Worthy Mother Podcast

Emily Rose Hardy

Welcome to Worthy Mother Podcast, where we are exploring the complexities of motherhood without the pressure of perfection. This is NOT a parenting podcast—instead, it’s a space for pushing back against societal expectations and embracing self-compassion in your motherhood journey. Join host Emily Hardy and guests each week for empowering conversations, and walk away feeling seen and supported as you navigate motherhood.


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@emily.rose.hardy
@worthymotherpodcast

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@worthymotherpodcast

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Kids & FamilyKids & Family
EducationEducation
ParentingParenting
Self-ImprovementSelf-Improvement

Episodes

Grief During the Holidays: Managing Loss, Disappointment, and Change This Season with Gabriela Blanco
2d ago
Grief During the Holidays: Managing Loss, Disappointment, and Change This Season with Gabriela Blanco
Send us a textThe holidays can bring forward grief for many reasons, and in this episode with Healing Parent's Gabriela Blanco we are discussing how mothers can accept and move through this grief in a healthy way. Whether you are facing loss, dealing with the aftermath of a separation, or feeling disappointed about what has happened in your life, this episode will remind you that you are not alone. In the episode Gabriela and I talk about:What grief actually isWhy grief can be particularly potent around the holidaysHow we can support our children through griefThe importance of having a space to express your emotionsDealing with guilt and shame surrounding griefA little about our guest:Gabriela Blanco founded Healing Parents after seeing how her ability to show up for herself, her family and her community the way she wanted to, would always be connected to her own healing process. Gabriela wanted parents with a similar knowing, to feel supported, accompanied and resourced as they do this work of a lifetime. Originally from California, Gabriela has been living in Oaxaca, Mexico since 2005. She lives with her daughter, Luna, their dog Cutie, and within a community of care that includes her daughter's dad, and the many friends they've have come to trust as family over the years. Gabriela began caring for children professionally in both the preschool and home setting at 17 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from the University of California in San Diego in 2002. Since then she has worked with families through volunteer work, and in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years. Gabriela is trained by Hand in Hand Parenting and is an avid and ongoing student of all things human. Gabriela is wholly committed to the liberated practice of healing while parenting, and to deepening her understanding of connection-based healing practices. She is also an enthusiastic student of mystical, contemplative teachings. To connect with Gabriela, follow her on Instagram @healingparents or on Facebook. You can visit her website www.healingparents.co.If you found this episode valuable, share it with other moms in your life. Follow along with The Worthy Mother Podcast on Instagram @emily.rose.hardy and @worthymotherpodcast, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen!
How Journaling Can Empower You Through Motherhood with Caitlin Douglas
Nov 5 2024
How Journaling Can Empower You Through Motherhood with Caitlin Douglas
Send us a textJournaling can be a powerful tool when it comes to processing the complexities of life, and Caitlin Douglas found that to be especially true when she found herself going through a divorce as a mom to young children. In this episode, Caitlin tells her story of how she learned to tap into her emotions and get through tough periods, pen in hand!In the episode, Caitlin and I talk about:How Caitlin went from reluctant journaler to embracing the activityUsing journaling as a tool to get clear on values and prioritiesThe benefit of mental clarity and emotional processingCreating an individualized journaling practice Moving through life and motherhood with intentionA little about our guest:Caitlin Douglas went through a major personal transformation after becoming a mom, and it was not an easy journey. One thing that was hugely helpful through that time was her journaling. Just like any other self care routine, it can be hard to make it a habit and harder to be consistent over a long period of time. Caitlin's goal is to help other moms know they will get through the tough parts of their journey and come out the other side. She loves helping moms see they can find healthy, productive outlets while they chase their dreams and still be an amazing mom. To connect with Caitlin, follow her on Instagram @journalwithcaitlin.If you found this episode valuable, share it with other moms in your life. Follow along with The Worthy Mother Podcast on Instagram @emily.rose.hardy and @worthymotherpodcast, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen!
Co-Parenting, Identity, and Dating After Divorce with Jess Evans
Oct 22 2024
Co-Parenting, Identity, and Dating After Divorce with Jess Evans
Send us a textI'm going through a divorce, and this week I'm joined by divorce coach Jess Evans to talk all things co-parenting, identity, and dating after divorce. Basically, I'm asking all the questions I want to know the answers to as I navigate my own separation in the hopes that this conversation can help any other mom out there who might be going through the same thing!In the episode, Jess and I talk about:Navigvating co-parenting and letting go of controlStigmas around being divorcedBreaking marital cycles of co-dependencyReestablishing your identity after divorceKnowing when it's time to start dating againTips for dating after divorceA little about our guest:Jess is a single mom of two, certified divorce and co-parenting coach at Moms Moving On. She has worked alongside Michelle Dempsey-Multack for years and takes a child centered approach to co-parenting. Jess was a SAHM while going through her divorce in 2018 and the thought of spending time away from her kids broke her heart. She quickly learned that it isn’t always about the quantity of time spent with her kids, rather the quality. She and her children live in Wisconsin and love everything the Midwest has to offer. As a family, they enjoy watching football, playing golf, getting outside and creating fun memories together. When Jess is not with her kids, she is spending time with her new partner, golfing and enjoying time with her girlfriends. As a child of divorce who has no relationship with her father, Jess wanted to ensure her children grew up having a strong relationship with both of their parents.As a coach, Jess is passionate about empowering her clients and helping them move on emotionally after the divorce is final. She works closely with her clients to help them find new ways to fill their cup as they enter the world of co-parenting. She also enjoys working with clients to create a child-centered parenting plan that is fine tuned to avoid any grey area. If you are looking for support during or after the divorce, Jess would be honored to work with you.To connect with Jess, you can follow her on Instagram @mmocoachjess.If you found this episode valuable, share it with other moms in your life. Follow along with The Worthy Mother Podcast on Instagram @emily.rose.hardy and @worthymotherpodcast, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen!
Breaking the Cycle: Healing Trauma While Parenting with Aja Rutledge
Oct 15 2024
Breaking the Cycle: Healing Trauma While Parenting with Aja Rutledge
Send us a textHealing trauma is complex, and doing so while parenting children only adds to the complexity. This week, Self-Alignment & Trauma Care Practitioner Aja Rutledge is sharing her own journey to heal her own trauma while raising her son, and offering insight on how others can approach their own healing. In the episode, Aja and I talk about:The need for self-alignment in parentingThe opportunity for growth and healing in motherhoodNavigating complex feelings as you break generational cyclesIntergenerational trauma and epigeneticsDeveloping trust and respect with our childrenSelf-compassion and nervous system workA little about our guest:Aja Rutledge is a Self-Alignment & Trauma Care Practitioner who helps women reconnect with themselves through wellness and trauma healing. Her journey began as a late teenager when she realized that her unsafe childhood had deeply impacted her way of being in the world. This realization sparked her desire to learn more about trauma and its effects. In 2020, Aja faced a trauma-induced health crisis that forced her down a spiritual journey of healing, allowing her to (re)connect with her true self. With firsthand experience in healing her own trauma and the completion of a six-month trauma certification course, Aja is well-equipped to support others on their healing journeys. Understanding that is a major disconnector, separating individuals from their true selves, Aja guides women to reconnect with their bodies and intuition, helping them to realign with themselves and learn to walk that out in the world. Aja's approach is rooted in her belief that reconnecting to oneself through the body and intuition is key to living an authentic life. She empowers women to heal their trauma, manage their wellness, with professional support, and pursue their desires. Her compelling narrative, dedication to research and experimentation, and ability to simplify complex topics resonate with, motivate, and inspire her audience.Now living abroad in Mexico with her family, Aja enjoys daily beach walks. Her personal and professional experiences make her a sought-after coach and speaker. With her guidance, audiences leave empowered, believing in their ability to overcome any challenge.To connect with Aja, follow her on Instagram @healingwithaja or on TikTok @healingwithaja. Visit her website www.ajarutledge.com.If you found this episode valuable, share it with other moms in your life. Follow along with The Worthy Mother Podcast on Instagram @emily.rose.hardy and @worthymotherpodcast, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen!
Motherhood is Political: How Matrescence Fuels Radicalization with Christina Klein
Oct 8 2024
Motherhood is Political: How Matrescence Fuels Radicalization with Christina Klein
Send us a textMotherhood has a way of radicalizing women. Christina Klein, a California-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is joining the podcast to discuss the political nature of motherhood, and how every mom can get involved in meaningful, aligned change. Christina and I talk about:The experience of matrescence that occurs when women become mothersWhy motherhood often radicalizes womenHow self-care can be a form of resistanceNavigating the mental load of motherhoodWays to get involved in in politics and civic engagementA little about our guest:Christina Klein, LMFT, is a licensed therapist specializing in matrescence and maternal mental health. With a background in reproductive health, including work at Planned Parenthood, Christina’s passion for supporting women spans over a decade. As a certified Perinatal Mental Health specialist and Fair Play facilitator, she empowers mothers and families to navigate modern parenthood with confidence and resilience. Christina also leads groups and workshops focused on maternal well-being and offers compassionate, personalized care to help women and families thrive in their unique journeys.To connect with Christina, follow her on Instagram @christinakleinmft or visit her website www.christinakleinmft.com.More resources mentioned in this episode: What is Matrescence? Why Having Language Matters with Chelsea RobinsonEmily Amick on Instagram @emilyinyourphone If you found this episode valuable, share it with other moms in your life. Follow along with The Worthy Mother Podcast on Instagram @emily.rose.hardy and @worthymotherpodcast, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen!
When Worry Takes Over: OCD and Intrusive Thoughts in Motherhood with Dr. Jenny Yip
Sep 24 2024
When Worry Takes Over: OCD and Intrusive Thoughts in Motherhood with Dr. Jenny Yip
Send us a textMany new moms are impacted by OCD and intrusive thoughts - and yet education surrounding these experiences is nearly non-exisitent. Psychologist and author Dr. Jenny Yip is discussing what it looks like to experience intrusive thoughts and how moms can seek help to move forward. Dr. Jenny Yip and I talk about:Her personal experience with OCD growing upWhat obsessions and compulsions with OCD can look likeTypes of intrusive thoughts new mothers experienceEvidence-based strategies to address OCDThe importance of self-maitenence and boundariesA little about our guest:Dr. Jenny Yip, PsyD, ABPP, is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist, author, and speaker with over two decades of experience in treating severe OCD and anxiety disorders. Inspired by her personal struggles with OCD, Dr. Yip has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families overcome mental health challenges. A nationally recognized expert, Dr. Yip developed the Family Systems Based Strategic CBT and has been featured in various media outlets. She co-hosts the Stress Less Life Podcast and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the USC Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Yip is also a Board Certified Behavioral & Cognitive Psychologist and actively participates in numerous professional boards and committees aimed at improving mental wellness. Dr. Yip’s pioneering work includes founding the Renewed Freedom Center in Los Angeles in 2008, which offers advanced treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders, and establishing the Little Thinkers Center in 2016, which helps children develop critical and creative thinking skills to overcome academic challenges. Her previous book, “Productive, Successful has been widely acclaimed for its practical approach to managing anxiety.To connect with Dr. Jenny Yip, follow her on Instagram @drjennyyip or visit her website www.dryip.com. You can also check out her new book Hello Baby Goodbye, Intrusive Thoughts: Stop the Spiral of Anxiety and OCD to Reclaim Wellness on Your Motherhood Journey.Other resources mentioned in the episode:https://iocdf.orghttps://adaa.orgIf you found this episode valuable, share it with other moms in your life. Follow along with The Worthy Mother Podcast on Instagram @emily.rose.hardy and @worthymotherpodcast, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen!
Compassion Over Compliance: How We're Failing Moms & Teens with Aly Pain
Sep 17 2024
Compassion Over Compliance: How We're Failing Moms & Teens with Aly Pain
Send us a textParenting coach Aly Pain believes we are setting moms AND teens up to fail by not providing proper education and support for what actually happens to the brain during the teenage years. In this episode, we are digging into why raising teens can be such a challenge, and how our society can better prepare parents for this chapter. Aly and I talk about:The complexities of the teenage brainThe emotional rollercoaster of parenting a teen without education and supportHow research-based parenting ideologies have shifted, but practice hasn't caught upOur obsession with compliance and capabilityThe need for compassion and connection in parentingA little about our guest:Growing up, Aly was the smart, fun girl on the outside and a frantic, anxious mess on the inside, going from award winning student and athlete to detention and failing out. She spent years healing the pain of dysfunctional family relationships, including an eating disorder, suicide attempt, and ADHD diagnosis to break the cycle raising her own sons. Since becoming a Certified Life Coach and Certified Relationship Systems Coach in 2006, Aly has empowered parents and teachers around the world to rebuild mutual respect, trust, and meaningful connection with their teens without giving in, daily nagging, or more consequences. She's been featured in the New York Post, ABC Nightly News and the Rachael Ray Show.To connect with Aly, follow her on Instagram @alypain, TikTok @alypain or Facebook.If you found this episode valuable, share it with other moms in your life. Follow along with The Worthy Mother Podcast on Instagram @emily.rose.hardy and @worthymotherpodcast, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen!
Childcare in Crisis: Moms Advocating for Change with Shannon Bonardy and Tabita Ramos
Sep 10 2024
Childcare in Crisis: Moms Advocating for Change with Shannon Bonardy and Tabita Ramos
Send us a textFinding affordable, quality childcare can feel (and sometimes be) impossible in many parts of the United States. This week, I'm having a conversation about the childcare crisis with Shannon Bonardy and Tabita Ramos, two moms from opposite sides of the country who have struggled to find childcare for their families and are now advocating for change with the organization Mother Forward.We talk about:Personal challenges finding affordable, quality childcare The impact that lack of accessible and available childcare can have on members of the communityWhat happens when moms have to leave their careers because they can't find childcareWhy we need to stop viewing the childcare crisis as a "mom issue"How moms can get involved to advocate for changeA little about our guests:Shannon Bonardy is a hearing impaired, multiracial, working mom of 2 toddlers. While her family was experiencing the formula shortage, she found support via social media and moms across the nation. She wanted to create an encouraging, judgement-free space for other moms to connect and build a community where moms can support, inspire, and celebrate each other.Tabita Ramos is a mom of 2 from sunny San Diego, California. She is advocating for change with Mother Forward.To connect with Shannon, follow her on Instagram @shanb_mamasqd. Catch Shannon, Tabita, and other cool moms at the Mother Forward Discord server. Learn more about Mother Forward at www.motherforward.org.If you found this episode valuable, share it with other moms in your life. Follow along with The Worthy Mother Podcast on Instagram @emily.rose.hardy and @worthymotherpodcast, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen!
Self-Connection is the Essence of Self-Care with Amanda de la Madriz
Aug 27 2024
Self-Connection is the Essence of Self-Care with Amanda de la Madriz
Send us a textWhat counts as self-care? What is considered enough? These are some of the conversations that are happening online when it comes to moms learning to care for themselves. This week, life coach for moms Amanda de la Madriz is back on the podcast as we tackle our own complex thoughts on the issue of self-care in motherhood - and she boils it all down to understanding self-care as self-connection.In this episode, Amanda and I talk about:Current conversations happening about self-care on social mediaThe intention behind self-careWhy we can't clearly define what is "enough" self-careEliminating shame from the conversationHow self-connection can be viewed as the essence of self-careA little about our guest:Amanda is a Certified Life + Mindset Coach who focuses on teaching mothers how to love their mom lives so that they can drop the guilt and feel better. Working as a Career Coach since 2013, Amanda decided to dedicate herself solely to raising her children in 2016. And after experiencing the trials of pandemic parent life as a stay at home mom, she realized the desire to help other parents beat the burnout in their lives. Most recently certified through The Life Coach School, she has also now added thoughtwork to her toolset in order to help clients shift their mindset as well as achieve their goals. Her passion is entrenched in providing a fun and supportive space for her clients to unpack their brains and see what’s really going on, so that they’re able to make lasting changes in their lives.To connect with Amanda, follow her on Instagram @thatmomlife_coaching or TikTok @thatmomlife_coaching. You can also visit her website www.thatmomlifecoaching.com.If you found this episode valuable, share it with other moms in your life. Follow along with The Worthy Mother Podcast on Instagram @emily.rose.hardy and @worthymotherpodcast, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen!