Mamingo

thatverykate

Welcome to Mamingo — the podcast for moms ready to stop surviving and start thriving. Hosted by Kate Sharapenko, a mom of two, life coach, and survivor of postpartum depression, mom burnout, identity loss, and personal crisis - this show is your weekly reminder that you’re not alone, not “too much,” and not lost — you’re evolving. If motherhood feels overwhelming, chaotic, or like you’ve lost touch with yourself, this space is for you. Mamingo is your permission to slow down, reflect, and grow — because motherhood isn’t the end of you, it’s the beginning of your greatest expansion.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    The Courage to Slow Down

    In this thoughtful and deeply honest episode, I sit down with Shyanne McPherson, Director of Power4Teens, to explore what empowerment really means in a culture that constantly tells women to do more, achieve more, and somehow "have it all." Together, we unpack the hidden cost of always striving, the fear many of us feel when we consider slowing down, and why letting go of expectations can feel both terrifying and liberating. Shyanne shares her own experience of reaching burnout and making the courageous decision to step away from her work for a period of rest and reflection—a choice that challenged everything she thought strength was supposed to look like. In a world that often equates empowerment with productivity, success, and endless resilience, we explore a different perspective: perhaps true empowerment is giving yourself permission to be human rather than superhuman. We also talk about:– why the "have it all" narrative can become exhaustion in disguise– releasing control and embracing uncertainty– navigating life without having all the answers– the courage it takes to rest, pause, and reassess– giving yourself permission to evolve and learn who you are becoming– creating freedom from expectations—both others' and your own This conversation is an invitation to soften, to trust yourself, and to remember that your worth is not measured by how much you can carry. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop, listen, and allow yourself the space to become. Learn more about Shyanne and Power4Teens: Power4Teens: https://power4teens.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/power4teens/ Learn more about my work: https://mamingo.ca

    59 min
  2. May 27

    'Your pink will return, I promise'

    In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with author Katie Thomas to explore the story behind her beautiful children’s book The Flamingo That Lost Her Pink. Through the gentle and symbolic journey of a flamingo mother who loses her vibrant color while caring for her baby, we open up a powerful conversation about motherhood, identity, and what it really means to give so much of yourself. This story resonates deeply with so many women who, at some point, feel like they’ve lost a part of who they are—only to discover that nothing is truly lost. We also explore why this story, told through a bird, feels so deeply true. Animals don’t perform. They don’t curate or present a version of themselves to the world. They simply are. In that way, the flamingo becomes an honest reflection of a phase so many mothers move through—one that is rarely shown or spoken about openly. There’s something profoundly real and disarming in that image, which is why it resonates on such a deep, almost instinctive level. In our conversation, Katie and I talk about:– the emotional reality of motherhood behind the picture-perfect moments– identity shifts and the quiet grief many women carry– self-reconnection and reclaiming your “pink”  – why it’s hard to give yourself permission to care for yourself– why stories like this matter for both children and parents This episode is a gentle reminder that you are still there—whole, worthy, and evolving. Explore Katie’s work: Book: The Flamingo That Lost Her Pinkhttps://www.amazon.ca/Flamingo-That-Lost-Her-Pink/dp/1918097305/https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-flamingo-that-lost-her-pink/katie-thomas/shaun-russell/9781918097306 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theflamingothatlostherpink/ Learn more about my work: https://mamingo.ca

    44 min

About

Welcome to Mamingo — the podcast for moms ready to stop surviving and start thriving. Hosted by Kate Sharapenko, a mom of two, life coach, and survivor of postpartum depression, mom burnout, identity loss, and personal crisis - this show is your weekly reminder that you’re not alone, not “too much,” and not lost — you’re evolving. If motherhood feels overwhelming, chaotic, or like you’ve lost touch with yourself, this space is for you. Mamingo is your permission to slow down, reflect, and grow — because motherhood isn’t the end of you, it’s the beginning of your greatest expansion.