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. 22h ago

    No One Was Coming to Save Me: Leanne Hutchinson's Single Mom Rebuilding Story

    Send us Fan Mail A breakup—especially after an abusive relationship—can feel like the end of everything. But what if it could also become the beginning of a stronger, more authentic life? In this episode of The Mommy Pod, Shanta’ speaks with Leanne Hutchinson, founder of Life After +1, single-parent coach, podcast host, and survivor based in Australia. Leanne shares how she walked away from a domestic-violence relationship with nothing and began rebuilding while raising her daughter, dealing with a difficult co-parent, losing friendships, and struggling financially. She opens up about the loneliness of starting again, accepting that no one was coming to rescue her, and learning to change her life one step at a time. Together, Shanta’ and Leanne discuss co-parenting, dating after a harmful relationship, establishing healthy boundaries, rebuilding confidence, and rediscovering who you are beyond your breakup. This conversation is a reminder that you do not need to have everything figured out. Your breakup did not ruin your life, and it does not have to be the end of your story. Follow Leanne and discover more from Life After +1 on Instagram: @lifeafterplusone. This episode includes discussion of domestic violence and emotional abuse. If you or your children are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Coaching and podcast conversations are not substitutes for individualized legal, medical, or mental-health care. Support the show @themommypod

  2. Sep 7

    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

  3. Aug 21

    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

  4. Aug 17

    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

  5. Aug 10

    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

  6. Aug 8

    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

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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.