That Mom

That Mom
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Self-Improvement

That Mom is the podcast for mothers who are done living on autopilot. If you’ve ever looked at your life and thought, “I love my kids… but this can’t be all there is,” you’re in the right place. This isn’t another space telling you how to be a better mom. It’s a space that helps you live a better life. Here, we talk honestly about what motherhood actually feels like—the joy, the overwhelm, the identity shifts, the invisible load—and how to build a life that feels more intentional, more aligned, and more like you again. You’ll hear real conversations with experts, thinkers, and mothers who are reimagining what it means to thrive—not by doing more, but by choosing differently. We explore practical tools, mindset shifts, and honest stories that help you reconnect with yourself in the middle of everyday life. Because motherhood shouldn’t mean disappearing. It should mean expanding into a life that feels full of meaning, joy, and honesty. If you’re ready to stop living by “shoulds” and start building a life you actually want to wake up to—hit subscribe and come be part of this with us.

  1. 1d ago

    Mom Guilt Isn't a You Problem. It's a Culture Problem.

    The Myths of Motherhood: Why "Good Mother" Has Never Meant One Thing ft. Dr. Shari Thurer What if everything you think you know about what makes a "good mother" isn't instinct, isn't biology — it's just the story our culture happens to be telling right now? In this episode of That Mom, I talk with Dr. Shari Thurer, a psychoanalytically trained psychologist and author of The Myths of Motherhood: How Culture Reinvents the Good Mother. Dr. Thurer wrote the book nearly three decades ago, driven by her own fear (common among working mothers of her generation) that having a career might somehow damage her daughter. That fear sent her on a deep historical and cross-cultural dive — and what she found was that the definition of a "good mother" has never been fixed. It's changed dramatically across history and across cultures, which means the standard we're measuring ourselves against today isn't truth. It's a moment-in-time, culturally constructed myth. We talk about where mom guilt actually comes from (hint: an impossible ideal, not a personal failing), whether maternal instinct is even real, and the relief that comes from understanding that "good enough" — a term coined by psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott — really is good enough. What We Cover: Why Dr. Turner started researching motherhood: her own fear that working would harm her daughterThe history of "good mother" standards — and how dramatically they've shifted over timeThe frightening psychological theories of the past (like the "schizophrenogenic mother")Whether maternal instinct is biological or culturally learnedWhere mom guilt actually originates: an impossible, unattainable ideal About the Guest: Dr. Shari Thurer is a psychoanalytically trained psychologist based in Boston and the author of The Myths of Motherhood: How Culture Reinvents the Good Mother. She has practiced psychotherapy for decades and continues to see patients in Boston today. Links + Resources: The Myths of Motherhood by Dr. Shari Thurer — available wherever books are sold and amazonFollow ThatMom: InstagramJoin the ThatMom Community: EMAILLearn more: That Mom Website Maria's Style Pick: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

    18 min

  2. 6d ago

    Why Moms Are Wired to Worry More (Pt. 2 with Dr. Risa Weisberg)

    Anxiety, Identity, and Becoming Who You Actually Want to Be (Part 2) ft. Dr. Risa Weisberg In Part 2 of my conversation with behavioral scientist Dr. Risa Weisberg, we shift from goals and motivation into something almost every mom feels but rarely understands: anxiety. Risa breaks down why anxiety isn't a flaw to eliminate but an alarm system that's actually doing its job — and why motherhood itself rewires the brain to make that alarm louder. We also dig into identity: why it feels so unsettled in motherhood, how much of who we think we are was actually decided for us in childhood through social comparison, and how — encouragingly — identity isn't fixed. You can change it through your behavior, not just the other way around. Risa shares her own experience traveling for work while raising two daughters, the fear of the story her kids might tell about her absence, and what she learned instead. We close with her advice for busy moms: pick what you really care about, and let the rest go. What We Cover: Why anxiety exists and why eliminating it isn't actually the goalThe biology of fight-or-flight, and why it feels so wrong for modern, non-physical stressWhy moms are biologically wired to be the more anxious parent — and why that's not a flawWhat "identity" really is, and how much of it was set in early childhoodHow identity can change through behavior, not just dictate itRisa's own story: traveling for work, the fear of her kids' story about her, and what actually happenedRisa's current work, including her new project, Future Self AI About the Guest: Dr. Risa Weisberg is a psychologist, behavioral scientist, former digital health executive, speaker, and professor at Boston University. Her work focuses on behavior change, motivation, decision-making, and identity. She also coaches women through major life transitions and is a founding team member of Future Self AI. Links + Resources: Connect or Learn more about Dr. Risa WeisbergFollow ThatMom: InstagramJoin the ThatMom Community: EMAILLearn more: That Mom Website Maria's Style Pick: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

    22 min

  3. Jun 22

    Why Smart, Capable Women Can't Stick to Their Goals (Pt. 1)

    What if the secret to becoming the person you want to be isn't trying harder — but getting clearer about what actually matters? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I sit down with behavioral scientist and psychologist Dr. Risa Weisberg to explore why even the most capable, high-achieving women struggle to follow through on the goals that matter most to them. Risa has spent decades studying how people actually change their behavior — as a psychologist, former digital health executive, and professor. Together, we unpack the hidden reasons so many moms feel stuck, overwhelmed, and pulled in a hundred directions, and what actually creates lasting change. From values clarification and motivation to future-self thinking and the surprising role of disappointment, this episode is full of practical, research-backed tools for making decisions that align with who you actually want to become. What We Cover: Why knowing what you want isn't enoughThe difference between your goals and society's expectationsHow to identify what you truly valueWhy high-achieving women struggle to do "just fine"The importance of understanding your deeper motivationThe psychology of your future selfThe surprising connection between motherhood and people-pleasingHow learning to disappoint others can help you stop disappointing yourselfWhy intentional choices reduce guilt and resentmentHow to prioritize what matters in a season of limited time About the Guest: Dr. Risa Weisberg is a psychologist, behavioral scientist, former digital health executive, speaker, and professor at Boston University. Her work focuses on behavior change, motivation, decision-making, and helping people build sustainable habits that align with their values. Links + Resources: Connect or Learn more about Dr. Risa WeisbergFollow ThatMom: InstagramJoin the ThatMom Community: EMAILLearn more: That Mom Website Maria's Style Pick: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

    23 min

  4. Jun 17

    How to Stop Trying to Do It All — And Start Living Better

    What if the goal isn't doing more—but doing what matters most?On this special episode of That Mom, the tables are turned as my friend Marissa interviews me about the story behind the podcast, the lessons motherhood has taught me, and why I believe moms deserve more than validation for how hard things are. We talk about the realities of modern motherhood, the impossible standards many women feel pressured to meet, and why conversations about the mental load are only the beginning. Because once we acknowledge what's hard, the next question becomes: Now what? I share the experiences that shaped my perspective—from becoming a first-time mom and realizing I couldn't "achievement" my way through motherhood, to building a podcast dedicated to helping women create lives that feel more joyful, intentional, and aligned with what matters most. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure how to prioritize yourself alongside everything else you're carrying, this episode is for you. What We Cover:Why I started That MomThe missing piece in today's motherhood conversationsWhat motherhood taught me about control, achievement, and expectationsWhy validation alone isn't enoughThe cultural pressures shaping modern motherhoodWhat ruthless prioritization actually looks like on a Tuesday morningWhy a confident "no" is only possible when you know your real prioritiesThe 5-minute morning practice that keeps me off the hamster wheelHow to identify what matters most in your current seasonWhy you don't actually want to do everythingThe fear of putting yourself out there—and what happened when I didHow small mindset shifts can create more joy and meaning every day Whether you're navigating young kids, building a career, dreaming about something bigger, or simply trying to enjoy your life a little more, this conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and intentionally create a motherhood that feels right for you. About the GuestIn this episode, the guest is me. I'm Maria Woods, host of That Mom, brand marketer, anthropologist-at-heart, legally-trained working mom of two, and someone deeply curious about how we can create lives that feel more meaningful, joyful, and aligned with what matters most. Links + ResourcesFollow ThatMom: InstagramJoin the ThatMom Community: EMAILLearn more: That Mom Website Maria's Style Pick: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

    25 min

  5. Jun 15

    How to Actually Enjoy Your Child's Birthday Party

    What if the stress of planning celebrations has less to do with logistics—and more to do with losing sight of what actually matters?On this episode of That Mom, I sit down with attorney, entrepreneur, and self-described "Party Therapist" Jessica Lerner Halprin, founder of Swanky, a platform designed to simplify event planning and help families celebrate life's meaningful moments. Jessica shares how losing her mother inspired her to build a business centered around connection, celebration, and memory-making. We discuss why so many mothers feel pressure around birthdays and family events, how social media has changed our expectations, and why getting clear on your true intention can completely change the way you plan. Whether you're organizing a birthday party, graduation celebration, holiday gathering, or simply trying to create more joy in everyday life, this conversation offers practical advice for celebrating without the overwhelm. What We Cover:Why celebrations matter more than we realizeThe hidden pressure mothers feel around hostingHow Pinterest and Instagram can derail your plansThe question every parent should ask before planning a partyWhy intention matters more than perfectionHow to stop inviting opinions you don't actually wantPractical advice for working with vendors and negotiating contractsAbout the GuestJessica Lerner Halprin is an attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Swanky, a platform that helps families organize events, preserve planning details, and celebrate life's milestones with less stress and more intention. Links + ResourcesConnect with Jessica on Instagram or LinkedInCheck out SwankyFollow ThatMom: InstagramJoin the ThatMom Community: EMAILLearn more: That Mom Website Maria's Style Pick: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

    48 min

  6. Jun 10

    Your Brain Doesn't Know the Difference Between Reality and Imagination

    What if the way you're thinking is shaping far more of your life than you realize? On this episode of That Mom, I sit down with author and coach Laura Clifton, whose book Prosperous explores the connection between mindset, neuroscience, and personal success. Laura shares how a difficult season during the pandemic sparked a deep dive into neuroplasticity, manifestation, and the science of how our thoughts influence our experiences. What started as personal research eventually became a book, a coaching practice, and a completely new direction for her life. What We Cover: What neuroplasticity actually isWhy negative thoughts gain momentumThe surprising science behind gratitude journalingWhat the Reticular Activating System (RAS) doesWhy your brain looks for evidence of what you focus onThe power of visualizationWhy waiting until you're ready keeps so many women stuckThe concept of making a "messy start"How fear, overwhelm, and self-doubt are often your brain trying to protect you Whether you're building something new, navigating motherhood, or simply trying to feel more grounded in your daily life, this conversation offers practical tools for creating more intention, resilience, and possibility. About the Guest:Laura Clifton is the author of Prosperous and works with individuals through coaching and personal development programs focused on mindset and personal transformation. Links + Resources: Connect with Laura on InstagramLaura's Free PDF Book, Programs & MoreFollow ThatMom: InstagramJoin the ThatMom Community: EMAILLearn more: That Mom Website Maria's Style Pick: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

    53 min

  7. Jun 8

    The Self-Care Mistake That's Leaving Moms Burned Out

    If you've ever felt like you're constantly taking care of everyone else while quietly running on empty yourself—this conversation is for you. Not because you're doing motherhood wrong. Not because you need to try harder. But because somewhere along the way, many mothers learn to ignore their own needs while becoming experts at caring for everyone else's. In this episode, therapist, yoga teacher, and wellness expert Jessica Spaman shares a radically different definition of self-care—one that has nothing to do with spa days and everything to do with learning to listen to yourself again. Together, we explore why so many mothers feel overwhelmed, disconnected, and burned out, how perfectionism and people-pleasing show up in motherhood, and why understanding your emotions may be one of the most important gifts you can give both yourself and your children. This conversation isn't about adding another thing to your to-do list. It's about slowing down long enough to ask what you need, what you want, and how you can create a life that feels more aligned with who you are. What We Cover:• Why many mothers are experiencing a loneliness epidemic • How busyness keeps us disconnected from ourselves • The surprising link between perfectionism and shame • Why people-pleasing often begins long before motherhood • Jessica's powerful redefinition of self-care • The three questions every mom should ask herself daily • Why emotions live in the body—not just the mind • How to model healthy self-care for your children • Why prioritizing yourself isn't selfish—it's essential About the Guest:Jessica Spaman is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, therapist, yoga teacher, personal trainer, and founder of Emotions in Motion Wellness. Through therapy, retreats, workshops, and community programming, she helps women reconnect with themselves, prioritize their well-being, and build lives rooted in greater alignment, connection, and self-compassion. Links + Resources:Connect with Jessica on InstagramVisit Emotions in Motion WellnessFollow ThatMom: InstagramJoin the ThatMom Community: EMAILLearn more: That Mom WebsiteMaria's Style Pick:One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off If this episode resonated, share it with a mom who has been carrying too much for too long. And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

    39 min

  8. Jun 3

    Living on Autopilot? How to Find More Joy in Motherhood

    If you've ever looked around at your life and thought, "How did I get here?"—this conversation is for you.Not because your life is bad. Not because you've failed. But because somewhere between work, motherhood, responsibilities, and caring for everyone else, it's easy to lose touch with yourself. In this episode, development coach Charlotte Kovacs shares why so many women find themselves living on autopilot—and how small moments of intentionality can help us reconnect with what brings us joy, energy, and fulfillment. This conversation isn't about overhauling your life or adding another thing to your to-do list. It's about quieting the noise, questioning the "shoulds," and creating space to become more intentional about how you spend your time, energy, and attention. What We Cover: • Why so many mothers feel like they're living on autopilot • The hidden "shoulds" that shape our decisions and steal our joy • How to trust yourself in a world full of parenting advice and expectations • Why balance isn't about doing everything equally • The difference between obligation and genuine alignment • How to identify what truly gives you energy • A simple practice for checking in with yourself throughout different seasons of life • Why joy doesn't have to be big to be meaningful • The role of creativity, nature, and reflection in a fulfilling life • How to stop following someone else's rules and start choosing intentionally About the Guest: Charlotte Kovacs is a development coach who helps people grow into the person they are truly meant to be. Blending life and career coaching, she works with clients to uncover limiting beliefs, reconnect with their values, and create lives that feel more aligned, purposeful, and fulfilling. She is the founder of Kovacs Coaching and creator of the Eyes on the Stars, Feet on the Ground coaching program. Links + Resources: Connect with Charlotte on LinkedInSubscribe to Charlotte's NewsletterFollow ThatMom: InstagramJoin the ThatMom Community: EMAILLearn more: That Mom Website Maria's Style Picks: One thing helping me simplify life as a working mom? Renting instead of buying. This episode's outfit is from Rent the Runway. Try it here with 50% off And if you're enjoying these conversations, follow That Mom for more thoughtful discussions about motherhood, identity, ambition, happiness, emotional well-being, and building a life that feels aligned with what matters most.

    40 min
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About

That Mom is the podcast for mothers who are done living on autopilot. If you’ve ever looked at your life and thought, “I love my kids… but this can’t be all there is,” you’re in the right place. This isn’t another space telling you how to be a better mom. It’s a space that helps you live a better life. Here, we talk honestly about what motherhood actually feels like—the joy, the overwhelm, the identity shifts, the invisible load—and how to build a life that feels more intentional, more aligned, and more like you again. You’ll hear real conversations with experts, thinkers, and mothers who are reimagining what it means to thrive—not by doing more, but by choosing differently. We explore practical tools, mindset shifts, and honest stories that help you reconnect with yourself in the middle of everyday life. Because motherhood shouldn’t mean disappearing. It should mean expanding into a life that feels full of meaning, joy, and honesty. If you’re ready to stop living by “shoulds” and start building a life you actually want to wake up to—hit subscribe and come be part of this with us.

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  • Creator
    That Mom
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 That Mom

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