A Girl Before Mom

Stacey Cardona

Before the kids, before the responsibilities, there was just a girl trying to find her way. In A Girl Before Mom, Stacey Cardona pulls back the curtain on a life defined by resilience. Through stories of toxic love, the isolation of prison, and the hustle of single motherhood, Stacey proves that your past doesn’t define your future. This is a space for honest conversations about family, friends, and the messy process of finding yourself again. If you’ve ever felt lost in the shadows, tune in to find your light.

  1. May 1

    Navigating the Shift

    Change is supposed to be good, right? Not always. Today I’m discussing the depression I’ve been navigating for the last fortnight and the moment I realized—with a little help from a friend—that my current "life transitions" are the culprit. It’s an honest, unscripted look at mental health, triggers, and the power of having people who see what you can’t.

    14 min

  2. Apr 17

    What I Wish I Knew: My First Pregnancy Story

    Twenty-seven years ago today, my life changed in the best way possible. 👣 In honor of my son’s 27th birthday, I’m taking a trip down memory lane in the upcoming podcast episode. I’m sharing all the raw, unfiltered stories from my very first pregnancy—the nerves, the excitement, and everything in between.

    26 min

  3. Apr 10

    10 Years of Grace and the Shift to What’s Next

    What does a decade of loyalty look like? As I hit my 10th anniversary at the firm, I’m reflecting on the highs, the lows, and the incredible support that kept me going. From the early days to the present, I’ve been allowed to be a human first and an employee second. With the office closing its doors soon, the search for a new workplace has officially begun. Join me as I discuss how to honor the past while bravely stepping into the unknown.

    16 min

  4. Apr 3

    The Villain In His Version

    Why is it that every time he finds someone new, they find your inbox? In this episode, we are breaking down the X factor drama the lies womanizer tell to keep their past present, the psychological of the “ crazy ex” narrative, and how to stop being the unpaid PR manager for your ex’s mess.

    14 min

  5. Mar 27

    You Are the Prize, Not the Problem

    In this episode, we are pulling the rug out from under one of the oldest lies in the book: the claim that having children makes you "unmarketable" or "less than" in the dating world. This isn't just a mean comment; it’s a calculated tactic used to shake your confidence and keep you tethered to a situation that no longer serves you.

    14 min

  6. Mar 20

    Gaslighting 101: Defining the Experience and Reclaiming Your Truth

    In this milestone 50th episode, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood forms of emotional manipulation: gaslighting. What does it actually mean to be gaslit? We dive into the red flags, the psychological impact of having your reality questioned, and personal stories of navigating the fog. Whether you’re currently in it or looking back in hindsight, this episode is about validating your experience and learning how to trust your own mind again.

    15 min

  7. Mar 20

    Letting Go: The Aftermath

    The conversation continues. In part two of our series on friendship, we dive into the silence that follows a goodbye. How do you heal when there is no "closure" from the other person? We’re talking about emotional resilience, setting new boundaries, and the quiet peace found in choosing yourself.

    17 min

  8. Mar 20

    Swipe Smarter, Not Harder

    We’ve been through the trenches so you don’t have to. In this episode, we’re sharing the hard-won lessons we’ve gathered from years of online dating. We discuss our personal "red flag" dealbreakers, how to spot a catfish from a mile away, and why we’re finally (maybe) ready to delete the apps for good. It’s a survival guide for the modern romantic.

    16 min
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About

Before the kids, before the responsibilities, there was just a girl trying to find her way. In A Girl Before Mom, Stacey Cardona pulls back the curtain on a life defined by resilience. Through stories of toxic love, the isolation of prison, and the hustle of single motherhood, Stacey proves that your past doesn’t define your future. This is a space for honest conversations about family, friends, and the messy process of finding yourself again. If you’ve ever felt lost in the shadows, tune in to find your light.

Information

  • Creator
    Stacey Cardona
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stacey Cardona
  • Show Website
    A Girl Before Mom