through your values, behaviour, knowledge, experience and the way you show up in the world. You don’t need to become an influencer or add another overwhelming task to your life—but you do need to take control of your own story. They explore why so many talented women and mothers downplay their achievements, while people with far less experience confidently put themselves forward. Amelia also shares the “big red button” moments that changed her life, from leaving a secure job with two young children to closing the multimillion-pound agency she no longer wanted to run. Her message is simple but powerful: confidence doesn’t arrive before you act. Confidence is built by finding the courage to take a risk, discovering that you can handle it and then doing it again. 💡 In this Moment, you’ll learn: Why personal branding is about far more than posting on social media How greater visibility can create career and business opportunities Why women need to stop waiting for permission and choose themselves How taking action before you feel ready builds genuine confidence This Moment is for any mother who is questioning her value, considering a career change, building a business or waiting to feel confident enough to take her next step. Watch 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 can listen to the full episode with Amelia Sordell - It’s Never Too Late to Change Career — The Blueprint from the #1 Personal Brand Expert Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet Connect with Zoe: Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok Get 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. Keywords:  Personal branding • Confidence • Motherhood • Female founders • Women in business • Career change • Starting a business • Career confidence • Women’s confidence • Visibility • Self-belief • Courage • Taking risks • Choosing yourself • Returning to work • Maternal identity • Entrepreneurship • Ambition • Working mothers • Personal development • Amelia Sordell

    Why You’re Being Overlooked in Your Career—and How to Stand Out Instead

  5. 3 Sept

    Feeling Stuck? 5 Things to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do Next

    Feeling stuck in your career, relationship or life and have no idea what to do next? This episode is for you. Eight months ago, I felt completely stuck. Motherkind had slowed down, opportunities weren’t coming in, and I couldn’t work out what direction to take next. I was scared, confused and overthinking absolutely everything. Looking back, I can see that feeling stuck wasn’t the end. It was the beginning of a breakthrough. In this solo episode, I’m sharing the five things that helped me move from feeling lost and full of self-doubt to clearer, more confident and more fired up than I have in years. We’ll explore how to stop overthinking, change the thoughts keeping you stuck, take small actions when you can’t see the bigger picture, and use a simple future-self exercise to get clearer on what you actually want. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why feeling stuck can come before a breakthrough How to stop overthinking and quieten self-doubt Why focusing on problems can keep you stuck The tiny actions that can help you find clarity A future-self exercise to help you work out what you really want If you know something needs to change but can’t see what comes next, this episode will help you take that first step forward. Watch 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. Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet Connect with Zoe: Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok Get 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. Keywords: Feeling stuck • How to get unstuck • Feeling lost in life • Career change • Career after motherhood • Overthinking • Self-doubt • Confidence • Mindset • Finding your purpose • Finding yourself again • Motherhood identity • Matrescence • Starting over • Life transitions • Self-belief • Future self • Goal setting • Personal growth • Nervous system • Comfort zone • Fear of change • Career confidence • Working mothers • Ambition after motherhood

  6. 1 Sept

    The mistakes I made postpartum (and what I'd never do again)

    After 10 years of motherhood, I’m really glad I did some things in those first few weeks, and plenty I’d do completely differently. Nothing can quite prepare you for becoming a mother. Those early weeks can be full of love and joy while also feeling exhausting, overwhelming and completely identity-shifting. I certainly wasn’t prepared for the emotional whiplash of holding all of those feelings at once. In this special episode, created in partnership with Tesco Fred & Flo, I’m looking back at my first experience of new motherhood and sharing what I got right, what I learnt the hard way and what I wish I’d known before having a baby. We talk about setting boundaries with visitors (including my one rule that I still think was genius!), why new mothers need care rather than being expected to host, and the huge identity shift of matrescence that I knew absolutely nothing about when I had my first daughter. I also share how the mental load began creeping into my relationship almost without us noticing, and the practical change my husband, Guy, and I made to create a more equal division of parenting and household responsibilities. Plus, I share the newborn essentials I genuinely found useful, what I spent time and money on that I probably wouldn't again, and some very practical tips for making those sleep-deprived early weeks a little easier. Because when you're adjusting to life with a new baby, recovering from birth and trying to work out who you are now, the last thing you need is more pressure. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:What I wish I’d known about new motherhood and matrescence How to set boundaries with visitors after having a baby How to stop the mental load becoming yours by default The newborn essentials I actually used, and what I wouldn't bother with Why asking for and accepting help matters so much postpartum Watch every full episode on YouTube and subscribe.  This episode is created in partnership with Tesco Fred & Flo, whose newly refreshed range of everyday baby essentials is designed to make those early days a little easier. You can discover the range in Tesco stores and online, and Tesco Clubcard members can currently get 4 for 3 across the range. Exclusions apply. Clubcard event ends 7th September 2026. Clubcard or app required. Delivery charges may apply.   Connect with Zoe: Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok Get Zoe’s Sunday Times bestselling book, 'Motherkind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations’

    The mistakes I made postpartum (and what I'd never do again)

  7. 31 Aug ·  Bonus

    Stop Doubting Yourself: The Simple Habit That Builds Real Confidence.

    What if the reason you don’t feel confident isn’t that you lack ability, but because you’ve stopped noticing the evidence of how capable you really are? In this powerful Moment, Zoe is joined by confidence expert and UPFRONT founder Lauren Currie to explore why so many mothers struggle to recognise their value—and the simple weekly practice that can help rebuild confidence and quieten your inner critic. Lauren explains why confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s a skill that can be strengthened by gathering real evidence of your progress, achievements and abilities. This is known as the “progress principle”: recording the things you’ve done, learned and handled well so that self-doubt can’t simply dismiss them. They also explore why this matters beyond paid work. Motherhood develops valuable skills, but mothers rarely receive recognition or positive feedback for them. By actively noticing how you have grown, from handling a difficult moment more calmly to managing situations that once overwhelmed you, you can begin to change the story you tell yourself about who you are and what you’re capable of. Lauren also shares the simple ten-minute Friday ritual she uses to build confidence, recognise her progress and quieten the feeling that nothing she achieves is ever quite enough. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Moment Why mothers often struggle to recognise their own skills and value How the progress principle can help build confidence and self-esteem Why recording evidence of your achievements quietens your inner critic How to identify the skills you have developed through motherhood What to do if acknowledging your own strengths feels uncomfortable The simple weekly reflection practice that can make your progress impossible to dismiss Lauren’s three weekly reflection questions: What happened this week? What did I learn? What moves did I make towards my goals? This Moment is for any mother struggling with low confidence, self-doubt, imposter syndrome or returning to work after maternity leave—and anyone who needs a reminder that her skills, knowledge and experience have real value. 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 liked this moment, listen to the full episode:  Work Series: If you're feeling low in confidence, listen to this - with Lauren Currie 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 TikTok Get 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.

    Stop Doubting Yourself: The Simple Habit That Builds Real Confidence.

  8. 27 Aug

    “I’m a Better Mother Because I Work” — From The Woman Who Ran British Vogue Whilst Pregnant

    During 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. What if becoming a mother didn't make you less ambitious, less capable or less valuable at work,  but actually gave you skills that could make you better at your job? This week, we're revisiting one of our most listened-to Motherkind episodes of the year, and it's a conversation I think every working mother needs to hear. I'm joined by Vanessa Kingori, who became the first woman in British Vogue's history to become Publishing Director and found herself navigating pregnancy and new motherhood while leading one of the most powerful media brands in the world. Vanessa shares the extraordinary pressure she felt when she became pregnant in such a senior position, including being told that her pregnancy was exactly why businesses were reluctant to put women into these roles. Rather than hiding it, Vanessa did the opposite: she became deliberately visible and set out to make things easier for the women who would come after her. We talk about why working mothers so often feel they're failing at both work and home, even when they're actually performing brilliantly. Vanessa explains why motherhood can make women better at time management, decision-making, prioritisation and leadership — and why businesses that underestimate mothers are missing some of their greatest talent. We also get practical about the juggle: asking for help, having honest conversations with your partner about the division of labour, building your village and surrounding yourself with people who support the life you're trying to create. And Vanessa shares a powerful reminder for any mother questioning her career, ambition or identity: you don't have to choose one version of yourself. You can be ambitious and deeply present. A leader and a mother. Career-driven and family-focused. As Vanessa puts it, she's a better mother because she works — and a better business leader because she's a mother. This is a conversation about working motherhood, career confidence, ambition, mum guilt and redefining what success looks like after children. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why motherhood can make you better at your job How to navigate career ambition after having children Why working mothers often feel they're failing when they're not How to ask for help and create a more equal division of labour How to build a career and motherhood around what matters to you 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. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy Zoe’s solo - The Problem Isn’t You, It’s Career Advice that Ignores Motherhood Feeling different since becoming a mother? Get clarity on who you’re becoming now and download your FREE Matrescence Cheat Sheet Connect with Zoe: Follow Zoe on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok Get 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.

    “I’m a Better Mother Because I Work” — From The Woman Who Ran British Vogue Whilst Pregnant
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Zoe Blaskey
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    702
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Motherkind
  • Show Website
    Motherkind

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