The Mothering Project

Christina Byrne
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The Mothering Project is for women, carers, and empathetic leaders navigating work, care, and identity — and wondering when exactly the mental load gets its own day off. Honest conversations about motherhood, leadership, and holding it all together (mostly) 

  1. 7H AGO

    The Quiet Signs You’re About to Change Your Life

    Sometimes life still looks completely normal on the outside… but internally something has shifted. In this solo episode, I’m talking about the quieter signs that often appear before a change in career, pace, identity, or priorities — the things many women feel before they fully understand what is happening. This isn’t about dramatic reinvention.  It’s about recognising what keeps returning, what feels heavier than it used to, and why uncertainty often shows up before clarity does. If you’ve been questioning things quietly, this episode may feel very familiar. In this episode:  The subtle signs life may be asking you to change  Why certainty rarely comes first  How heaviness can be useful information  Why small moves often matter more than big plans  The truth about identity wobble during growth  Why pace change can matter more than career change  How to trust what keeps returning 00:00 Why change often starts quietly 00:24 The subtle signs many women overlook 01:10 Why questioning your life matters 01:36 Sign one: don’t wait for certainty 02:34 When heaviness is information 03:55 Starting before confidence arrives 04:48 Why quiet building matters 05:41 Let values lead before titles 07:42 Identity wobble is normal 08:32 Small experiments create movement 09:29 Sometimes it’s pace, not career 10:37 Most people feel less certain than they look 11:49 Trust what keeps returning 13:10 Why your next chapter may already be beginning My website : https://www.christina-byrne.com/

    14 min
  2. When Life No Longer Fits: Thy Nguyen on Motherhood, Change and Letting Go

    APR 20

    When Life No Longer Fits: Thy Nguyen on Motherhood, Change and Letting Go

    This week on The Mothering Project, I’m joined by Thy Nguyen /Monzo for a really honest conversation about identity, motherhood, and what happens when life asks you to begin again in a different way than you expected. Thy shares her journey from running a yoga studio to stepping into work that looked very different, navigating motherhood, the pressure of business ownership, and the emotional reality of closing something she had once poured so much of herself into. We talk about what COVID shifted — practically and personally — and the way motherhood can bring both clarity and conflict: what matters, what no longer fits, and how hard it can be to hear your own voice underneath the noise of everyday life. There’s also a powerful conversation around mental load, self-awareness, and the invisible work women often carry — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. What I loved most in this conversation is Thy’s honesty: about not getting it right all the time, about learning through change, and about giving yourself permission to evolve without guilt. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt themselves changing and wondered what to hold onto — and what they may need to let go of 💛🎙️ Thy - Yoga  https://www.instagram.com/yogawiththy/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVhzv0ICVaR/?igsh=eWRtZGpoNnVoc2Uy

    53 min

  3. MAR 30

    Backing Yourself: Carla on Business, Motherhood and Starting Again, New Chapters.

    Some conversations stay with you because they hold both strength and softness at the same time — and this is one of them. In this episode, Carla shares the story behind leaving corporate life, backing herself, and building a Pilates business that reflects not just ambition, but who she was becoming underneath it all. We talk about the courage it takes to begin again — professionally, personally, and emotionally — and how life can ask us to keep evolving even when we would rather stay certain. Carla speaks openly about opening a studio during COVID, navigating pressure, motherhood, relationships, leadership, and the quieter inner shifts that often happen alongside visible success. There is something deeply relatable in this conversation for any woman who has ever questioned whether she is allowed to want more, change direction, or rebuild parts of her life without apology. It is a conversation about resilience, yes — but also identity, self-trust, and learning that growth often asks us to let old versions of ourselves soften. In this episode we explore:  Leaving corporate life and backing yourself  Building a business through uncertainty  Motherhood and ambition sitting side by side  Divorce, relationships, and personal evolution  Leadership and holding space for others  Why self-care often looks simple, not perfect  Creating a business that feels aligned with who you are now A few moments that stayed: “I back myself to give everything a go.”  “Marriage is a chapter, not a failure.”  “Walking is my daily self-care ritual.” Connect with Carla: Carla Instagram - Instagram Hiit Pilates - Instagram HIIT Pilates Studio | Reformer Pilates Sydney And in case any of you listening want a change of life or career, See this amazing Pilates Reformer Course.  Reformer Pilates Teacher Training | HIIT Pilates Academy (Online & In-Studio) — HIIT Pilates Studio

    1h 3m

  4. MAR 23

    The Quiet Season Before Things Change

    Sometimes life can look completely normal on the outside… while internally, something is quietly shifting. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on that kind of season — the one where change is happening, but not always in ways other people can see yet. I share a little of what this season has felt like for me: building the podcast, growing my work, getting clearer on what I want to create, and learning to trust what is forming even when there is not yet obvious proof. Because not every meaningful shift arrives with dramatics.  Sometimes the strongest change happens quietly — in ordinary weeks, small decisions, and moments where you begin to trust yourself differently. If you are in a season where something feels like it is moving, even if life still looks the same, this episode is for you. Key Topics  what quiet change can feel like before anything looks different externallybuilding something before you fully know what it will becometrusting your own timingthe role values play when life feels uncertainallowing identity to evolve without forcing itTakeaways Change often begins long before it becomes visibleYou do not always get proof straight away that something is workingInternal clarity matters just as much as external progressQuiet seasons can still be deeply productiveI would really like if you haven't already if you liked and shared with anyone who you think would enjoy it!

    16 min

  5. MAR 16

    Core Values, Coaching and the Seasons of Womanhood

    Before you read the show notes, I wanted to say a HAPPY St Patricks Day to all!  In this thoughtful and honest conversation, I sit with Julie Parker — founder of Beautiful You Coaching Academy — to explore the many transitions women navigate across motherhood, work, identity, and wellbeing. Julie shares her own journey from social work into life coaching, reflecting on what led her to build a successful coaching academy and the values that have shaped both her business and life along the way. Together, we discuss the realities of balancing motherhood with ambition, the often-overlooked intersection of menopause and modern womanhood, and why support systems matter so deeply when women are building something meaningful. This episode also explores the power of coaching as a space for accountability, reflection, and growth — particularly during seasons of change — and the importance of understanding your core values when making decisions about work, family, and the life you want to create. A grounded and generous conversation about growth, freedom, and the reminder that you do not have to do it alone. In this episode: Julie’s path from social work into coachingBuilding a coaching business through trust and relationshipsMotherhood, menopause, and identity shiftsWhy core values matter in life and businessDaily wellbeing and personal ritualsSupport, partnership, and sustainable ambitionA few standout moments: ✨ “It’s all about relationship building.”  ✨ “Find out your core life values.”  ✨ “You don’t have to do it alone.” Beautiful You - Instagram  Website: Home - Beautiful You Coaching Academy  Linked in - Julie - Julie Parker | LinkedIn   Chapters  00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection  02:53 Navigating Womanhood:  Menopause and Motherhood 06:06  The Journey to Life Coaching 08:57 Building a Coaching Academy 11:54  The Evolution of Coaching and Client Relationships 14:56 The Importance of Authenticity in Coaching 17:48 Finding Balance and Freedom in Life 20:55  Self-Care Practices and Wellbeing 28:26  Morning Rituals and Spiritual Practices 33:58  Balancing Motherhood and Business 40:01  The Importance of Support Systems 43:36 Chasing Dreams and Core Values

    42 min

  6. MAR 9

    Learning to Stay Calm in the Chaos: Sorcha Hunter on Resilience in Business

    In this episode, I sit down with Sorcha Hunter, founder of Hunter Labour Hire, a successful business operating in the construction and labour hire industry — a space traditionally dominated by men. Sorcha shares the real, behind-the-scenes experience of building and running a business in a demanding industry. From managing staff and navigating client expectations to handling the inevitable curveballs that come with business, she speaks openly about the moments that once caused stress and overwhelm. As a female founder in a male-dominated field, Sorcha has worked hard to establish credibility, stay ahead of industry demands, and continually adapt. We talk about the practical things she has done to keep up — developing strong problem-solving skills, learning to stay calm under pressure, and building strong relationships in her industry. Alongside running Hunter Labour Hire, Sorcha is also the founder of SOS Mentors, a mentoring initiative that supports start-ups and emerging business owners by sharing practical knowledge and guidance drawn from her own business journey. Sorcha is also a mother, navigating the unpredictability that comes with raising a family while running a company. That experience brings a different kind of perspective to leadership — one grounded in patience, adaptability, and resilience. A big part of Sorcha’s ability to stay steady is how she looks after herself. She shares how prioritising self-care through yoga and  gym training helps her regulate stress, maintain energy, and stay clear-headed when challenges arise. Over time, the moments that once caused “freak-outs” have become opportunities to pause, learn, and respond with calm and confidence. This conversation explores how resilience is built — not through perfection, but through experience, self-awareness, and the willingness to keep showing up. About Sorcha Sorcha Hunter is the founder of Hunter Labour Hire, a thriving labour hire business operating within the construction industry. As a female founder in a male-dominated sector, Sorcha has built a reputation for strong leadership, practical problem solving, and resilience in the face of business challenges. She is also the founder of SOS Mentors, where she supports start-ups and early-stage business owners through mentoring and guidance based on real-world experience. Alongside her business ventures, Sorcha is a mother and prioritises self-care through practices such as yoga and regular gym training, helping her maintain balance, perspective, and resilience in both business and life. What We Talk About • Building a business in a male-dominated industry  • Managing staff and team dynamics  • Navigating client challenges and setbacks  • Balancing motherhood and leadership  • The mindset needed to stay calm in business  • Supporting new entrepreneurs through SOS Mentors • The role of self-care, yoga, and fitness in sustaining resilience You can find Sorcha    HLH- Instagram   SOS Mentors - Instagram Linked in : Sorcha Hunter | LinkedIn ; HLH Group | Hunter Labour Hire: Posts | LinkedIn Website : Labour Hire & Construction Recruitment Agency Sydney

    39 min

  7. MAR 9

    The FEAR (of being visible)

    In this episode I explore something that sits quietly underneath so many of the things we want to do in life — the fear of being seen. It’s not always the fear of failure that stops us. Often it’s the fear of judgement. The moment we put an idea, a project or our voice out into the world and wonder what people might think. I share some reflections on what this has looked like for me while starting this podcast — the internal conversations, the courage it takes to press publish, and why visibility can feel so uncomfortable. My whole career has been centred around people — understanding the human side of leadership, work and life — and this podcast is really an extension of that curiosity. This episode is an honest conversation about visibility, authenticity, and what it takes to move forward even when the fear is still there. Keywords fear of being seen, visibility, podcasting, authenticity, personal growth, courage, overcoming fear, self-expression, leadership, motherhood, becoming Key Topics • The fear of being seen and judged  • Why visibility can feel uncomfortable  • What actually goes into starting a podcast  • Pressing publish and embracing vulnerability  • Authenticity and the human side of growth  • Practical ways to move through visibility fears Takeaways • The fear of being seen is often about vulnerability rather than failure.  • Starting something visible requires courage.  • Remembering your deeper purpose can help you move through self-doubt.  • Not everyone will understand what you're building — and that’s OK.  • Taking small steps builds confidence over time.  • Pressing “publish” is often the hardest step, but it’s also where growth begins. Chapters 00:00 Introduction — The quiet fear of visibility  00:40 Why being seen can feel uncomfortable  01:55 A moment where I felt that fear  03:20 Why I started this podcast  06:20 What it really takes to start a podcast  08:40 The courage it takes to press publish  10:10 What I’ve loved about creating the podcast  12:10 How I move through the fear of being seen  15:20 Becoming comfortable with visibility  16:45 Final reflection My Website - Home | The Human Project Instagram : (1) Instagram

    14 min
  8. From Failures to Flexibility: Tara Nguyen’s Entrepreneurial Journey

    MAR 2

    From Failures to Flexibility: Tara Nguyen’s Entrepreneurial Journey

    In this conversation, Tara and I explore the tension so many ambitious mothers feel — wanting to build something meaningful, while also wanting to be present. We talk about failed starts, redefining success, building flexibility on purpose, and the emotional reality of growing a business alongside a family. Tara shares how she’s learned to prioritise self-care, lean into support networks, and build boundaries without apology. This episode is really about becoming — who you’re becoming as a leader, a mother, and a woman — and how to do that without burning yourself out.  Key Topics The journey from failed careers to business ownershipWhy support networks and mentorship matterWork-life integration vs. work-life balanceLeadership as a motherSelf-care as a non-negotiableThe future vision for Kindred and community impact Key Frameworks Discussed The Power of Support NetworksWork-Life Integration StrategiesSelf-Care as Leadership PracticeAction Takeaways Take time to consciously envision your career and life before making major changes.Build boundaries early — and don’t apologise for them.Start small with self-care. It doesn’t have to be grand to be powerful.Seek mentorship and community — success is rarely solo.Where you can find Tara!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarakindredppl/Instagram

    38 min
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About

The Mothering Project is for women, carers, and empathetic leaders navigating work, care, and identity — and wondering when exactly the mental load gets its own day off. Honest conversations about motherhood, leadership, and holding it all together (mostly) 

Information

  • Creator
    Christina Byrne
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Mothering Project
  • Show Website
    The Mothering Project

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