Not Defined By Motherhood, the Podcast

Melanie
  • 4.8 (11)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A grounded, honest, and empowering podcast for moms who are tired of the pressure, tired of the noise, and ready to find clarity. Host Melanie O’Reilly-Rogers helps mothers challenge expectations, reconnect with who they are, and take simple steps that create real change - because you are not defined by motherhood. 

  1. 12/20/2025

    Not Everyone Is a Holiday Magic Maker (And That’s Okay)

    Send a text The holidays aren’t exhausting because you’re doing them wrong - they’re exhausting because of the expectations stacked on you. In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Jamie for an honest, funny, and deeply validating conversation about holiday overwhelm, being the so-called “magic maker,” and why not every family is built for packed calendars, forced traditions, or Pinterest-perfect moments. We talk about: Why “traditions” can turn into pressure instead of joyHow social media quietly convinces moms they’re falling shortChoosing peace over performance - without guiltWhat it actually means to make holiday magic for your kidsLetting go of things that drain you, even if “everyone else” does themThis episode is a permission slip to stop doing what you should do - and start doing what works for your family, your energy, and your nervous system. If the holidays leave you overstimulated, resentful, or wondering why everyone else seems to enjoy them more than you do… you’re not broken. You’re just human. Press play and take a breath.

    48 min

  2. 11/27/2025

    The Truth About New Year’s Resolutions for Moms: Why You’re Not the Problem

    Send a text Every January, moms are told to reinvent themselves with “New Year, new you!”—but what if you’re not the problem? In this episode of Not Defined by Motherhood, Melanie O’Reilly-Rogers exposes the truth about New Year’s resolutions for moms: why they often fail, how unrealistic expectations set you up for burnout, and what to do instead. Learn how to set goals that actually fit your life, not someone else’s Pinterest board.  Whether you’re tired of chasing impossible standards or ready to start the year with grace and self-trust, this episode will help you reset your mindset and ditch the pressure for perfection.  Grab access to your FREE "What's Next" Guide here ---->> https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u0c2u6

    7 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    How to Say No Without Explaining Yourself: A Mom’s Guide to Boundaries and Sanity

    Send a text If the word “no” instantly makes you feel guilty, this one’s for you. In this episode of Not Defined by Motherhood, Melanie O’Reilly-Rogers gets honest about why saying no is so hard for moms — and why you don’t owe anyone a PowerPoint presentation to justify it. We’ll dig into people-pleasing habits, decision fatigue, and how moms accidentally create more chaos by trying to keep everyone else happy. You’ll learn how to say no (to others and yourself) without spiraling into guilt, plus practical scripts to help you protect your peace, time, and sanity. Because sometimes the most productive thing you can say is: “No, thanks.” 👉 Grab access to your FREE “What’s Next” Guide here → https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u0c2u6

    7 min

  4. 11/13/2025

    Why Moms Secretly Hate the Holidays (and How to Fix It Before You Burn Out)

    Send a text You don’t actually hate the holidays — you hate being Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elf, the event planner, the cook, the maid, and the memory-maker all at once. In this episode of Not Defined by Motherhood, Melanie O’Reilly-Rogers gets real about holiday overwhelm and why so many moms secretly dread the “most wonderful time of the year.” We’ll talk about why the magic you make is already enough, how to lower your expectations without lowering the joy, and how self-awareness can help you stop trying to do it all. Because the truth is, your family’s holiday magic comes from you being present, not perfect. If the thought of another Christmas party or Elf on the Shelf idea makes your eye twitch, this episode is your permission slip to simplify, breathe, and actually enjoy the season again. 👉 Grab access to your FREE “What’s Next” Guide here → https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u0c2u6

    6 min

  5. 11/06/2025

    Habit Stacking for Moms: The Simple Way to Reduce Overwhelm and Just Get Sh*t Done

    Send a text Feeling scattered and overwhelmed? You’re not lazy—you just need better systems. In this episode of Not Defined by Motherhood, Melanie O’Reilly-Rogers breaks down habit stacking for moms—the simple, ADHD-friendly way to reduce mental load and finally get sh*t done. Learn how to use small, realistic habits that fit into your actual life (not your imaginary perfect routine). Melanie shares examples of how to stack habits around your existing routines—like morning chaos, school drop-off, and bedtime—to create calm, momentum, and a sense of control. If you’re tired of starting over every Monday or wondering why traditional productivity hacks never stick, this episode will help you build habits that actually work for moms. Grab access to your FREE "What's Next" Guide here ---->> https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u0c2u6

    9 min

  6. 10/29/2025

    You’re Not Just a Mom: How to Reclaim Your Identity Beyond Motherhood

    Send a text Motherhood is a title, not your whole story. But somewhere between diaper changes, school pick-ups, and endless laundry, it’s easy to forget who you were before kids. In this episode of Not Defined By Motherhood – The Podcast, we’ll talk about why moms lose their sense of self, how to reclaim your identity without guilt, and why doing so makes you a better mom — not a selfish one. You’ll hear real stories, validating truths, and practical steps to reconnect with the parts of you that motherhood didn’t erase. 👉 Freebie ----> https://www.subscribepage.com/whatsreallydrainingyou 👉 Free coaching call ----> https://calendly.com/mostlyundercontrol/30min

    5 min

  7. 10/22/2025

    Mom Guilt Is a Liar: Why You Feel It, Where It Comes From, and How to Shut It Down

    Send a text Mom guilt whispers (or sometimes screams) that you’re not doing enough, that you’re failing your kids, that every other mom has it more together than you. But here’s the truth: mom guilt is a liar. In this episode of Not Defined By Motherhood – The Podcast, I’ll break down where mom guilt actually comes from, why it’s not your fault, and how to finally stop letting it run your life. We’ll talk about the hidden expectations that fuel guilt, the sneaky ways it shows up, and practical strategies to replace it with confidence. If you’ve ever gone to bed thinking you “screwed it all up today,” this episode will give you the validation and realignment you need. 👉 Freebie ----> https://www.subscribepage.com/whatsreallydrainingyou 👉 Free coaching call ----> https://calendly.com/mostlyundercontrol/30min

    6 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    The Mental Load of Motherhood: Why You’re Exhausted Before the Day Even Starts (and How to Lighten It)

    Send a text You wake up already tired. Not just from lack of sleep - but because your brain has been running nonstop since before your feet even hit the floor. That, my friend, is the mental load of motherhood. In this episode of Not Defined By Motherhood – The Podcast, we’re talking about the invisible labor that weighs moms down. You’ll hear real-life examples of what the mental load looks like, why no one else seems to notice it, and the cost it takes on your body, your relationships, and your identity. Most importantly, I’ll give you practical ways to start lightening the load without losing control. This isn’t about doing more. It’s about freeing your brain so you can finally breathe. 👉 Freebie ----> https://www.subscribepage.com/whatsreallydrainingyou 👉 Free coaching call ----> https://calendly.com/mostlyundercontrol/30min

    6 min
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4.8
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

A grounded, honest, and empowering podcast for moms who are tired of the pressure, tired of the noise, and ready to find clarity. Host Melanie O’Reilly-Rogers helps mothers challenge expectations, reconnect with who they are, and take simple steps that create real change - because you are not defined by motherhood. 

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