Women Like Us: Real Stories About Women, Life & Love

17h ago

The Single Mom Stigma: Why You're Not Broken, Just Busy | Women Like Us

In this deeply personal and empowering episode of Women Like Us, host Theresa Hayden dismantles the pervasive 'single mom stigma' that tells women they are broken or incomplete without a partner. This episode is essential listening for single mothers who feel judged by societal expectations, exhausted by the double burden of parenting and working, and isolated by the shame of not fitting into traditional family structures. Theresa shares her own raw experiences, from the silent judgment in grocery stores to the fury of messy kitchen moments, to validate the reality that being a single parent is not a failure but a different, valid architecture of love. The conversation explores the psychological weight of performative perfectionism—the constant need to prove you are 'fine' when you are actually overwhelmed. We discuss how culture often categorizes single mothers as either saints or cautionary tales, leaving no room for the messy, beautiful, and exhausting truth of everyday survival. Key themes include overcoming the guilt of takeout dinners, unpaid bills, and chaotic homes, and realizing that your worth is not tied to having someone else to share the burden. You will learn why apologizing for your life is unnecessary and how to shift from a mindset of deficit to one of resilience and intentional living. Theresa also addresses the critical role of community in combating isolation. She explains how shame thrives in secrecy and how speaking out loud about the challenges of single motherhood can dissolve its power. By sharing stories from library mom groups and school volunteer teams, she highlights that most people are too preoccupied with their own insecurities to judge yours. The episode encourages listeners to redefine strength not as stoicism, but as vulnerability—admitting when you are overwhelmed, asking for help, and showing your children that it is okay to be imperfect. This is a guide to letting go of the 'stone' of past guilt and embracing the courage it takes to live fully. If you are a single mom feeling alone, misunderstood, or tired of performing happiness, this episode offers a warm, intimate space to breathe and exist without apology. Join us for these real stories about women, life, and love. Support the show and connect with our community by visiting the link below. Thank you for listening, for being here, and for being exactly who you are. More from Women Like Us: https://humanitymedia.org/women-like-us Topics: single mom stigma, single motherhood support, women's mental health, parenting without a partner, overcoming shame and guilt, building community as a single mom, redefining strength and vulnerability, solo parenting struggles, female empowerment stories, breaking family stereotypes, mental load of single moms, healing from parental guilt #singlemom #motherhoodunplugged #womenliketus #parentingrealities #selfworth #communityoverperfection #mentalhealthmatters #singleparentlife #vulnerabilityisstrength #letgooftheguilt #youareenough #realstories Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/women-like-us/2026-10-21.txt

1d ago

Selling My Wedding Dress: The Shame, The Sale, And Letting Go | Women Like Us

In this deeply personal episode of Women Like Us, host Theresa Hayden explores the complex emotional logistics of selling a wedding dress after a divorce. This story goes beyond the simple act of decluttering to examine the shame, financial necessity, and profound sense of release that comes with letting go of a tangible symbol of a failed marriage. For women navigating grief, moving on, or simply trying to make peace with their past, this narrative offers a raw look at how we store our memories in objects and why releasing them is often the hardest part of healing. Theresa takes listeners through the specific humiliation of pricing her former self at twenty dollars to pay an electric bill, highlighting the intersection of economic stress and emotional trauma. The episode delves into the psychology of hoarding versus preserving, describing the wedding dress not as a keepsake, but as a 'ghost' that was freezing time and preventing forward movement. Through the lens of online selling, she discusses the vulnerability of commodifying heartbreak, turning intimate history into digital content, and facing judgment from strangers who see only the fabric, not the tears shed before the ceremony. The core takeaway centers on the distinction between forgetting and releasing. Selling the dress was not about erasing the love or the memory, but about acknowledging that the woman who wore it no longer exists. By handing over the silk to a stranger named Sarah, Theresa experiences a hollow ache that transforms into lightness, proving that healing is non-linear and that agency is reclaimed through choice. This episode serves as a gentle challenge for anyone holding onto grudges, letters, or items that hurt, encouraging listeners to ask if those objects serve them or merely take up space in their hearts and closets. Join Theresa for this warm, intimate conversation about dignity, financial reality, and the quiet power of starting over. If this story resonates with your own journey of letting go, please support the show via the link below to help us continue sharing real stories about women, life, and love. More from Women Like Us: https://humanitymedia.org/women-like-us Topics: selling wedding dress, divorce recovery story, letting go of the past, women's mental health, emotional baggage, healing from heartbreak, decluttering grief, financial stress and emotions, post-divorce identity, women like us podcast, theresa hayden, moving on after divorce #divorce #lettinggo #healingjourney #womensstories #selflove #mentalhealthmatters #growthmindset #podcastcommunity #realstories #emotionalwellbeing #newbeginnings #therapytalk Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/women-like-us/2026-10-20.txt

2d ago

Burying the Dog Before Mom: The Unspoken Grief of Outliving Your Pet | Women Like Us

In this deeply personal and resonant episode of Women Like Us, host Theresa Hayden explores the complex, often unspoken grief of losing a beloved pet while your parents are still alive. This narrative delves into the specific emotional vertigo that occurs when you bury a dog before your mother, challenging the societal hierarchy of sorrow that minimizes animal loss. If you have ever felt guilty for mourning a pet so intensely while your aging parent is still healthy, or if you’ve struggled with the silence left behind by a companion animal, this episode offers validation and comfort. It addresses the unique pain of outliving a creature who loved you unconditionally, contrasting it with the anticipatory grief of caring for elderly parents. The discussion unpacks the 'weird hierarchy of sorrow' where society expects us to move on quickly from pet deaths, offering only days of sympathy before returning to normalcy. Theresa shares her raw experience of burying Barnaby, a golden retriever mix, highlighting the shame and isolation that can accompany such private grief. The episode examines how we curate our sadness for others’ comfort, hiding our tears to protect those around us, particularly aging parents who may not understand the depth of the bond with a pet. It also touches on the existential dread and mortality anxiety that pet loss triggers, serving as a rehearsal for the inevitable losses of human loved ones. Key themes include the validity of deep attachment to animals, the importance of allowing oneself to grieve without judgment, and the courage required to admit vulnerability in a world that often numbs us out. The conversation encourages listeners to give themselves grace, whether that means taking time off work, seeking therapy, or simply sitting with the pain. It reframes grief not as a problem to be solved but as a landscape to be walked through, emphasizing that the pain is the price of admission for profound love. By acknowledging these mixed emotions, we honor the connection we had and prepare ourselves for future losses with greater resilience and compassion. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the delicate balance of caring for aging parents while processing their own recent losses, or for any woman who has experienced the sharp, lonely grief of pet bereavement. Join Theresa Hayden for this warm, intimate conversation that reminds you that your feelings are valid, your love was real, and you are never alone in your sorrow. Support the show and access additional resources at the link provided below. More from Women Like Us: https://humanitymedia.org/women-like-us Topics: pet grief, losing a dog, aging parents, anticipatory grief, women's stories, emotional healing, barnaby the dog, grief support, mental health awareness, outliving your pet, theresa hayden, women like us podcast, validating emotions, family dynamics, mortality and love #petloss #dogmom #griefjourney #mentalhealth #womenliketus #healing #selfcare #motherhood #elderlyparents #compassion #storytelling #podcastcommunity Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/women-like-us/2026-10-19.txt

3d ago

The Silence After You Speak: Finding Your Voice When Interrupted | Women Like Us

In this intimate episode of Women Like Us, host Theresa Hayden explores the pervasive and often invisible experience of women being interrupted in professional and personal settings. This is not just about bad manners; it is a systemic issue that leads to self-doubt, erasure, and emotional exhaustion. If you have ever felt your voice swallowed in a meeting, or if you find yourself rehearsing arguments in the shower after being talked over, this episode offers validation and concrete strategies for reclaiming your space. We discuss the psychological toll of 'casual' interruptions, the internalized shame that keeps women quiet, and the specific ways gender dynamics play out in boardrooms, family dinners, and friendships. Theresa dives deep into the mechanics of interruption, explaining how it affects our physiology—spiking heart rates and clenching jaws—and why politeness training can become a liability in modern leadership roles. The episode features real-world anecdotes, including the story of Sarah, who learned to use silence as a powerful tool to command attention. We break down actionable techniques for handling interruptions: from changing your language to stop apologizing for taking up space, to using the gentle but firm 'As I was saying...' tactic. You will also learn how to build coalitions of allies in meetings and document your contributions to create an undeniable paper trail of your intellect. Beyond the workplace, we examine the deeper ache of internalized silencing, where women begin to doubt their own thoughts before they even speak. This episode connects the dots between professional erasure and personal relationships, offering a path toward healing through community, documentation, and self-forgiveness. Whether you are navigating high-stakes projects, managing team dynamics, or simply trying to hold your ground in daily conversations, these tools are designed to help you protect your peace and assert your presence without aggression. Join us as we transform the silence after you speak into a moment of empowered reclamation. Listen now to join the conversation on finding your voice when you are interrupted. Support Women Like Us by visiting our website link below, where you can subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it, and help us continue creating safe spaces for women’s stories and culture. More from Women Like Us: https://humanitymedia.org/women-like-us Topics: women being interrupted, workplace equality, finding your voice, professional development for women, dealing with mansplaining, imposter syndrome, women in leadership, communication skills, self advocacy, emotional labor, gender bias at work, confidence building, meeting etiquette, women's mental health #womensvoice #workplaceculture #interruption #leadership #empowerment #genderequality #selfadvocacy #confidentwomen #meetings #mentalhealthawareness #careeradvice #communitysupport Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/women-like-us/2026-10-18.txt

4d ago

When the World Celebrates What You Lost: Healing from Miscarriage | Women Like Us

In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode of Women Like Us, host Theresa Hayden explores the complex, non-linear journey of healing from miscarriage. This episode is essential listening for women who have experienced pregnancy loss, those navigating infertility, or anyone seeking to understand the invisible grief that accompanies the death of a hoped-for child. Theresa opens with a raw confession about the sharp pain of witnessing others' joy while carrying her own heavy sorrow, challenging the societal expectation that grief should be private or quickly resolved. She dissects the unique loneliness of miscarriage—a loss that leaves no physical scar but alters the landscape of a woman’s life forever—and offers a compassionate reframe: grief is not a failure to heal, but proof of deep love and hope. More from Women Like Us: https://humanitymedia.org/women-like-us Topics: miscarriage healing journey, pregnancy loss support, women's mental health stories, grief after miscarriage, infertility community, Theresa Hayden podcast, emotional recovery from loss, breaking stigma around miscarriage, finding strength in vulnerability, sisterhood and solidarity, non-linear grief process, women like us culture #miscarriageawareness #healingjourney #pregnancylosssupport #womensstories #mentalhealthmatters #griefandgrowth #youarenotalone #vulnerabilityisstrength #communityoverisolation #lifeafterloss #womenliketus #realstories Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/women-like-us/2026-10-17.txt

5d ago

Why I Left My Phone Behind to Find Myself in the Woods | Women Like Us

In this intimate episode of Women Like Us, host Theresa Hayden shares her transformative experience of leaving her phone behind to spend three days in solitude in the Catskills. This story explores the profound mental static and digital anxiety that plague modern women, offering a raw look at the initial panic of disconnecting from technology and the subsequent journey toward deep self-understanding. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by the constant ping of emails, the phantom vibration of your device, or the pressure to perform even on your days off, this episode provides a compassionate guide to reclaiming your peace. It is designed for listeners seeking relief from burnout, those curious about digital detoxes, and anyone looking to reconnect with their authentic selves away from the noise of social media and societal expectations. Theresa dives deep into the psychological and biological benefits of nature immersion, explaining how our nervous systems were evolved to respond to natural rhythms rather than fluorescent lights and blue screens. She describes the shift from feeling exposed and anxious to finding liberation in the geological time scale of nature, where trees do not hustle and flowers do not stress over their blooming speed. The narrative highlights key themes such as grounding techniques, the difference between loneliness and solitude, and the healing power of sitting with one’s emotions without distraction. By observing a spider rebuilding its web and watching water flow around rocks, the host illustrates lessons on trusting the process and releasing the need for control. These concrete stories serve as powerful metaphors for letting go of perfectionism and embracing the messy, beautiful reality of being human. The episode concludes with practical, accessible advice for integrating these principles into daily life, emphasizing that you do not need to quit your job or buy a cabin to find clarity. Instead, Theresa encourages small acts of mindfulness, such as stepping outside for five minutes, practicing panoramic vision to signal safety to the brain, and simply noticing the textures and sounds of the immediate environment. This approach demystifies self-care, framing it not as a luxury but as a biological homecoming necessary for mental health. Whether you are dealing with grief, joy, or just the everyday grind, the message remains clear: you are enough, and rest is a worthy, essential part of your existence. Listen to discover how silence can speak louder than words and how nature can help you hear your own truth again. Thank you for joining Theresa Hayden for this honest conversation about women, life, and love. If this episode resonated with you, please consider supporting the show through the link provided below. Your support helps keep these real stories alive and ensures we can continue to create content that fosters connection and healing within our community. Stay grounded, stay connected to yourself, and remember that you are never truly alone when you listen. More from Women Like Us: https://humanitymedia.org/women-like-us Topics: digital detox, solitude vs loneliness, mental health for women, nature therapy, burnout recovery, mindfulness practices, catskills cabin retreat, anxiety relief, self discovery journey, grounding techniques, nervous system regulation, unplugging from technology, women's wellness stories, slow living philosophy, finding inner peace #digitaldetox #solitude #mentalhealthmatters #natureheals #burnout #mindfulness #selfcare #grounding #wellnessjourney #slowdown #innerpeace #womenlikeme Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/women-like-us/2026-10-16.txt

Oct 11

When the Bank Account Hits Zero: Finding Faith in the Ruins | Women Like Us

In this deeply moving episode of Women Like Us, host Theresa Hayden explores the profound intersection of financial ruin and spiritual resilience. When the bank account hits zero, the resulting silence can be heavier than any noise, stripping away not just assets but identity and self-worth. This episode is for women who have experienced bankruptcy, job loss, or sudden economic instability, offering a compassionate space to process the shame and isolation that often accompany these crises. It moves beyond superficial advice to address the core question: What happens to your faith when the ground beneath you vanishes? By sharing the story of Sarah, a listener who lost her home and savings in eighteen months, we examine how modern society ties dignity to net worth and why that connection is both cruel and incorrect. The narrative delves into the psychological toll of financial failure, challenging the myth of meritocratic safety. We discuss how losing financial footing can feel like a moral failure, leading to deep shame and social isolation. However, the episode reframes faith not as a guarantee of comfort, but as the courage to stand in the rubble and take one small step forward. Through concrete stories and reflective insights, we explore how mundane acts—like making coffee in a borrowed kitchen—can become profound prayers of self-care and reclamation. This segment provides practical emotional tools for breaking the cycle of loneliness and recognizing that most people are too busy with their own struggles to judge yours. Ultimately, this episode offers a roadmap for rebuilding after loss. It emphasizes that reclaiming dignity is an act of rebellion against a society that defines value by wealth. By letting go of the ego and the need to appear perfect, listeners can discover a peace that money never bought. The conversation highlights the importance of alignment over prestige, encouraging women to build new lives on foundations of authenticity, connection, and inner strength. Whether you are currently facing debt, recovering from a career setback, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of resilience, this episode provides a warm, intimate guide to finding hope in the ruins. Join us for this honest, vulnerable conversation about life, love, and survival. If this episode resonated with you, please consider supporting the show via the link below to help us continue sharing real stories that matter. Your support allows us to keep creating content that helps women feel seen, heard, and less alone in their journeys. More from Women Like Us: https://humanitymedia.org/women-like-us Topics: bankruptcy recovery, financial trauma healing, women's mental health, finding faith after loss, overcoming shame and isolation, rebuilding self-worth, resilience after job loss, spiritual growth through crisis, women's stories culture, emotional resilience tips, breaking poverty stigma, theresa hayden podcast #bankruptcy #faith #resilience #womensstories #mentalhealth #healing #selfworth #survival #community #trust #growth #podcast Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/women-like-us/2026-10-11.txt

Oct 10

The Quiet Shame of Food Stamps: Reclaiming Dignity in Hard Times | Women Like Us

In this deeply personal and empowering episode of Women Like Us, host Theresa Hayden explores the hidden emotional landscape of using food stamps (EBT) and government assistance. This episode is for any woman who has ever felt a pang of shame or inadequacy while trying to make ends meet, offering a compassionate reframe of financial struggle as a shared human experience rather than a personal moral failing. Theresa shares her own story from age twenty-six, working multiple jobs yet feeling like she had failed an unspoken test of adulthood when swiping her EBT card in a grocery store line. She dissects the cultural script that equates independence with worthiness, challenging the myth of the self-made individual and highlighting how we are all interconnected through invisible nets of support. The conversation delves into the psychology of shame, describing it as an internal critic that whispers judgments about laziness or brokenness. Theresa encourages listeners to identify and silence this voice, recognizing that needing help is not a weakness but an act of bravery and trust in community infrastructure. By comparing food security to public services like libraries and fire departments, she argues that receiving aid is a participation in a collective agreement to look out for one another during life’s unpredictable crises. The episode provides concrete takeaways for reframing negative self-talk, moving from narratives of failure to stories of adaptation and resilience. Ultimately, this episode is a call to reclaim dignity in hard times. It validates the ordinary struggles of modern life—whether dealing with student loans, caregiving duties, or housing instability—and reminds listeners that their worth is not tied to their productivity or bank account balance. Theresa emphasizes that asking for help is a heroic act that holds the fabric of our lives together. By breaking the silence around these struggles, we can dissipate the power of shame and realize that we are not alone in holding onto frayed ropes. This narrative aims to provide comfort, solidarity, and a path toward healing for women navigating economic hardship. If you have ever felt judged for your financial choices or struggled with the stigma of poverty, this episode offers a warm, intimate space to breathe and be seen. Please listen to the full episode for more insights on building resilience and finding grace in difficulty. You can support Women Like Us and help us continue sharing these vital stories by visiting our website via the link in the show notes. Your support allows us to keep creating content that fosters connection and understanding among women everywhere. More from Women Like Us: https://humanitymedia.org/women-like-us Topics: ebt shame, food stamps stigma, financial insecurity women, reclaiming dignity, women's mental health, poverty and pride, self-worth vs productivity, government assistance benefits, overcoming shame, community support systems, women like us podcast, theresa hayden stories, economic hardship coping, breaking the silence #womensstories #foodstamps #shamefree #financialwellness #mentalhealthmatters #dignityinhardtimes #communitycare #ebtcards #resilience #womenempowerment #podcastshownotes #realstories Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/women-like-us/2026-10-10.txt

Women Like Us: Real Stories About Women, Life & Love

Episodes

The Single Mom Stigma: Why You're Not Broken, Just Busy | Women Like Us

Selling My Wedding Dress: The Shame, The Sale, And Letting Go | Women Like Us

Burying the Dog Before Mom: The Unspoken Grief of Outliving Your Pet | Women Like Us

The Silence After You Speak: Finding Your Voice When Interrupted | Women Like Us

When the World Celebrates What You Lost: Healing from Miscarriage | Women Like Us

Why I Left My Phone Behind to Find Myself in the Woods | Women Like Us

When the Bank Account Hits Zero: Finding Faith in the Ruins | Women Like Us

The Quiet Shame of Food Stamps: Reclaiming Dignity in Hard Times | Women Like Us

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