Myth of Motherhood

Alissa Alter
  • 4.8 (20)
  • PARENTING

A podcast by, for, and about moms and those who love them. This is a show devoted to calling out the idealism and perfection that our society places on mothers, while also discussing the often taboo topics that come with transitioning into motherhood. It's time for us to stop beating around the bush or hiding our struggles so that we can be seen, heard, and way less alone. There's no one right way to be a mother, there is only YOUR right way. Join me, Alissa Alter | women's health expert & motherhood advocate to share our stories, let go of mythical expectations, and write our own rules. Also-- can we all agree that showering, going to the bathroom, and being by yourself are NOT luxuries, but basic needs for us to not only survive, but thrive? I think it's time.

  1. 09/15/2025

    You Are the Power: Protecting Your Energy Like a Luxury Item

    Shout out to my fellow type A, high-achieving woman who feels like you have to say yes to everything. This is your permission slip to reclaim your time, energy, and personal power without guilt. Join me, Alissa Alter, pelvic health expert and powerhouse coach for high-achieving women, as I share a  personal story about growing up as an indoor kid and riding bikes, protecting my energy while my son transitions to kindergarten, and how these moments taught me a powerful truth: You don't just HAVE power...you ARE the power. We'll dive into: Treating your energy like the luxury item it is Why saying "no" is a radical act of self-leadership How to stop outsourcing your power and start insourcing it A mindset shift that will help you grow, lead, and show up for yourself first If you're running on empty, overcommitted, or feel disconnected from your own needs, this episode will inspire you to create boundaries, find joy, and own your full strength. If you want real growth, no BS advice, and expert guidance to create lasting change visit my website www.alissaalter.com and join my email list ASAP. Now hit play, reclaim your energy, and step into your power—because you're worth it.

    18 min

  2. 09/01/2025

    Stop Googling Your Body: How High Achievers Can Finally Trust Their Inner Wisdom

    Are you tired of the internet telling you what you should or shouldn't do with your body? From "women over 40 shouldn't run" to "HIIT is bad for your hormones," the noise is endless. In this episode, I share why it's time to ignore the internet and start listening to the only expert who actually lives in your body: you. You'll learn: ✅ Why outsourcing your power keeps you stuck in burnout ✅ 3 simple practices to tune into your body's wisdom daily ✅ How trusting your inner cues leads to better health, performance, and joy This episode is for high-achieving women, parents, and professionals who feel like they can't afford to fail — but know that true success starts with reconnecting to themselves. Your body is talking. This episode will help you listen. Learn more at www.alissaalter.com

    14 min

  3. 08/18/2025

    Walking the Walk: Why Vulnerability is the Secret to Your Next Level

    High-achieving women are often told to keep it together, never fail, and always perform at the highest level. But what if the very thing you're trying to hide — your humanity — is exactly what will unlock your next level of success? In this episode, I get real about what it means to walk the walk in my own life. From starting piano lessons again after 30+ years (yes, I'm a true beginner!) to sending out queries to literary agents for my book, I'm putting myself in positions where judgment, rejection, and vulnerability are inevitable. And guess what? It feels exhilarating. Because the truth is: you cannot expand, grow, or get what you deeply want without risking vulnerability. If you've ever felt like you can't afford to fail… this episode is for you. I'll share what I'm learning as I embrace beginner's mind and risk rejection — and why you'll never regret betting on yourself. Because vulnerability isn't weakness. Vulnerability is leadership. And it's the key to building the life, career, and relationships you're craving. 👉 Ready to embody this in your own life and leadership? Email me to join the waitlist for my upcoming professional mastermind. 👉 Connect with me on Instagram @alissaalter 👉 If you loved this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review — it helps more women like you walk their own walk.

    17 min

  4. 08/11/2025

    Botox, Beauty Standards, and the Patriarchy: Your Body, Your Choice

    Let's talk about beauty standards and how they've been designed to keep women busy, distracted, and questioning themselves so we can't spend that time and energy fighting the patriarchy. Here's the thing: you do not need Botox. AND—you get to choose Botox. Or fillers. Or a breast reduction! Or none of it!!! Because the power isn't in whether you do it, the power is in choosing how you invest your most valuable resources: your thoughts, energy, time, and money. In this episode, we'll explore: ✨ How beauty culture hijacks women's attention and resources ✨ The difference between unconscious conformity and intentional choice ✨ Why self-investment (whatever form it takes) can be an act of resistance ✨ How to align your choices with your values and mission—without shame You get to decide what supports you in building a life in alignment with your purpose. You get to be in charge of your body and your resources. And you get to refuse the lie that there's only one right way to show up in this world. Because when you're living in your alignment? You're a whole lot harder to control. 🎧 Listen now, follow/subscribe, share with a friend and reclaim your right to choose—from a place of power, not pressure. If you're picking up what I'm laying down, CLICK HERE to get on my email list!

    24 min

  5. 07/28/2025

    From Diagnosis to Deadlifts: Strength, cancer, and rewriting your body's story with Jean Edelstein

    Alissa is joined by her friend, across the street neighbor, and client Jean Hannah Edelstein. Jean also happens to be an accomplished journalist and author of her new memoir Breasts: A Relatively Short Relationship. Jean shares her candid, funny, and fierce experience navigating life with Lynch Syndrome, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and choosing to undergo both a double mastectomy and hysterectomy. Jean shares how her relationship to her body changed from something to tolerate, to something to train. She also talks about how CrossFit, Pilates, and getting super freaking strong helped her reclaim her body and advocate more confidently in medical settings. Her journey is a testament to resilience, body autonomy, and redefining what strength truly means. In This Episode, We Talk About: Lynch Syndrome and Jean's predisposition for different forms of cancer shaped her medical decisions What it's really like to navigate advocating for your body in work and medical settings Her path to self-described "CrossFit weirdo" and Pilates enthusiast How physical strength changed her approach to medical appointments and self-advocacy Why she no longer sees her body as just a "vehicle for her mind" About Jean Hannah Edelstein: Jean is a journalist and author whose work has appeared in The Guardian, The New York Times, The Cut, and more. Her latest book, Breasts: A Relatively Short Relationship, is a memoir that examines womanhood, illness, identity, and the cultural weight of having (or not having) breasts.  She is also Alissa's across the street neighbor! Follow Jean: 📖 Buy the book 📸 Instagram: @jeanhannahedelstein 🌐 Website: www.jeanhannahedelstein.com Connect with Alissa: Website: www.alissaalter.com Instagram: @alissaalter YouTube: Strategic Training with Alissa Alter Listen & Subscribe: If you love this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other people find the show — and lets us keep bringing you honest conversations like this one.

    51 min

  6. 07/14/2025

    Strategies For Boundaries and Saying No aka Oops I Did It Again

    In a world that constantly demands more of us, setting boundaries can feel like a radical act of self-care. Alissa shares her journey of learning to respect her own limits, a lesson hard-won over years of experience. Alissa reflects on her past, where saying "yes" to every client led to burnout. "I've done this dance before," she admits, recognizing the cycle of overworking and resentment. But this time, she's doing it differently, starting with a waiting list instead of overextending herself. Respecting her own boundaries has allowed Alissa to show up fully in all areas of her life. "I have the space that I need to be my full self," she says, emphasizing how boundaries teach others to respect them too. Saying no to more work might seem counterintuitive, especially in a service industry. Yet, Alissa highlights the importance of aligning work with personal values and goals, ensuring that her energy and passion remain intact. Setting boundaries isn't just about saying no; it's about creating space for growth and clarity. As Alissa puts it, "We don't do ourselves dirty like that anymore." Embrace the power of boundaries and watch your life transform. Subscribe now! And share this episode with a friend! As always, I've got your back. I've got your front. And I've got your undercarriage. Learn more and download your free workout at www.alissaalter.com

    25 min

  7. 03/03/2025

    Want to get strong AF? Here's the ONE thing you need to know!

    How you do one thing is how you do everything, right? Right.  As much as current media (social and otherwise) speaks in flashy absolutes like the title of this episode, real life health and strength is more nuanced.  Or as I like to say…it's interdisciplinary. In this episode… Your partner is NOT the only person you need It takes a village to raise a child, support YOU, and nurture YOUR body While Pilates isn't the only workout you need, it is the workout that will make everything else easier, more accessible, and more successful Why I created a strength training program for my client CLICK HERE to download your FREE Where Is Your Vagina Pointing workout! Follow along on IG @alissaalter As always I've got your back, I've got your front, and I've got your undercarriage.

    18 min

  8. 02/17/2025

    Yoga and strength training with Trisha Durham

    There is so much that movement and fitness culture gets right and wrong about women and how things evolve when you're over 40. No matter what or how you move your body, someone is going to say you're doing it wrong. In this episode… Breaking free from the confines of classical training (dance and yoga) How your yoga practice can inform lifting weights Yoga doesn't mean asana, you can apply your practice to other things! Rigidity doesn't equal strength CLICK HERE to download your FREE Where Is Your Vagina Pointing workout! Trisha is a movement coach, yoga teacher, and author who helps people move more comfortably, kindly, and competently. Specializing in 1:1 training, she focuses on creating accessible, personalized movement experiences that encourage people to get back to doing what they love, without rigid rules—just options that feel good and make sense for their bodies. Trisha also works with empowering yoga teachers to lead with authenticity, courage, and skill. She created the CHART Movement Mastery workbook to help teachers expand their expertise, and her tiny book, Movement Snacks, offers simple, accessible ways to integrate meaningful movement into everyday life. Learn more at www.trisha.yoga and on IG @trisha_moves Follow along on IG @alissaalter As always I've got your back, I've got your front, and I've got your undercarriage.

    55 min
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

A podcast by, for, and about moms and those who love them. This is a show devoted to calling out the idealism and perfection that our society places on mothers, while also discussing the often taboo topics that come with transitioning into motherhood. It's time for us to stop beating around the bush or hiding our struggles so that we can be seen, heard, and way less alone. There's no one right way to be a mother, there is only YOUR right way. Join me, Alissa Alter | women's health expert & motherhood advocate to share our stories, let go of mythical expectations, and write our own rules. Also-- can we all agree that showering, going to the bathroom, and being by yourself are NOT luxuries, but basic needs for us to not only survive, but thrive? I think it's time.

Information

  • Creator
    Alissa Alter
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Pilates For Your Privates 2021
  • Show Website
    Myth of Motherhood