Torn: Finding a Mom Life Balance

Torn

Motherhood can often leave a woman feeling torn between her emotions and reality, her job and personal life, friends and family. On Torn: Finding a Mom Life Balance, hosts Athena, and Mims share their journey, laugh their woes away, and dismantle the deceptions of motherhood by giving a new voice to mommy-hood. Cover art photo provided by Logos on the Go

  1. APR 10

    #179: Stop Stressing Me! Series – Why Am I Always on the Edge?

    🎙️ Show Notes:   In this episode, we we kickoff a series on stress by unpacking the invisible mental load of parenting, the pressure to “do it all,” and the societal systems that make it harder than it should be. From school schedules to work demands to self-imposed expectations—we’re naming it all and finding a path back to peace. 🔥 What We’re Talking About The invisible mental load parents carry every day Why modern life feels misaligned with family needs The pressure to justify your time, energy, and boundaries The reality of decision fatigue + overstimulation Recognizing when you’re “living on the edge” (snappy, overwhelmed, reactive) 🚩 Signs You’re On the Edge You’re snapping at everything and everyone Your inner dialogue sounds like: “I always… they never…” You feel like everything depends on you You struggle to accept help (or control how it’s given) Small things feel like big triggers 🛠️ Small Shifts to Move from Edge → Peace Name what you need (don’t wait until you explode) Take a timeout—step away before the breaking point Ask for help—and accept it imperfectly Check your self-talk (“I always/they never” is a warning sign) Release control and focus on what you can manage Invite your family into your reality (share your stress, don’t hide it) ❤️ Real Talk Moments “It’s not always exhaustion… sometimes it’s control.” You don’t have to carry it alone. Name it, share it, and give yourself permission to reset. 🔗 Stay Connected, Torn TribeFollow us @TornMLB  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠. ✉️Email: tornmlb@gmail.com 💜 Choose Grace, Torn Tribe 💜

    38 min
  2. MAR 25

    🎙️#178 Slaying the Giants: Interview with Tom Ramsey

    ✨ Episode Summary This week on Torn: Finding a Mom-Life Balance, we continue our bullying series with special guest Tom Ramsey, a conflict resolution specialist and author of Slaying the Giants: The ABCs to Stop A Bully. Through personal stories and practical tools, we unpack how bullying impacts both children and adults—and how building confidence, awareness, and communication can change everything. Key Takeaways Bullying is bigger than we thinkOver 160,000 students skip school daily due to fear of bullyingConfidence is a shieldWhen self-esteem grows, how you carry yourself changes—and bullies notice The first bully is often internalNegative self-talk shapes how we show up and what we tolerate Bullies look for easy targetsThey tend to avoid those they perceive as confident or equal It starts at homeSafe, loving environments help prevent both being bullied and becoming a bully 🛠️ Practical Tools For Parents: Create a safe, emotionally supportive environment Listen actively—don’t dismiss concerns as “just teasing” Model healthy communication and conflict resolution For Kids & Teens: Speak up: Tell a parent or trusted adultSet boundaries: It’s okay to say, “I don’t like how you’re treating me”Find your thing: Passion builds confidence (sports, arts, hobbies, etc.)Choose your circle: You don’t have to stay where you’re not respected 🧠 Powerful Mindset Shift “You need to change the inside to change the outside.” Confidence, self-worth, and awareness are the foundation—not just for stopping bullying, but for how we show up in every space (school, work, relationships). 📚 Resources Slaying the Giants: The ABCs to Stop a Bully by Tom Ramsey Free PDF available by contacting Tom Ramsey at tomrams@gmail.com   🔗 Stay Connected with the Torn Tribe📲 Follow @TornMLB on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💜 Choose Grace, Torn Tribe 💜

    41 min
  3. MAR 12

    #177: Part 2: Mixed Feelings- When Bullying Brings Up More Than One Emotion

    Bullying does not just affect the child in the moment. It stirs up a whole wave of emotions for everyone involved — denial, disbelief, anger, sadness, guilt, and even confusion. In this episode, Athena and Mims continue the bullying series by unpacking the mixed feelings that surface when bullying hits close to home. They reflect on how bullying can show up in schools, workplaces, families, and even everyday situations, and why our first emotional reaction matters. From questioning whether a child is being bullied, doing the bullying, or simply struggling to respond, they explore how easy it is to minimize what is happening before fully seeing it for what it is. This conversation is a reminder to slow down, process before reacting, and create room for honest conversations that lead to healing, accountability, and growth. Because bullying does not just leave a mark on behavior — it can shake identity, trust, and confidence too. In this episode: Why denial and disbelief are common first reactions to bullying How bullying can trigger emotions similar to grief The danger of reacting before processing Supporting your child without labeling them by one bad moment Why awareness, reflection, and conversation matter on both sides of the story Torn Thought: Bullying brings up mixed feelings — and naming them helps us respond with wisdom instead of reaction. Share your Torn Moments or Mends to 📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠tornmlb@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ 📲 Follow @TornMLB on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💜 Choose Grace, Torn Tribe 💜

    24 min
  4. FEB 25

    #176: Awareness Is Protection: Intro to Series on Bullying

    Bullying wasn’t top of mind… until it suddenly was. In this kickoff episode of our bullying series, Athena and Mims open an honest conversation about what bullying looks like today — and why awareness matters more than ever. From classroom dynamics and social media anonymity to leadership pressures and everyday friend interactions, this episode explores how bullying can show up in subtle ways we don’t always recognize. Together, they unpack the difference between teasing and harm, why many incidents go unreported, and how bullying can impact a child’s confidence, identity, and willingness to fully show up in their world. Most importantly, they reflect on the role parents, educators, coaches, and community leaders play in creating safe spaces where kids can talk openly — whether they’re experiencing bullying, witnessing it, or questioning their own behavior. This episode is an invitation to start the conversation at home: ask more questions, listen fully, and normalize talking about relationships, boundaries, and kindness. Because we can’t address what we don’t name. Awareness is protection.💬 In this episode, we talk about: Why bullying often goes unnoticed or unreported The difference between teasing, conflict, and harmful behavior How classroom and online environments shape kids’ experiences Helping children reflect on their role — target, bystander, or instigator Building open communication so kids feel safe coming to you first 🌱 Torn Thought of the WeekAwareness is protection; we can’t address what we don’t name. 💛 What is Mending the Torn Tribe?Share your mend moments. 📩 Stay Connected with the Torn Tribe💌 Share your thoughts on journaling to: tornmlb@gmail.com 📲 Follow @TornMLB on Instagram, Facebook, and X 💜 Choose Grace, Torn Tribe 💜

    26 min
  5. FEB 12

    Episode #175: The Practice of Journaling

    Journaling can start as a locked diary with a tiny key… and grow into a lifeline. In this episode, Mimi and Athena reflect on how journaling has evolved from childhood “spill your guts” pages to a powerful practice for processing, creating, praying, and staying grounded—especially in motherhood when uninterrupted thoughts feel rare. We talk about: First journal memories: glittery diaries, pressed flowers, marble notebooks, and sibling “privacy violations” Why journaling matters: tracking patterns, naming emotions, processing seasons, and witnessing your growth over time There’s no one “right” way: pen-to-paper, voice notes, bullet journaling, sketching, “one line a day,” and creative visual journaling How to invite kids in (without making it homework): making journaling feel fun, flexible, and pressure-free Spotlight: The HappyMe Journals (the journal that got the whole house writing) Athena shares how The HappyMe Journals became the surprising bridge between “we don’t journal” and “wait… I like this.” Mimi shouts out the thoughtful design and the founder’s responsiveness during the holidays. What makes it work: Age-based versions: first (3-6 years), junior (6-12 years), teen (12+), and adult editions (so everyone has a fit) Guided prompts + freedom: enough structure to get started, with space to make it your own Gratitude + mood check-ins: quote of the day, top gratitudes, and emoji-based feelings tracking Habit-building (without pressure): checklists that encourage kindness/helpfulness and reflection Motivation kids actually love: streak milestones (7 days / 30 days) with “reward yourself” celebrations A bedtime-friendly rhythm: the kids use it to wind down—and it even sparks sweet love notes and more thoughtful language at home Torn Thought: If you’ve got an “anti-writer” in your house (or in your own head), don’t make it about writing. Make it about expression—another way to communicate with your people… and with yourself. Stay warm, stay connected, Torn Tribe. Share your thoughts on journaling to 📧 ⁠⁠⁠tornmlb@gmail.com⁠⁠ 📲 Follow @TornMLB on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. 💜 Choose Grace, Torn Tribe 💜

    37 min
  6. JAN 28

    #174: Family Book Club

    No pressure, Torn Tribe—this isn’t the kind of book club where you pretend you read the book. 😅 In this episode, Mimi and Athena share how a family “book club” can be a simple, organic way to build curiosity, connection, and conversation—without adding another assignment to your plate. Torn Thought: What’s something your family is curious about right now—and how can you make space for it during your week? What we cover: Reading without the guilt: Audiobooks, Kindle, graphic novels, newspapers… it all counts. Make it a ritual, not a chore: carving out a calm, screen-free “reading corner” moment (even if it’s just 10 minutes). Use what you already have: lean into school reading lists and curriculum so you’re not adding extra work. Let interests lead the way: sports stats, history, music, biographies, and “why did they say that?” pop-culture references become the doorway to learning. Graphic novels = real literacy: visual storytelling builds detail, inference, and stronger comprehension. Books as a parenting shortcut: use stories to open hard conversations (without the awkward lecture). Family sharing styles: some read together, some read separately, and some read different things—then come together to talk. Torn Takeaway:A Family Book Club doesn’t have to be formal. It’s simply creating shared space for stories—and letting those stories spark questions, values, and connection. 💌 Share your family's latest curiosity or make recommendations at tornmlb@gmail.com📲 Follow @TornMLB on Instagram, Facebook, and X💜 Choose Grace, Torn Tribe 💜

    40 min
  7. JAN 14

    #173: Taking Stock — A Family Reflection for the New Year

    Happy New Year, Torn Tribe—and welcome to 2026 🎉 In this episode, Athena and Mims slow things down to do what we rarely make time for: reflect. Torn Thought: Take stock in the year that ended; do not leave it all behind Together, they walk through a family-friendly “taking stock” conversation—looking back on the year that ended so we don’t rush into the new one on autopilot. From traditions that filled their cups to moments that drained their energy, they model how reflection can bring clarity, connection, and alignment for the whole family. HEART Check What filled us up? What drained us? What do we want more of? What gets in the way? You’ll hear: What truly filled their cups in 2025 (growth, rest, routines, and deeper conversations) What drained their energy—and how grief, overcommitment, and blurred boundaries show up at home How to ask kid-friendly reflection questions that invite honesty without blame What they want more of in the year ahead (joy, fun reading, intentional words, and rest) What tends to get in the way—and how to name it without guilt A simple reminder: we don’t reflect to fix everything, we reflect to grow together This episode is an invitation to pause, take stock, and step into the new year with intention—not pressure. ✨ Reflection prompts and family-friendly questions linked HERE to help you continue the conversation at home. As always, send us your Torn Thoughts or reflections—we’d love to hear how you’re starting the year. Here’s to a grounded, joyful, aligned 2026. 💌 Share your family mantra or what you’re speaking into 2026 at tornmlb@gmail.com📲 Follow @TornMLB on Instagram, Facebook, and X💜 Choose Grace, Torn Tribe 💜

    33 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Motherhood can often leave a woman feeling torn between her emotions and reality, her job and personal life, friends and family. On Torn: Finding a Mom Life Balance, hosts Athena, and Mims share their journey, laugh their woes away, and dismantle the deceptions of motherhood by giving a new voice to mommy-hood. Cover art photo provided by Logos on the Go