The Mothering Project

Christina Byrne
  • 0.0 (0)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Mothering Project is for women, carers, and empathetic leaders navigating work, care, and identity — and wondering when exactly the mental load gets its own day off. Honest conversations about motherhood, leadership, and holding it all together (mostly) 

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    Core Values, Coaching and the Seasons of Womanhood

    Before you read the show notes, I wanted to say a HAPPY St Patricks Day to all!  In this thoughtful and honest conversation, I sit with Julie Parker — founder of Beautiful You Coaching Academy — to explore the many transitions women navigate across motherhood, work, identity, and wellbeing. Julie shares her own journey from social work into life coaching, reflecting on what led her to build a successful coaching academy and the values that have shaped both her business and life along the way. Together, we discuss the realities of balancing motherhood with ambition, the often-overlooked intersection of menopause and modern womanhood, and why support systems matter so deeply when women are building something meaningful. This episode also explores the power of coaching as a space for accountability, reflection, and growth — particularly during seasons of change — and the importance of understanding your core values when making decisions about work, family, and the life you want to create. A grounded and generous conversation about growth, freedom, and the reminder that you do not have to do it alone. In this episode: Julie’s path from social work into coachingBuilding a coaching business through trust and relationshipsMotherhood, menopause, and identity shiftsWhy core values matter in life and businessDaily wellbeing and personal ritualsSupport, partnership, and sustainable ambitionA few standout moments: ✨ “It’s all about relationship building.”  ✨ “Find out your core life values.”  ✨ “You don’t have to do it alone.” Beautiful You - Instagram  Website: Home - Beautiful You Coaching Academy  Linked in - Julie - Julie Parker | LinkedIn   Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection  02:53 Navigating Womanhood:  Menopause and Motherhood 06:06  The Journey to Life Coaching 08:57 Building a Coaching Academy 11:54  The Evolution of Coaching and Client Relationships 14:56 The Importance of Authenticity in Coaching 17:48 Finding Balance and Freedom in Life 20:55  Self-Care Practices and Wellbeing 28:26  Morning Rituals and Spiritual Practices 33:58  Balancing Motherhood and Business 40:01  The Importance of Support Systems 43:36 Chasing Dreams and Core Values

    42 min

  2. MAR 9

    Learning to Stay Calm in the Chaos: Sorcha Hunter on Resilience in Business

    In this episode, I sit down with Sorcha Hunter, founder of Hunter Labour Hire, a successful business operating in the construction and labour hire industry — a space traditionally dominated by men. Sorcha shares the real, behind-the-scenes experience of building and running a business in a demanding industry. From managing staff and navigating client expectations to handling the inevitable curveballs that come with business, she speaks openly about the moments that once caused stress and overwhelm. As a female founder in a male-dominated field, Sorcha has worked hard to establish credibility, stay ahead of industry demands, and continually adapt. We talk about the practical things she has done to keep up — developing strong problem-solving skills, learning to stay calm under pressure, and building strong relationships in her industry. Alongside running Hunter Labour Hire, Sorcha is also the founder of SOS Mentors, a mentoring initiative that supports start-ups and emerging business owners by sharing practical knowledge and guidance drawn from her own business journey. Sorcha is also a mother, navigating the unpredictability that comes with raising a family while running a company. That experience brings a different kind of perspective to leadership — one grounded in patience, adaptability, and resilience. A big part of Sorcha’s ability to stay steady is how she looks after herself. She shares how prioritising self-care through yoga and  gym training helps her regulate stress, maintain energy, and stay clear-headed when challenges arise. Over time, the moments that once caused “freak-outs” have become opportunities to pause, learn, and respond with calm and confidence. This conversation explores how resilience is built — not through perfection, but through experience, self-awareness, and the willingness to keep showing up. About Sorcha Sorcha Hunter is the founder of Hunter Labour Hire, a thriving labour hire business operating within the construction industry. As a female founder in a male-dominated sector, Sorcha has built a reputation for strong leadership, practical problem solving, and resilience in the face of business challenges. She is also the founder of SOS Mentors, where she supports start-ups and early-stage business owners through mentoring and guidance based on real-world experience. Alongside her business ventures, Sorcha is a mother and prioritises self-care through practices such as yoga and regular gym training, helping her maintain balance, perspective, and resilience in both business and life. What We Talk About • Building a business in a male-dominated industry  • Managing staff and team dynamics  • Navigating client challenges and setbacks  • Balancing motherhood and leadership  • The mindset needed to stay calm in business  • Supporting new entrepreneurs through SOS Mentors • The role of self-care, yoga, and fitness in sustaining resilience You can find Sorcha    HLH- Instagram   SOS Mentors - Instagram Linked in : Sorcha Hunter | LinkedIn ; HLH Group | Hunter Labour Hire: Posts | LinkedIn Website : Labour Hire & Construction Recruitment Agency Sydney

    39 min

  3. MAR 9

    The FEAR (of being visible)

    In this episode I explore something that sits quietly underneath so many of the things we want to do in life — the fear of being seen. It’s not always the fear of failure that stops us. Often it’s the fear of judgement. The moment we put an idea, a project or our voice out into the world and wonder what people might think. I share some reflections on what this has looked like for me while starting this podcast — the internal conversations, the courage it takes to press publish, and why visibility can feel so uncomfortable. My whole career has been centred around people — understanding the human side of leadership, work and life — and this podcast is really an extension of that curiosity. This episode is an honest conversation about visibility, authenticity, and what it takes to move forward even when the fear is still there. Keywords fear of being seen, visibility, podcasting, authenticity, personal growth, courage, overcoming fear, self-expression, leadership, motherhood, becoming Key Topics • The fear of being seen and judged  • Why visibility can feel uncomfortable  • What actually goes into starting a podcast  • Pressing publish and embracing vulnerability  • Authenticity and the human side of growth  • Practical ways to move through visibility fears Takeaways • The fear of being seen is often about vulnerability rather than failure.  • Starting something visible requires courage.  • Remembering your deeper purpose can help you move through self-doubt.  • Not everyone will understand what you're building — and that’s OK.  • Taking small steps builds confidence over time.  • Pressing “publish” is often the hardest step, but it’s also where growth begins. Chapters 00:00 Introduction — The quiet fear of visibility  00:40 Why being seen can feel uncomfortable  01:55 A moment where I felt that fear  03:20 Why I started this podcast  06:20 What it really takes to start a podcast  08:40 The courage it takes to press publish  10:10 What I’ve loved about creating the podcast  12:10 How I move through the fear of being seen  15:20 Becoming comfortable with visibility  16:45 Final reflection My Website - Home | The Human Project Instagram : (1) Instagram

    14 min
  4. From Failures to Flexibility: Tara Nguyen’s Entrepreneurial Journey

    MAR 2

    From Failures to Flexibility: Tara Nguyen’s Entrepreneurial Journey

    In this conversation, Tara and I explore the tension so many ambitious mothers feel — wanting to build something meaningful, while also wanting to be present. We talk about failed starts, redefining success, building flexibility on purpose, and the emotional reality of growing a business alongside a family. Tara shares how she’s learned to prioritise self-care, lean into support networks, and build boundaries without apology. This episode is really about becoming — who you’re becoming as a leader, a mother, and a woman — and how to do that without burning yourself out.  Key Topics The journey from failed careers to business ownershipWhy support networks and mentorship matterWork-life integration vs. work-life balanceLeadership as a motherSelf-care as a non-negotiableThe future vision for Kindred and community impact Key Frameworks Discussed The Power of Support NetworksWork-Life Integration StrategiesSelf-Care as Leadership PracticeAction Takeaways Take time to consciously envision your career and life before making major changes.Build boundaries early — and don’t apologise for them.Start small with self-care. It doesn’t have to be grand to be powerful.Seek mentorship and community — success is rarely solo.Where you can find Tara!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarakindredppl/Instagram

    38 min

  5. FEB 23

    You’re Not Burnt Out. You’re Overriding Yourself.

    Christina explores burnout through a more nuanced lens — not as dramatic collapse, but as quiet self-abandonment. She unpacks how identity tied to capability, over-functioning, and subtle internal misalignment erode self-trust over time. Through personal reflection on motherhood, ambition, and her quiet shift into self-employment, Christina reframes boundaries as an act of self-respect rather than selfishness — and invites listeners to examine where they may be overriding themselves. This episode challenges high-functioning women to reconsider what they’re calling burnout — and whether it’s actually boundary erosion. burnout, boundaries, self-trust, identity, motherhood, over functioning, high-achieving women, guilt, self-abandonment, work-life alignment, emotional resilience Instagram  https://www.christina-byrne.com/ Key Topics Burnout as moral and identity friction — not just exhaustionThe link between capability identity and overcommitmentMotherhood guilt and endlessly available patternsBoundary erosion as a slow loss of self-trustWhy changing environments doesn’t fix internal misalignmentUntangling worth from performancTakeaways Burnout isn’t always collapse — it’s often quiet resentment and internal misalignment.High-functioning women override themselves in socially acceptable ways.Identity tied to being “capable” can drive chronic overcommitment.Guilt is often the discomfort of holding a boundary — not proof you’re wrong.Endlessly available is not the same as emotionally attuned.Every time you override your own “no,” you weaken self-trust.Real change begins when you stop negotiating with yourself.

    12 min

  6. FEB 16

    Embracing Your Power: The Journey of a Sacred Entrepreneur & Mama in Transition

    **** This conversation was recorded before Fionnuala’s little bub arrived — in that tender, anticipatory season before motherhood expands again. It’s a beautiful listen knowing what was on the horizon, and we’ll be recording a Part 2 to reflect on the lived reality once she’s in it.**** What happens when you stop ignoring the inner nudge and finally trust it? In this episode, I sit down with Fionnuala to explore the real edges of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and identity. This is an honest conversation about pivoting from corporate life, building a soulful business, and learning to honour your energy through changing seasons. No hustle narrative. No perfection. Just truth. In This Episode We Explore: Trusting your intuition when logic feels louderBuilding boundaries that protect your energy and prevent burnoutStructuring your business around seasons — including pregnancy and maternity leaveReleasing guilt around rest and self-investmentWhy mentorship and community are essential, not optionalThe role of shadow work and mindset in sustainable growthMoving from grind to grace in business and lifeThe power of retreats and in-person connectionEntrepreneurship isn’t just strategy.  It’s nervous system work.  It’s identity work.  It’s season work. If you’re a mum navigating transition — or a woman feeling the pull toward something new — this conversation will meet you there. Timestamps  00:00 – Listening to the inner voice  02:04 – Fionnuala’s journey into entrepreneurship  05:15 – Trusting purpose over traditional work  08:14 – Boundaries and avoiding burnout  12:29 – The importance of mentorship and community  17:55 – Growth through entrepreneurship  20:42 – Shadow work and mindset shifts  23:11 – Advice for aspiring mama entrepreneurs  27:50 – Preparing your business for maternity leave  31:10 – Retreats, community, and future plans in Ireland  37:11 – Transitioning out of corporate  41:22 – Embracing seasons and staying grounded  47:24 – Closing reflections You can find Fionnuala - Instagram , Instagram

    40 min

  7. FEB 16

    When Your Brain Never Switches Off

    In this episode of The Mothering Project, I talk about the mental load — the unseen, ongoing thinking that keeps homes, families, and workplaces running. Not just the tasks. But the anticipation. The remembering. The emotional temperature-checking.The part that rarely gets acknowledged. I share some of my own experiences — from early motherhood to returning to work — and explore why this kind of invisible responsibility is so exhausting. We look at how easily it becomes internalised as “I should be coping better,” when in reality, it’s sustained responsibility without relief. This conversation also touches on the cultural layer — why mental load disproportionately sits with women, and why naming it matters. Nothing here needs fixing.  But it might help to hear it said out loud. • Mental load isn’t just tasks — it’s anticipation and emotional management.  • It’s not about who does more, but who carries the thinking.  • When your brain is always scanning, it never truly rests.  • Exhaustion doesn’t mean weakness — it often means responsibility without relief.  • Irritability and numbness can be signals, not personality flaws.  • Naming what you’re carrying reduces shame.  • You don’t need to optimise harder — you need your inner world taken seriously.  • Making the invisible visible can shift relationships and self-blame.  • This isn’t just personal — there are structural and cultural layers at play.  • Noticing what you carry is the first small act of change.

    11 min

  8. FEB 15

    The Tug of Motherhood and Work: A Personal Revelation

    Returning to work after maternity leave isn’t just a logistical shift — it’s an identity one. In this episode, I talk about going back four days a week and living with the constant tug between wanting to be present at home and wanting to stay credible, committed, and capable at work. The guilt.  The internal negotiations.  The pressure not to be the first to leave.  The quiet grief for the version of yourself who could stay late without thinking twice. This isn’t an episode about “finding balance.”  It’s about naming the tension — and recognising that the tug you feel isn’t weakness. It’s information. If you’ve ever felt stretched between career and motherhood, grateful but unsettled, ambitious but aching — you’re not alone in that. Nothing here needs solving.  But it might help to hear it said out loud. In this episode, I explore: What returning to work actually feels like (not the Instagram version)The myth of “balance” and the reality of compressionThe inner dialogue of choosing between your child and your careerWhy not wanting to leave first says more about culture than commitmentHow guilt and exhaustion can be signals, not failuresThe small, steady steps I took toward doing work differentlyWhy this tension isn’t just personal — it’s structural

    7 min

  9. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    The Beginning - And what this podcast is all about.

    The place where it all started, the ideas and the questioning

    2 min

Trailer

About

The Mothering Project is for women, carers, and empathetic leaders navigating work, care, and identity — and wondering when exactly the mental load gets its own day off. Honest conversations about motherhood, leadership, and holding it all together (mostly) 

Information

  • Creator
    Christina Byrne
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Mothering Project
  • Show Website
    The Mothering Project

You Might Also Like