Pulling Threads, Weaving Authenticity

Leslie Mathews
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  • MENTAL HEALTH

Pulling Threads is a podcast for women navigating life, career, past and current trauma, breakups and divorce, motherhood, reinvention, and the brave work of becoming who they’re meant to be. Hosted by therapist, coach, and founder of The LooM Life, Leslie Mathews, JD, MSW, this show blends trauma-informed guidance, nervous system education, and meaningful conversations about the patterns that shape our relationships, identity, and purpose. Each episode explores the complicated places where life asks us to grow — healing from emotional abuse, rebuilding after divorce, midlife identity shifts, attachment wounds, dating again, motherhood, and rediscovering your voice. Many guests share their own stories of reinvention, entrepreneurship, career pivots, and stepping into authenticity, offering inspiration and practical wisdom for women building new chapters. Through expert interviews, personal storytelling, and mindfulness-based tools, Pulling Threads supports women who are healing, expanding, and creating aligned lives and businesses. It’s a space for those navigating toxic dynamics, strengthening emotional regulation, or following the pull toward something more authentic and more fulfilling. If you’re ready to untangle old patterns, trust your intuition, and weave a life — and identity — that feels grounded, empowered, and true, this podcast is where your next chapter begins.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    People-Pleasing, Perfectionism & Parental Burnout: How to Feel Present Again | Mackenzie Kinmond

    Parenting can feel surprisingly hard, even when you love your kids deeply. In this episode of Pulling Threads, we talk about parental burnout, old conditioning, and the internal patterns that can quietly run in the background and drain your energy. I’m joined by Mackenzie Kinmond, a parenthood transformation coach and therapist who helps overwhelmed parents step out of survival mode and reconnect with daily joy. Together, we explore why your nervous system can react before your thinking brain has a chance to catch up, why certain ages and stages can activate old wounds, and how burnout is often less about “trying harder” and more about shifting what you’re carrying. We also talk about the “Four Horsemen” that show up in everyday parenting: people pleasing, perfectionism, over functioning, and self sacrifice. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, reactive, or disconnected from the parent you want to be, this conversation offers a compassionate path forward, with practical ways to start making small, doable changes that create real relief over time. In this episode, we cover: Why parenting can activate trauma at specific ages and stages Nervous system regulation and embodiment in real life parenting moments Blocked care, burnout, and why shame fuels dysregulation Repair after conflict and why it strengthens secure attachment Micro shifts, boundaries, and creating structure that lowers stress How to move from survival mode toward presence, clarity, and authenticity You can also listen to Pulling Threads on my podcast and watch on YouTube. I trained in the official MBSR lineage at Brown University, continuing the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the original MBSR program at UMass Medical Center. And now I’m bringing this transformative framework to women navigating divorce, separation, heartbreak, and reinvention. 🧡 JOIN THE UPCOMING MBSR GROUP Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Women Navigating Separation, Divorce & Breakups Where neuroscience meets self-compassion to help you regulate, rebuild, and rise. 📅 Starts late January 🌐 Virtual (Florida-based, open to all women) #ParentalBurnout #MindfulParenting #NervousSystemRegulation #EmotionalRegulation #ConsciousParenting

    57 min

  2. 1 JAN

    Part I: Lost Alignment and Authenticity

    Welcome to the first episode of Authentic by Design, a transformative series about discovering your true self, reclaiming your life, and stepping off autopilot. If you’ve ever felt like you’re watching life happen to someone else, like life isn’t really yours, or like you’re aged-ahead while still waiting to feel alive, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I share a moment of awakening — sitting in my car in a Tampa parking garage, realizing the job, marriage, and identity I’d built wasn’t mine. I explore how we abandon ourselves to fit in, perform, succeed, and survive — and why that creates misalignment even at the height of achievement. 👉 If you’ve ever thought, “On paper my life looks great — but I don’t feel it inside” — this episode is for you. 🧠 In This Episode You’ll Learn: ✔ What it feels like when you’re living someone else’s life ✔ How childhood, culture, school, and social systems shape inauthentic paths ✔ The myth of success = happiness ✔ Why the “Sunday Scaries” may actually be your body telling you something is off ✔ How your nervous system signals misalignment ✔ A powerful invitation to listen to your body & inner knowing ✔ A roadmap for the rest of this 4-part series on authentic living 📍 Chapters / Timestamps 0:00 — Episode Intro: Awakening in Tampa 2:15 — What It Feels Like to Live a Life That’s Not Yours 5:40 — Why Achievement Doesn’t Always Equal Alignment 9:20 — Authenticity vs Performance (Therapy, Career, Culture) 12:55 — The Sunday Scaries: A Hidden Alarm System 15:42 — Invitation: Listening to Your Body 18:10 — Where Inauthenticity Begins — Childhood & Conditioning 23:00 — Systems That Teach Us to Abandon Ourselves 26:35 — People Most Susceptible to Losing Themselves 29:50 — The Four Pathways to Awakening 34:15 — Physical & Emotional Signs You’re Off-Course 39:40 — How to Know You’re Ready to Come Back 42:10 — Your First Invitation Toward Alignment 45:00 — Closing + What’s Coming Next in the Series ❤️ If This Resonated With You ✨ Subscribe so you don’t miss Episode 2 — where we dig into nervous system science + practical steps for returning to YOUR voice. 💬 Comment: What did you feel when you asked your body if you’re living your life? 👍 Like & Share with someone who needs to hear this. 🔗 Connect With Me 👉 Subscribe for all episodes & updates 👉 Follow on IG/TikTok for clips & reflections 👉 Join the conversation in the comments

    38 min

  3. 30/12/2025

    Manifestation That Actually Works: Identity, Nervous System & Aligned Action| Liza Lounsberry Part 2

    What if peace isn’t something you find, but something you expand into? In Part 2 of this powerful Pulling Threads conversation, host Leslie Matthews continues her deeply honest and expansive dialogue with Liza Lounsbury, exploring what it truly means to outgrow old identities, regulate the nervous system, and rebuild life from the inside out. This episode dives into the uncomfortable but transformative seasons of life—identity loss, reinvention, grief, sobriety, divorce, and rebuilding after everything you thought your life would be falls apart. Together, Leslie and Liza unpack how subconscious programming, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and unprocessed trauma shape our reality—and how conscious awareness allows us to create something entirely new. You’ll hear a grounded, compassionate exploration of: Why your comfort zone determines your capacity for peace How identity shifts impact manifestation and aligned living Nervous system regulation as the foundation for resilience and abundance Letting go of labels like “divorced,” “addict,” or “failure” Processing grief, anger, and fear without resistance Living consciously instead of reacting on autopilot Creating inner safety regardless of external chaos Why embodiment, presence, and awareness change everything—from relationships to intimacy This episode is especially resonant for women navigating divorce, separation, sobriety, motherhood, burnout, or major life transitions. It’s an invitation to step out of survival mode and into conscious creation, self-trust, and emotional freedom. If you’re entering a new season, questioning who you are becoming, or learning how to live with more peace, clarity, and alignment—this conversation will meet you right where you are. ✨ A reminder: you are not broken, behind, or failing. You are evolving. I trained in the official MBSR lineage at Brown University, continuing the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the original MBSR program at UMass Medical Center. And now I’m bringing this transformative framework to women navigating divorce, separation, heartbreak, and reinvention. 🧡 JOIN THE UPCOMING MBSR GROUP Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Women Navigating Separation, Divorce & Breakups Where neuroscience meets self-compassion to help you regulate, rebuild, and rise. 📅 Starts late January 🌐 Virtual (Florida-based, open to all women) #HealingAfterDivorce #NervousSystemRegulation #MindfulnessForWomen #IdentityShifts #AlignedLife

    54 min

  4. 25/12/2025

    Endings, Beginnings, and Gentle Clarity 2025 26

    ✨ Endings, Beginnings, and Everything In-Between | Reflecting on 2025 & Welcoming 2026 As 2025 comes to a close, many of us feel a mix of exhaustion, gratitude, and quiet hope. In this episode of Pulling Threads, host Leslie Mathews—therapist, coach, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teacher—dives deep into the emotions that surface at the end of a long year. We talk about what it means to release old versions of ourselves, honor the grief beneath “growth,” and find softer ways to begin again. If you’re tired of the “new year, new you” pressure and craving peace, reflection, and authenticity instead—this episode is for you. 🪶 In this episode: Why endings feel heavier this year (from a neuroscience & nervous-system lens) How astrology and human design mirror this collective shift Letting go of old identities & patterns that no longer fit The truth about “healing hustle” and toxic positivity Gentle reflection prompts to close your year with grace Why slowing down is the most radical form of self-care 💬 “You’re allowed to arrive slowly. You’re allowed to hope, even if it’s quiet.” 🌿 Connect with Leslie Mathews & The LooM Life: 🧵 Website: www.theloomlife.com 📸 Instagram (Coaching): @the.loom.life 💭 Instagram (Therapy): @loomlifetherapy 🎙️ Podcast: Pulling Threads on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📹 YouTube: Pulling Threads Channel 📱 TikTok: @the.loom.life 📘 Facebook: The LooM Life

    20 min

  5. 23/12/2025

    Therapist to Coach in 2026: Trust, Visibility, and AI with Carly Hill

    If you’ve been feeling the shift in the online business world, shorter attention spans, harder-to-earn trust, and marketing that doesn’t hit the way it used to, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I sit down with Carly Hill, a licensed clinical social worker turned seven-figure business mentor, Reiki Master, NLP practitioner, and author of Therapist Owner. We talk about what it really takes for therapists and helping professionals to build a sustainable, ethical coaching business without losing heart, integrity, or themselves in the process. We cover: ⦁ Why clients do not “just appear” and what it means to extend the invitation with clarity ⦁ The mindset shifts therapists often need around visibility, receiving, and money ⦁ Therapy vs coaching: how to add coaching ethically and confidently ⦁ Human Design in business (Projector vs Manifestor dynamics, energy, rest, and leadership) ⦁ Delegation that actually supports revenue and avoids common early hiring mistakes ⦁ How AI can support coaches with niche clarity, marketing plans, content, emails, webinars, and even sales call audits ⦁ Building a business model that supports freedom, motherhood, and real life If you’re a therapist, coach, or wellness professional who wants aligned growth, nervous system-safe marketing, and systems that support your work (instead of draining you), this episode is a grounded place to start. I trained in the official MBSR lineage at Brown University, continuing the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the original MBSR program at UMass Medical Center. And now I’m bringing this transformative framework to women navigating divorce, separation, heartbreak, and reinvention. 🧡 JOIN THE UPCOMING MBSR GROUP Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Women Navigating Separation, Divorce & Breakups Where neuroscience meets self-compassion to help you regulate, rebuild, and rise. 📅 Starts late January 🌐 Virtual (Florida-based, open to all women) If you're NOT navigating divorce but are interested in another MBSR group, send me a message on Instagram! I’m exploring a second February cohort. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.loom.life?igsh=ZHl3Nm1ibWd4dm1w Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19bKH1AGZ9/ #TherapistToCoach #MindfulEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #MoneyMindset #HumanDesign

    48 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Healing Journey

    Mindfulness isn’t woo-woo — it’s neuroscience. Most people check out the moment they hear the word mindfulness because they imagine crystals or chanting. But the truth? Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is one of the most researched, evidence-based programs for rewiring the brain, regulating the nervous system, and transforming the way we respond to stress, trauma, divorce, and everyday life. In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what MBSR really is, how it works in the brain, and why it changed my life during the most difficult season I’ve ever lived through — my divorce and a traumatic accident that left a friend in a coma. You’ll learn: 🧠 How MBSR literally reshapes the amygdala, prefrontal cortex & default mode network 💛 Why mindfulness strengthens emotional regulation and reduces rumination 🔥 Real-life examples of mindfulness in daily moments (triggering texts, hard conversations, morning coffee rituals) 🌿 Why MBSR in community is exponentially more powerful than going it alone 👣 What embodiment truly means and how it helps people in trauma 📚 The history & credibility of MBSR from Jon Kabat-Zinn and my training at Brown University And throughout the episode, you’ll hear exactly how these practices became the lifeline that helped me survive — and rebuild — my life. 🎙 ABOUT THIS EPISODE If you’ve ever wondered: Why does my anxiety take over even when I “know better”? How do I actually regulate my nervous system, not just talk about it? Why does mindfulness feel impossible when I’m stressed, overwhelmed, or going through a divorce? Can something as simple as breath and awareness really change my life? …this episode was made for you. This is not a meditation app. This is not “think positive thoughts.” This is a structured 8-week program proven through functional MRI research to create long-term change. I trained in the official MBSR lineage at Brown University, continuing the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the original MBSR program at UMass Medical Center. And now I’m bringing this transformative framework to women navigating divorce, separation, heartbreak, and reinvention. 🧡 JOIN THE UPCOMING MBSR GROUP Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Women Navigating Separation, Divorce & Breakups Where neuroscience meets self-compassion to help you regulate, rebuild, and rise. 📅 Starts late January 🌐 Virtual (Florida-based, open to all women) 📥 Details & registration: [link] If you're NOT navigating divorce but are interested in another MBSR group, send me a message! I’m exploring a second February cohort. ⏱ CHAPTERS 0:00 – Mindfulness isn’t woo-woo: why people get it wrong 1:15 – Who I am & why this work matters 3:10 – What MBSR actually is (beyond meditation) 5:40 – How MBSR helped me survive divorce 8:10 – The traumatic accident & how mindfulness kept me grounded 12:25 – Understanding embodiment & PTSD signs 15:05 – Neuroscience: amygdala, PFC, default mode network 18:30 – Real-life mindfulness examples (texts, conflict, coffee ritual) 23:10 – Why group MBSR works: coregulation, resonance & accountability 27:40 – How MBSR strengthens intuition & emotional clarity 31:15 – Invitation to join the upcoming MBSR group 33:05 – Jon Kabat-Zinn’s quote: learning to surf the waves 34:00 – Outro & how to connect

    26 min

  7. 09/12/2025

    The Future of Therapy: AI, Coaching, and Human Connectionm

    Future of Therapy: AI Tools for Coaches and Therapists with Dr. Stephanie Thrower | Pulling Threads Podcast In this episode of Pulling Threads, host Leslie Mathews, MSW sits down with Dr. Stephanie Thrower — a psychologist, business coach, and the visionary creator behind AI Tools for Change — to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of therapy and coaching. Together, they discuss how AI can enhance human connection, simplify business systems, and help heart-centered practitioners scale sustainably — without losing authenticity or burning out. Dr. Thrower shares her powerful journey from psychologist to AI innovator, explaining how her deep background in vocational and identity psychology intersects with technology, mindset, and soulful entrepreneurship. You’ll hear how she helps values-driven therapists and coaches build AI tools that generate revenue, attract ideal clients on autopilot, and create more freedom in their practices. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How AI can enhance (not replace) human connection in therapy and coaching Practical ways to use AI for marketing, content creation, and client engagement Why understanding your mindset and messaging is key to scaling sustainably How to integrate AI ethically while protecting client trust and privacy The psychology of resistance to technology — and how to move through it The future of therapy, coaching, and entrepreneurship in an AI-driven world 🧠 This conversation weaves together vocational psychology, maternal mental health, and innovation — offering real tools and inspiration for therapists, coaches, and creatives ready to lead in a new era of helping work. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Pulling Threads 00:47 Meet Dr. Stephanie Thrower 01:38 Stephanie’s Journey from Psychologist to AI Innovator 03:20 The Intersection of AI and Vocational Psychology 03:58 AI in Course Creation and Client Engagement 05:36 Navigating Career Changes with AI 10:56 Building AI Tools for Therapists and Coaches 15:39 Ethics and Privacy in AI for Therapy 19:43 The AI Content Gym: Enhancing Marketing with AI 22:06 Exploring Human Design and AI Integration 23:37 Qualitative and Quantitative Assessments 24:24 Integrating AI with Traditional Assessments 25:27 Marketing and Entrepreneurship Insights 35:08 Navigating Technology Resistance 39:49 Future of Therapy and Coaching with AI 44:02 Work-Life Balance and AI 46:28 Closing Reflections & Contact Info 👩‍💻 Connect with Dr. Stephanie Thrower Website: coachingwithdrthrower.com Email: stephanie@coachingwithdrthrower.com Instagram: @aitoolsforchangemakers Facebook Group: AI Tools for Change 💫 Connect with Pulling Threads & Leslie Mathews Website: www.theloomlife.com Instagram: @the.loom.life YouTube: Pulling Threads Podcast TikTok: @parandpeace Facebook: The LooM Life

    49 min

  8. 27/11/2025

    Separation and Divorce Struggles, Holidays Away From Kids

    Navigating Holidays Without Your Kids: Tips for Divorced Parents In this special pre-holiday episode, originally featured on both 'Pulling Threads' and the 'Women Navigating Divorce' Facebook group, we address the challenges of navigating holidays without your kids post-divorce. Understand the emotional complexities and gain tools to stay anchored, present, and connected to your children even when they're not physically with you. From mindfulness strategies to creating rituals of connection, learn how to cope with feelings of guilt and loneliness. Host Cindy shares personal insights and practical suggestions to support parents during this difficult transition. Stay tuned for additional resources, including a guided meditation to calm your nervous system. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode 01:02 Coping with Holiday Separation 02:55 Personal Experience and Empathy 04:34 Naming the Pain and Fears 06:57 Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques 08:31 Creating Rituals of Connection 11:01 Compassion and Self-Talk 12:14 Final Thoughts and Support

    16 min
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About

Pulling Threads is a podcast for women navigating life, career, past and current trauma, breakups and divorce, motherhood, reinvention, and the brave work of becoming who they’re meant to be. Hosted by therapist, coach, and founder of The LooM Life, Leslie Mathews, JD, MSW, this show blends trauma-informed guidance, nervous system education, and meaningful conversations about the patterns that shape our relationships, identity, and purpose. Each episode explores the complicated places where life asks us to grow — healing from emotional abuse, rebuilding after divorce, midlife identity shifts, attachment wounds, dating again, motherhood, and rediscovering your voice. Many guests share their own stories of reinvention, entrepreneurship, career pivots, and stepping into authenticity, offering inspiration and practical wisdom for women building new chapters. Through expert interviews, personal storytelling, and mindfulness-based tools, Pulling Threads supports women who are healing, expanding, and creating aligned lives and businesses. It’s a space for those navigating toxic dynamics, strengthening emotional regulation, or following the pull toward something more authentic and more fulfilling. If you’re ready to untangle old patterns, trust your intuition, and weave a life — and identity — that feels grounded, empowered, and true, this podcast is where your next chapter begins.

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