The Heart of Parenting

Aimee Byrum

I am on a mission. A mission to help create a generation of young women that know who they are and stand strong in their own authenticity. In this podcast my goal is to connect with parents who, like me, know their daughters are beyond capable of incredible things and are looking for ways to remind them who they are. In this podcast you can expect an honest approach. We don't sugarcoat the challenges being faced by our next generation and we address them head on the way they deserve. From insight gained in my teen coaching practice and relying heavily on science-backed research we get right to the heart of what matters the most - helping parents build a solid connection with their daughters so that they can stand back with pride and watch her thrive!

  1. 21. Fremenies, Feelings and Figuring It Out - With Makena

    04/23/2025

    21. Fremenies, Feelings and Figuring It Out - With Makena

    In this episode, I’m joined by 14-year-old Makena—my very first student guest—who’s been part of my teen coaching program for over a year. With her parents’ full permission (and her own strong desire to share), Makena opens up about what coaching has taught her, how it’s helped her through some really tough moments, and the tools she now uses to handle emotions, friendships, and the pressure to have it all figured out. We talk about big feelings, self-worth beyond achievements, frenemies, body image, and confidence—and how learning to stay grounded in the present moment has changed everything for her. This conversation is an honest look at what it means to grow up in today’s world—and how support, curiosity, and a few simple tools can help teens feel more steady, more empowered, and more like themselves. What you’ll hear: How Makena describes coaching in her own wordsThe emotional tools that help her move through tough feelingsHer shift away from perfectionism and pressureLessons she’s learned about healthy friendships and boundariesHow her self-talk and confidence have transformed over timeWhat she’d tell her younger self—and girls going through something hard If you’ve ever wondered what teen coaching is really like, or you’re parenting a daughter who’s struggling quietly—this is the episode to press play on. Connect With Me Here: Aimee's Website Email: hello@inspirehercoaching.com Socials: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Produced by InspireHer Coaching.

    37 min
  2. 20. What No One Tells You About Career Success (But Should) with Author and Leadership Expert Tia Smith

    04/16/2025

    20. What No One Tells You About Career Success (But Should) with Author and Leadership Expert Tia Smith

    In this episode, we’re joined by workplace culture expert and Forbes HR Council contributor Tia Smith, author of the powerful new book, 10 Brutal Career Truths Every College Student Should Know. Drawing from 25+ years in HR and leadership, Tia breaks down the unspoken realities of the professional world that most young adults aren’t taught in school. Her book is a no-fluff, practical roadmap for navigating early career decisions with confidence, clarity, and resilience. From the myth of work-life balance to why emotional intelligence will take you further than GPA, Tia shares hard-earned wisdom on what it really takes to succeed—not just land a job. Whether you're a student, a recent grad, or a parent trying to prepare your teen, this conversation is full of actionable advice you won't find in a college syllabus. Here’s a sneak peek at the 10 brutal truths Tia unpacks in the book—each one rooted in real-world experience and designed to help young professionals avoid common missteps and gain a competitive edge: Relationship Building is Often More Influential Than Performance→ Talent matters, but who you know—and how you show up in those relationships—can open more doors than skills alone.Feedback is More Valuable Than Praise→ Compliments feel good, but it's honest feedback that drives real growth and career development.Balance is Harder as You Climb Higher→ The more responsibility you take on, the more intentional you’ll need to be about protecting your time and energy.Visibility is as Important as Ability→ Quiet excellence isn’t always enough; being seen and heard matters just as much as being capable.Your Soft Skills Often Outweigh Your Hard Skills→ Communication, empathy, and collaboration are long-term differentiators in a world full of smart people.Culture Fit Can Trump Competence→ Even top performers can struggle if their values don’t align with their organization’s culture.The Risk of Burnout is Real and Ever-Present→ Success shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being. Burnout is common—but preventable.Adaptability is More Critical Than Expertise→ Being coachable and open to learning will outpace deep-but-rigid knowledge every time.Promotions Don’t Always Lead to Happiness→ Bigger roles and titles don’t guarantee fulfillment. Know what success really means to you.Mentorship is a Two-Way Street→ The best career relationships are reciprocal, and both sides grow when mentorship is approached with intention. Interested in purchasing a copy of the book? Click here for Tia's Stan Store! Tia's LinkedIn Connect With Me Here: Aimee's Website Email: hello@inspirehercoaching.com Socials: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok

    48 min
  3. 19. Momancholy: The Quiet Grief of Letting Go

    04/09/2025

    19. Momancholy: The Quiet Grief of Letting Go

    What is momancholy? It’s a term I’ve coined to describe the soft, quiet grief that creeps in when our kids start growing up—and growing away. It’s the bittersweet ache that comes when the house is quieter, the laundry pile is smaller, and the moments of chaos you once couldn’t wait to be done with… are suddenly missed. In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about my oldest son moving out, and the emotional tug-of-war between pride and heartbreak that came with it. Together, we’ll talk about what it means to let go of who our kids used to be while holding space for who they’re becoming—and how we, as moms, evolve right alongside them. If you’ve ever found yourself tearing up over an old Lego in the couch or missing bedtime stories more than you expected, this one’s for you. What you’ll hear in this episode: • What sparked my latest wave of momancholy • Why grief and gratitude can (and should) coexist • How identity shifts when motherhood starts to change • Rituals and reframes that helped me through the ache • Why honoring this grief matters—for you and for your kids The Heart of Parenting is for you if: • You’re a mom navigating the emotional rollercoaster of parenting tweens, teens, or young adults • You’re longing for real conversations that hold space for your heart • You want to learn how to grow with your child, not just raise them You are not alone in missing what was while loving what is. And this feeling? It’s sacred. It’s love, just changing shape. If this episode spoke to you: Please leave a review, share it with a fellow mom, or send me a message. I’d love to hear your momancholy story. Connect With Me Here: Aimee's Website Email: hello@inspirehercoaching.com Socials: Facebook Instagram Tik Tok

    13 min
  4. 18. Why Overprotecting Feels Loving ... But Isn't

    04/02/2025

    18. Why Overprotecting Feels Loving ... But Isn't

    Many parents unknowingly hold their kids back by overprotecting them, thinking they’re showing love. But when we step in too much, we send an unintended message: You can’t handle this on your own. This episode explores how to shift from protecting to empowering so our kids grow into confident, capable adults. This episode offers a relatable, non-judgmental look at overprotective parenting—something most of us do without realizing it. Through personal stories, practical strategies, and Dr. Lisa Damour’s powerful swimming pool analogy, you’ll learn how to step back in a way that builds self-worth instead of fear. If you want to raise independent, confident kids but struggle to let go, or if you grew up with overprotective parents and are trying to break the cycle, this episode is for you. In this episode, we’ll talk about the hidden messages overprotective parenting sends, how our well-meaning “help” can actually create self-doubt, and practical ways to shift from protecting to empowering. You’ll also hear why struggle is necessary for building confidence and how Dr. Lisa Damour’s swimming pool analogy can change the way you think about parenting. If this episode resonated, share it with a fellow parent who might need to hear it! Have a story or thought to share? Message me! Connect With Me Here: Aimee's Website Email: hello@inspirehercoaching.com Socials: Facebook Instagram NEWLY on Tik Tok

    12 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

I am on a mission. A mission to help create a generation of young women that know who they are and stand strong in their own authenticity. In this podcast my goal is to connect with parents who, like me, know their daughters are beyond capable of incredible things and are looking for ways to remind them who they are. In this podcast you can expect an honest approach. We don't sugarcoat the challenges being faced by our next generation and we address them head on the way they deserve. From insight gained in my teen coaching practice and relying heavily on science-backed research we get right to the heart of what matters the most - helping parents build a solid connection with their daughters so that they can stand back with pride and watch her thrive!