Trust Me Mom

Trust Me Mom
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

🌟 Welcome to Trust Me Mom, your go-to destination for trusted parenting advice and expert insights! 🌟 Parenthood can be an incredibly difficult journey filled with challenges, despair, and frustration. This podcast is dedicated to providing you with practical tips, expert interviews, and evidence-based strategies to navigate the complexities of raising children, especially kids with special needs. Tune in for parenting strategies and tips for kids with ADHD, ADD, sensory issues, learning disabilities including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, anxiety, autism, and many other conditions.

  1. 43. From Refugee Camp to Hollywood: A Mother’s Story of Courage and Reinvention

    5d ago

    43. From Refugee Camp to Hollywood: A Mother’s Story of Courage and Reinvention

    From an Iranian refugee camp to becoming a Hollywood and Disney executive, Maryam Mehrtash’s story is one of resilience, courage, reinvention, and the power of storytelling.In this episode of Trust Me Mom, Ekaterina speaks with Maryam Mehrtash, a mother of two, writer, and former Disney leader who most recently led global promotions and partnerships at Marvel Studios (theatrical & Disney+). Maryam shares her incredible journey of fleeing Iran as a child, growing up in Canada as the daughter of immigrant entrepreneurs, building a career in entertainment, and balancing motherhood with ambition, creativity, and personal growth.Maryam opens up about her family’s sacrifices, her grandmother’s life as a Kurdish Iranian actress and singer, the impact of Disney storytelling on her childhood, and the full-circle moment of eventually working at Disney. She also shares practical advice for working mothers, including how she manages demanding work, young children, invisible labor, partnership, self-care, and the courage to keep building the life you want.This conversation is for every mother, immigrant, dreamer, creative, and woman who is trying to honor her past while building a bold future.Find Maryam’s Substack: This Is Not a Memo at https://thisisnotamemo.substack.com/00:00 Introduction00:50 Meet Maryam Mehrtash01:30 Fleeing Iran as a child03:00 Storytelling, Disney, and family legacy04:30 The sacrifices of immigrant parents06:35 Growing up in Canada08:00 From theater kid to business school09:00 Moving to Los Angeles and building a Hollywood career10:11 Landing the first job in LA11:47 Motherhood, career, and the pandemic16:30 Relentless prioritization as a working mom18:39 What happens when kids get sick?20:34 Managing the invisible load at home23:30 Communication, calendars, and partnership25:00 The mid-year check-in that changed her life26:21 Self-care, rest, and staying energized27:03 Friendship and community after kids29:30 Knowing your limits as a mother31:51 The full-circle Disney moment33:22 Advice to her younger self37:05 Showing children what is possible38:00 Maryam’s first business at age six40:00 Family teamwork and immigrant resilience43:50 Encouragement for tired working moms44:35 Courage as a muscle46:00 Reinvention after being laid off47:00 Writing, Substack, and becoming an author48:38 Closing thoughts48:51 Where to find Maryam#TrustMeMom #MaryamMehrtash #WorkingMoms #Motherhood #ImmigrantStory #IranianWomen #DisneyExecutive #HollywoodExecutive #WomenInLeadership #CareerAndMotherhood #MomLife #Storytelling #Resilience #Courage #Reinvention #WomenSupportingWomen #ThisIsNotAMemo

    50 min
  2. 42. Her Baby's Diagnosis Sparked a Movement

    Jun 10

    42. Her Baby's Diagnosis Sparked a Movement

    When Nasha Fitter’s third daughter was diagnosed with a devastating rare genetic condition, her entire world changed overnight.In this inspiring episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, episode 42), Nasha shares how she went from ambitious entrepreneur and Harvard MBA to full-time caregiver, advocate, and founder of organizations helping thousands of families navigate rare diseases.We talk about:• motherhood and ambition• burnout and unpaid labor• marriage under pressure• grief and resilience• raising a child with severe disabilities• building support systems• why moms need help, rest, and communityNasha also shares practical advice for exhausted moms, parents navigating diagnoses, and couples trying to survive difficult seasons together.00:00 Intro01:03 Meet Nasha Fitter02:06 Growing up ambitious as an immigrant daughter03:42 Marriage, motherhood & unequal labor05:22 Life before her daughter’s diagnosis06:05 The devastating FOXG1 diagnosis07:44 Surviving with 3 kids under 410:22 Grief, acceptance & emotional healing13:40 Why moms need help and rest18:35 Building therapies and rare disease organizations20:40 Advice for parents after a diagnosis22:13 What daily life looks like now26:13 Marriage struggles and staying together31:25 Fairness, communication & parenting roles33:11 Her daughter’s incredible progress34:41 Gene therapy and hope for the future35:38 Advice for exhausted moms38:27 Building deep friendships and community39:40 Final thoughts#TrustMeMom #SpecialNeedsParenting #RareDisease #Motherhood #WorkingMom #Caregiver #FOXG1 #ParentingPodcast #WomenInBusiness #MentalLoad #MarriageAndParenting #MomLife #DisabilityAwareness #ParentingJourney

    40 min
  3. 41. The Self-Abandonment Epidemic: How Women Can Reclaim Their Power, Relationships, and Lives

    May 27

    41. The Self-Abandonment Epidemic: How Women Can Reclaim Their Power, Relationships, and Lives

    In this episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, Episode 41), Ekaterina talks with women’s relationship coach Ada Gore about self-abandonment, people-pleasing, resentment, dating, marriage, divorce, motherhood, and learning how to stop disappearing inside your own life.Ada shares her personal story of being fired as a single mom, rebuilding her identity, healing generational patterns, and helping women reconnect with their needs, intuition, and power. This conversation is for women who feel depleted, stuck, resentful, or unsure how to reclaim themselves in relationships.00:00 Introduction00:51 Ada’s awakening after being fired06:34 Financial fear, scarcity, and safety15:44 Childhood conditioning and learned helplessness17:20 Turning trauma into growth23:55 Why journaling can change your life27:30 Resentment as a sign of self-abandonment33:55 The martyr complex and generational trauma41:36 Self-abandonment in dating and relationships42:32 Red flags, dating standards, and feminine energy52:16 Why women should not lower their standards55:07 Marriage, over-functioning, and emotional leadership1:06:47 When grace is not enough1:16:38 Self-honesty, divorce, and walk-away power1:23:02 Dating after divorce and finding the right partner1:27:48 Closing thoughts#TrustMeMom #SelfAbandonment #WomenHealing #RelationshipAdvice #PeoplePleasing #Motherhood #DatingAdvice #MarriageAdvice #DivorceHealing #WomenEmpowerment #AdaGore #SelfWorth #EmotionalHealing #GenerationalTrauma #HealthyRelationships

    1h 29m
  4. 40. What French Parents Do Differently: Sleep, School, Food & Independence

    May 13

    40. What French Parents Do Differently: Sleep, School, Food & Independence

    What is it really like raising children in France?In this episode of Trust Me Mom (season 2, Episode 40), I sit down with parenting coach Sasha Romary, an American mom who has lived in France for more than 20 years and is raising two multi-lingual children in Paris.We discuss the biggest differences between French and American parenting, the French education system, bilingual kids, ADHD accommodations, school lunches, independence, potty training struggles, and why French culture expects children to adapt to the system early.Sasha also shares practical parenting advice from her work as a sleep and potty training consultant, including common mistakes parents make during potty training and why so many toddlers struggle with pooping on the potty.If you are curious about parenting in Europe, raising bilingual children, or navigating modern motherhood, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical takeaways.✨ Topics we cover:• Raising bilingual and trilingual children• Why French kids become independent early• French schools vs American schools• ADHD and neurodivergent children in France• French school lunches and food culture• Parenting pressure in French culture• Potty training mistakes parents make• Fear of pooping on the potty explained• Working parent life in Paris• How French parenting shapes resilience📍Follow Sasha Romary:Instagram: @SashaRomaryParentingWebsite: SashaRomary.com00:00 Introduction01:02 How Sasha Moved From America to France03:17 Raising Bilingual and Trilingual Children05:56 Do Multiple Languages Cause Speech Delays?08:33 French Education System Explained12:53 ADHD and Learning Differences in French Schools15:27 School Breaks and How Working Parents Cope20:35 Do French Kids Play Outside Independently?22:56 When Children Start Using Public Transportation Alone24:03 Why French Parenting Prioritizes Independence26:32 Homework Expectations for French Kids29:21 The French Grading System30:29 Teacher Feedback and Parenting Pressure34:31 French School Lunches and Food Culture36:59 Biggest Potty Training Mistakes Parents Make39:56 Why Toddlers Fear Pooping on the Potty44:15 Sasha’s Parenting Coaching Services44:51 Final Thoughts#FrenchParenting #ParentingPodcast #BilingualKids #ParentingTips #ADHDParenting #PottyTraining #RaisingKids #TrustMeMom #Motherhood #ExpatLife #FrenchSchools #WorkingMom #ParentingAdvice #SleepTraining #ToddlerParenting

    45 min
  5. 39. The Brutal Truth About Being a Working Mom and How 3% Bias Turns Into Massive Inequality

    Apr 28

    39. The Brutal Truth About Being a Working Mom and How 3% Bias Turns Into Massive Inequality

    Why does the gender gap still exist, even when women are more educated, ambitious, and hardworking than ever?In this episode of Trust Me Mom (Season 2, Episode 39), journalist and author Stefanie O’Connell breaks down the hidden systems behind workplace inequality, the myth of “work-life balance,” and why individual effort alone isn’t enough to fix it.From the motherhood penalty to the fatherhood bonus, and the shocking truth about bias compounding over time, this conversation will change how you see work, power, and equality.00:00 Introduction & Stefanie’s Background01:50 From Theater to Financial Journalism05:52 What Actually Helps People Earn More08:02 Why the Gender Pay Gap Still Exists12:04 Hidden Bias in Hiring & Promotions16:12 Global Perspective on Gender Inequality18:48 Why Inequality Is So Persistent24:48 The Myth of Individual Empowerment28:51 The Truth About Work-Life Balance32:40 The “Free Time Gap” Explained34:49 Debunking Traditional Gender Roles36:06 The Reality of Working Motherhood38:00 Double Standards Women Face at Work43:08 Can Working Moms “Win”?#WorkingMoms #GenderGap #WomenAtWork #CareerAndMotherhood #PayGap #Feminism #WorkLifeBalance #MentalLoad #Leadership #TrustMeMom #WomenEmpowerment #MotherhoodPenalty

    45 min
  6. 38. Why Working Moms Are Set Up to Struggle

    Apr 14

    38. Why Working Moms Are Set Up to Struggle

    What happens when motherhood collides with a system that wasn’t built to support it?In this powerful conversation with Alexa Starks, founder of Executive Moms and Mothered Magazine, we unpacked the reality of modern motherhood, workplace inequities, and the systems that shape women’s lives. From navigating toxic return-to-work experiences to redefining ambition, Alexa shared her journey from corporate leader to outspoken advocate for systemic change. Together, they explored concepts like matrescence, the hidden struggles of postpartum life, and why so many moms feel like they’re failing—when in reality, the system is failing them.00:00 – Introduction & Meet Alexa Starks01:30 – From Corporate Career to Motherhood Reality03:30 – Why Alexa Started Executive Moms05:30 – “Motherhood Made Me Feral”06:45 – The Truth About Resilience in Mothers09:00 – What is Matrescence?11:50 – Identity Shift: Becoming “Mom”13:40 – The Reality of Breastfeeding15:20 – Motherhood Then vs Now17:00 – Patriarchy Explained20:50 – What is Matriarchy (Really)?24:00 – Women, Power & Society28:40 – Dealing with Criticism & Online Hate31:20 – Why Haters Mean You’re Doing Something Right33:20 – How to Create Real Change36:40 – Masculinity, Femininity & Balance42:30 – U.S. vs Netherlands: Parenting & Culture45:30 – Final Thoughts: It’s Not You, It’s the System#WorkingMoms #Motherhood #Matrescence #ParentingPodcast #WomenInLeadership #CareerAndMotherhood #Feminism #ModernMotherhood #WorkLifeBalance #TrustMeMom #MomLife #ParentingTruths #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #PostpartumJourney

    48 min
  7. 37. School Refusal vs. School Phobia: What Every Parent Needs to Know

    Apr 1

    37. School Refusal vs. School Phobia: What Every Parent Needs to Know

    In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Trust Me Mom,I sit down with Dr. Elena Merenova, a school psychologist with over 20 years of experience, to unpack a topic many parents quietly struggle with — why kids refuse to go to school. Is it just a phase? A hidden problem? Or something moreserious like school phobia? Dr. Merenova shares real-life stories, practical strategies,and deeply insightful advice to help parents understand, support, and empower their children. 00:00 Introduction & Meet Dr. Elena Merenova02:00 What is school refusal vs school phobia?03:30 Real-life example: When a small issue becomes a big problem06:50 How rare is true school phobia?08:30 Who should be involved in helping a child?11:20 Case study: Severe school phobia and recovery journey18:30 Why small steps and celebrating wins matter21:00 Peer influence vs parental influence (age 12+)25:30 What to do if your child has “bad influences”28:00 Mild school refusal: boredom, stress, and lack of motivation30:20 What if your child is bored at school?32:40 Social struggles and isolation at school34:40 Teaching kids that “boring is part of life”37:20 How parents shape mindset and resilience39:40 When boredom becomes something more serious41:40 Depression in children: signs, causes, and treatment46:20 Parenting by example: what kids really learn48:50 Key advice for parents dealing with school refusal50:50 Why forcing kids (even calling police) is NOT the solution51:10 Learning disabilities and confidence issues53:30 How to build confidence in your child55:50 Finding what your child is good at57:00 What if your child is depressed?58:10 Parenting reflections: what to do differently01:00:30 How to build trust with your child   #ParentingTips #SchoolRefusal #SchoolPhobia #ChildPsychology#ParentingAdvice #MentalHealthKids #ConfidenceInKids #TrustMeMom#ParentingPodcast #ChildDevelopment #AnxietyInChildren #RaisingKids #MomLife#ParentingSupport #EducationMatters

    1h 2m
  8. 36. Why So Many Couples Start Fighting After Having Kids| Mental Load, Marriage & Modern Fatherhood

    Mar 18

    36. Why So Many Couples Start Fighting After Having Kids| Mental Load, Marriage & Modern Fatherhood

    Why do so many couples struggle after having kids? In this episode of Trust Me Mom, I sit down with Alex Trippier @alexindadland — podcast host, writer, teacher, and speaker — to unpack the most common relationship mistakes parents make, especially around mental load, invisible labor, modern fatherhood, motherhood, conflict, and emotional connection.We talk about why both spouses often feel exhausted, how resentment builds, and why the transition to parenthood can become one of the hardest seasons in a marriage. Alex shares his personal journey as a dad who believed he was doing everything right — until he realized how much invisible labor his wife was carrying behind the scenes.To learn more about Alex, check https://www.youtube.com/@alexindadlandhttps://www.instagram.com/beahappierparent/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-a-happier-parent/id1814419814 00:00 Intro01:16 Meet Alex Trippier02:14 How his relationship struggles led to deeper insight04:30 Discovering mental load and invisible labor07:14 Why women feel overwhelmed in modern marriage08:07 “I was showing up, but not carrying the planning”09:04 What mental load looks like in real life11:35 How men can start helping without being told15:23 Mistakes, learning, and fixing what you mess up17:25 Why praise and appreciation matter in relationships21:11 The Gottman Four Horsemen explained22:04 Why couples argue more after kids27:05 A breakthrough: shifting from “you vs me” to teamwork30:36 The chair story: how childhood shapes conflict31:21 Why early parenting feels so hard31:47 Is staying home with kids harder than people think?37:33 Why fathers need real solo parenting time39:57 Victorian masculinity and modern relationships44:34 Strength, vulnerability, and healthy masculinity46:16 Parenting without fear48:10 Hope for parents of teenagers50:29 Why trust matters with older kids50:58 Why modern parenting feels more stressful52:10 Final advice for struggling couples53:53 The real root of relationship imbalance #TrustMeMom #AlexTrippier #MentalLoad #InvisibleLabor #ModernMarriage #ParentingPodcast #Fatherhood #Motherhood #Relationships #MarriageAdvice #Gottman #

    54 min
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4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

🌟 Welcome to Trust Me Mom, your go-to destination for trusted parenting advice and expert insights! 🌟 Parenthood can be an incredibly difficult journey filled with challenges, despair, and frustration. This podcast is dedicated to providing you with practical tips, expert interviews, and evidence-based strategies to navigate the complexities of raising children, especially kids with special needs. Tune in for parenting strategies and tips for kids with ADHD, ADD, sensory issues, learning disabilities including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, anxiety, autism, and many other conditions.

Information

  • Creator
    Trust Me Mom
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Trust Me Mom
  • Show Website
    Trust Me Mom