No Guilt Mom | Overcoming Mom Guilt, Parenting Tips, & Self Care for Moms

JoAnn Crohn - Mom Coach & Support for Overwhelmed Moms
  • 4.7 (185)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Tired of yelling at your kids and drowning in mom guilt? You're not broken — you're just missing the right tools. No Guilt Mom is the parenting podcast for moms who want to stop losing their temper, manage mom overwhelm, and actually enjoy motherhood without the shame spiral. Twice a week, author and parenting coach JoAnn Crohn, M.Ed. brings you real conversations with experts on strong-willed kids, working mom burnout, mental load, ADHD parenting, self-compassion, and the gap between the mom you want to be and how you're actually showing up. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday, plus a monthly bonus episode. No perfect parenting advice. No guilt trips. Just practical tools that work in real life — and permission to be a happy mom, not just a good one. New here? Search "No Guilt Mom Start Here" to find the best episodes for exactly where you are right now. Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🎙 "The best mom is a happy mom. Take care of you."

  1. 1D AGO

    What Every Mom Needs to Know Before Her Daughter Goes Through Sorority Rush with Trisha Addicks

    New here? Start with our ⁠Start Here playlist — five episodes that will change how you think about motherhood If your daughter is heading to college and talking about rushing a sorority, this episode is required listening — for you, not her. Between the mom guilt, the mental load of managing her college transition, and the overwhelm of a process you don't fully understand, rush season can send even the most grounded mom into a tailspin. Trisha Addicks is a 30-year Rush consultant, author of The Rush Bible: Secrets to Crush Sorority Recruitment and Find Your Forever Greek Home, and was featured in the viral Bama Rush documentary. She has helped hundreds of families navigate one of the most emotionally charged processes in a young woman's college experience. And her number one piece of advice for moms? Back off — but in the most loving, supportive way possible. In this episode, JoAnn and Trisha break down everything you actually need to know about sorority rush, from how the matching process works (it's more like a two-way algorithm than you think) to how to support your daughter without accidentally making it worse. What you'll learn: How the rush process actually works, step by step — from the virtual first round all the way to bid day Why your daughter can be cut before she even sets foot in a house (and what that means) The single most important thing moms can do during rush week — and it's not what you think The biggest mistake moms make when their daughter calls crying (and what to say instead) Why sorority rush at NYU or an Ivy League is just as high stakes as Bama Rush — even if it looks different The #1 misconception about sororities that the TikTok OOTDs are getting completely wrong How to build your own support squad so you don't put your anxiety on your daughter What sorority life actually looks like day-to-day (hint: it's a lot more than parties) Why listening — not prepared questions — is the skill your daughter needs to practice before rush Trisha's biggest reminder for moms: "This is not your journey. It's hers. All you want is for her to find her people — and it doesn't matter what letters are on the door." Resources mentioned: The Rush Bible by Trisha Addicks Remember: the best mom is a happy mom. Take care of you. Thank you to our sponsors! Rula Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/NGM #rulapod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    34 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Why Mom Friendships Feel So One-Sided — And What That's Really Telling You

    New here? Start with our ⁠Start Here playlist — five episodes that will change how you think about motherhood In this episode, JoAnn dives into the friendship patterns that leave so many women feeling drained, lonely, and afraid to speak honestly. This conversation offers real mom support for women who constantly over-explain, avoid conflict, and silence themselves just to keep relationships intact. JoAnn shares personal stories about friendships that ended painfully and the powerful realization that changed everything: healthy relationships are not relationships without conflict. They’re relationships where both people can handle honesty, accountability, and emotional safety without turning each other into the villain. If you’ve ever felt like you were “too much,” too sensitive, or emotionally exhausted from carrying the weight of a friendship, this episode will help you recognize the red flags of emotionally unsafe relationships—and what healthy connection actually looks like. In This Episode, We Talk About: 00:00 — Why So Many Women Feel “Too Much” in Friendships 05:10 — The Friendship Moment That Made Me Stop Trusting My Feelings 09:02 — Why Women Silence Themselves to Keep Relationships 15:00 — Why Honesty Feels Dangerous in Emotionally Unsafe Friendships 25:07 — What Emotionally Safe Friendships Actually Feel Like This episode is a reminder that your feelings, needs, and honesty do not make you difficult to love. Healthy friendships don’t require you to abandon yourself just to stay connected. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another mom who may need this kind of support right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    32 min

  3. MAY 12

    Why Letting Your Kids Struggle Is the Most Loving Thing You Can Do with Brandon Webb

    New here? Start with our ⁠Start Here playlist — five episodes that will change how you think about motherhood As parents, it’s natural to want to protect our kids from disappointment, struggle, and discomfort. We step in because we care deeply. We want to make life easier for them. But sometimes, in trying to protect our kids from hard feelings, we accidentally keep them from building the confidence and resilience they’ll need later in life. In this episode, JoAnn sits down with former Navy SEAL sniper instructor and author Brandon Webb to talk about what really helps kids grow into capable, confident adults. Brandon shares how lessons from elite military training surprisingly connect to everyday parenting challenges—and why letting kids experience failure, discomfort, and responsibility may actually be one of the most loving things we can do. Together, they explore how parenting support isn’t about making life perfect for our kids. It’s about helping them trust themselves enough to handle life when things don’t go perfectly. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why overprotective parenting can unintentionally weaken confidence and resilience How small everyday struggles help kids build emotional strength Why failure is an important part of raising strong children The difference between supportive parenting and rescuing kids from discomfort How negative self-talk develops in kids—and what parents can do instead Why the way we talk to our kids eventually becomes their inner voice Practical parenting tips for helping kids push through challenges without shame How visualization and positive coaching techniques can help kids handle stress and pressure The importance of mentors, coaches, and supportive adults outside the parent-child relationship How to pause and regulate your own emotions before responding during difficult parenting moments Why This Conversation Matters Many overwhelmed moms feel pressure to prevent their kids from struggling. We want to shield them from disappointment because seeing our children hurt is incredibly hard. But Brandon explains that confidence doesn’t come from constant praise or protection—it comes from overcoming challenges and realizing, “I can do hard things.” This conversation is a powerful reminder that parenting challenges are not signs we’re failing. They’re opportunities for our kids to grow. And often, the most supportive thing we can do is step back just enough to let them experience the natural lessons that build resilience, independence, and self-trust. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re being too hard or too soft—or wondered how to support your child without taking over—this episode offers thoughtful parenting education and practical tools you can start using right away. Resources Mentioned: Puddle Jumpers by Brandon Webb The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    35 min

  4. MAY 7

    Why You Validate Your Kids' Feelings But Nothing Actually Changes

    New here? Start with our ⁠Start Here playlist — five episodes that will change how you think about motherhood You’ve probably heard this parenting advice everywhere lately: validate your child’s feelings. And honestly? Emotional validation does matter. Kids want to feel heard, understood, and emotionally safe with us. But what happens when you’re validating constantly and still walking away from interactions feeling hurt, dismissed, or emotionally exhausted? In this episode, JoAnn breaks down what she calls “the validation trap”—the moment when supporting your child’s emotions starts coming at the expense of your own emotional well-being. If you’ve ever stayed quiet after a hurtful comment because you didn’t want to escalate things, convinced yourself you were “too sensitive,” or struggled to balance emotional validation with healthy boundaries, this conversation will help. In This Episode, We Talk About: What emotional validation actually is and what it isn’t Why validating feelings does not mean accepting disrespectful behavior The hidden “validation trap” many overwhelmed moms fall into How delayed emotional processing is completely normal Why people-pleasing makes boundary-setting feel so uncomfortable The difference between supporting emotions and silencing yourself A simple framework for addressing repeated hurtful behavior calmly How to teach emotional intelligence and self-regulation without over-functioning for your child Parenting strategies that strengthen connection and boundaries Resources Mentioned: Crucial Conversations No Guilt Mom Inner Circle Why This Episode Matters A lot of parenting conversations focus on helping kids regulate emotions, but moms need support, too. This episode is a reminder that your feelings matter inside your family relationships. You are allowed to validate your child’s emotions and speak up when behavior hurts you. Those two things can exist together. Because raising emotionally intelligent kids doesn’t mean becoming emotionally invisible yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    32 min

  5. MAY 5

    Why You Negotiate Better at Work Than at Home — And How to Change That with Attia Qureshi

    New here? Start with our ⁠Start Here playlist — five episodes that will change how you think about motherhood If you’ve ever found yourself doing everything at home—managing schedules, picking up the slack, remembering all the little details—and then wondering why you feel so exhausted and resentful… you’re not alone. So many working moms carry the emotional load without even realizing it. Not because they want to—but because it feels easier in the moment to just handle it yourself. But over time, all those “small things” add up. In this episode, I’m talking with negotiation expert Attia Qureshi about how the skills we often associate with boardrooms and big deals actually show up in our everyday lives—especially at home. And more importantly, how learning to use those skills can help you move from doing everything yourself… to creating a true partnership. This isn’t about becoming more demanding or confrontational. It’s about understanding what you need, communicating it clearly, and building a home dynamic that feels supportive—for everyone involved. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why working moms often struggle to ask for help at home—even when they’re confident communicators at work How unspoken expectations create resentment (and what to do instead) The difference between being a “giver,” “taker,” and “matcher” in your relationships A simple way to start shifting from doing everything yourself to shared responsibility Why naming your emotions is the first step to better communication boundaries How small moments of negotiation happen every single day—and how to use them to your advantage The key mindset shift that turns conflict into collaboration Why This Matters When you’re constantly stepping in and taking care of everything, it might feel like you’re helping your family. But what’s really happening is that you’re setting a pattern—one where you carry the weight, and everyone else assumes you’ve got it handled. And that’s where mom burnout begins. Learning how to communicate your needs, ask for support, and create more balanced dynamics isn’t just about getting help. It’s about feeling seen, respected, and supported in your own home. Resources Mentioned: Never Settle: Negotiation Skills to Get What You Want by Atita Qureshi & John Richardson Attia Qureshi’s Emotion Wheel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    38 min

  6. APR 30

    Why You’re Always the One Remembering Everything (And How AI Can Help) with Sarah Dooley

    You know that feeling when your brain never turns off? You’re tracking school schedules, library days, appointments, permission slips, grocery lists… and somehow, even when everyone else is “helping,” you’re still the one holding it all together. That’s not because you’re better at remembering. It’s because you’ve become the default. In this episode, I’m talking with AI strategist Sarah Dooley about something that might surprise you: how AI tools can actually reduce your mental load (without replacing your thinking or turning you into a robot). And before you roll your eyes thinking “I don’t need another complicated system to manage”… this is different. These are simple, real-life ways to take the constant remembering, tracking, and planning off your plate—so you can actually feel present again. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why moms so often become the “default memory keeper” in the family How the mental load affects your connection with your kids (especially in everyday moments) Simple ways to use AI tools for family organization and scheduling How to stop being the one reminding everyone of everything Practical examples of using AI for meal planning, packing, and daily routines How to use AI to prioritize your to-do list when everything feels equally urgent What to know about AI safety and choosing tools that align with your values Why This Matters When your brain is constantly holding everything together, it’s exhausting. And it’s not just about being busy—it’s about how that constant mental tracking pulls you out of the moments that actually matter. Instead of enjoying your morning coffee or connecting with your kids, you’re running through checklists and reminding everyone what they forgot. What Sarah shares in this episode isn’t about doing more. It’s about finally having support in the invisible work you’ve been carrying alone. Because the goal isn’t to manage everything better—it’s to stop having to manage everything at all. Resources Mentioned AI tools for moms: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot Voice-to-text tool: Whisper Flow AI-powered voice assistants (like Amazon Alexa) for reminders and routines Sarah Dooley’s AI Empowered Mom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    36 min

  7. APR 28

    Why Self-Compassion Makes You a Better Parent (Not a Weaker One) with Dr. D Ivan Young

    We’ve been taught that being hard on ourselves makes us better. That if we just try harder, stay consistent enough, hold higher standards, and push through the exhaustion, we’ll finally feel like we’re doing this parenting thing right. But what if that constant self-criticism is the very thing burning you out? In this episode, I talk with Dr. D. Ivan Young about why self-compassion isn’t weakness — it’s emotional intelligence. And how misused empathy, especially toward yourself, creates resentment, over-functioning, and disconnection in your home. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, reactive, or stuck in your head replaying everything you did “wrong,” this conversation will connect the dots between your internal self-talk and the emotional tone of your entire family. Empathy is powerful — but when it’s weaponized against yourself, it becomes harmful. Refusing to give yourself grace Believing you should always do more Never allowing yourself to be human A lack of self-compassion doesn’t stay internal. It spills into your relationships as snapping, resentment, emotional withdrawal, and chronic over-functioning. You cannot pour empathy outward when you’re withholding it inward. The “Obnoxious Self” vs. Your Wise Self Dr. Young describes the “obnoxious self” as the internal voice that constantly criticizes and second-guesses: “You should’ve done better.” “Why can’t you handle this?” “Other moms don’t struggle like this.” This voice keeps you stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Practicing self-empathy helps you shift into your grounded, intentional self — the part of you capable of emotional intelligence and thoughtful parenting. The Security Guard vs. CEO Brain When you’re triggered, your amygdala — the “security guard” — takes over and locks your CEO (your prefrontal cortex) away. Your CEO is where: Emotional intelligence lives Curiosity lives Intentional parenting lives Self-compassion helps bring your CEO back online so you can respond instead of react. Over-Functioning as a Dysfunctional Normal Many overwhelmed moms live in constant over-functioning: Anticipating everything Fixing everything Managing everyone’s emotions While it feels responsible, over-functioning slowly pulls you away from authentic alignment — accepting your humanity and setting boundaries that protect your psychological safety. Self-neglect doesn’t just hurt you. It impacts your marriage and your children’s emotional development. Emotional Intelligence in Real-Life Conflict We also discuss practical tools you can use immediately: How pitch, tone, and facial expression regulate nervous systems Why moods are contagious and your presence sets the emotional temperature of your home A phrase introverts can use to speak up without escalating conflict: “I’ve been listening to everything you’re saying. May I share my perspective?” Emotional intelligence isn’t about controlling others. It’s about regulating yourself first. About Dr. D. Ivan Young Dr. D. Ivan Young is an ICF Master Certified Coach and author of Leading from the Heart. He has spent over two decades working at the intersection of behavioral neuroscience and human connection. After navigating a stage four cancer diagnosis, he deepened his research into resilience, identity, and the internal battle between the omniscient self and the obnoxious self. His work reframes self-compassion as essential to resilience, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Resources Mentioned Leading from the Heart by Dr. D. Ivan Young Connect with Dr. D. Ivan Young on LinkedIN The Best Mom’s a Happy Mom by JoAnn Crohn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    39 min

  8. APR 23

    Why Good Grades Aren’t Enough: What Really Prepares Kids for the Real World with Dr. Deborah Kenny

    It’s easy to look at a report card and feel like you’re getting a clear answer. Are they doing well? Are they “on track”? Are you doing enough as a mom? Because when those grades look good, there’s a sense of relief. Like… okay, we’re fine. But what if those grades aren’t telling the whole story? In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Deborah Kenny, founder of Harlem Village Academies and author of The Well-Educated Child, to talk about what actually prepares kids for the real world—and why so many of us have been taught to focus on the wrong things. What you’ll learn in this episode The three key pillars of a truly well-educated child—and why grades are just a small piece of the puzzle Why traditional school success like test scores and memorization doesn’t always translate into real-world skills How to build your child’s attention span in a world full of distractions—and why reading matters more than ever The role of parental involvement in education—and how small shifts at home can make a big impact Practical ways to help your child develop independence, motivation, and follow-through without constant reminders Why this matters So many overwhelmed moms are carrying the pressure of “getting it right” when it comes to their kids’ education. Checking homework. Monitoring grades. Pushing for better performance. And yet even with all that effort, it can still feel like your child is unmotivated, distracted, or just going through the motions. That’s because real-world readiness isn’t built through pressure—it’s built through skills like critical thinking, independence, and purpose. When we shift our focus from just “How are they performing?” to “Who are they becoming?” we start to support the kind of growth that lasts. Resources mentioned The Well-Educated Child by Dr. Deborah Kenny Harlem Village Academies The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt This episode is a powerful reminder that good grades can matter, but they are not the whole picture. What matters most is helping kids become thoughtful, motivated, capable people who know how to think, solve problems, and engage with the world around them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    36 min
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4.7
out of 5
185 Ratings

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Tired of yelling at your kids and drowning in mom guilt? You're not broken — you're just missing the right tools. No Guilt Mom is the parenting podcast for moms who want to stop losing their temper, manage mom overwhelm, and actually enjoy motherhood without the shame spiral. Twice a week, author and parenting coach JoAnn Crohn, M.Ed. brings you real conversations with experts on strong-willed kids, working mom burnout, mental load, ADHD parenting, self-compassion, and the gap between the mom you want to be and how you're actually showing up. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday, plus a monthly bonus episode. No perfect parenting advice. No guilt trips. Just practical tools that work in real life — and permission to be a happy mom, not just a good one. New here? Search "No Guilt Mom Start Here" to find the best episodes for exactly where you are right now. Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🎙 "The best mom is a happy mom. Take care of you."

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