Chill Like a Mother Podcast

Send us a text Are you a mom struggling to navigate the unknowns of parenting?  Do you find yourself experiencing Cranky Mom Syndrome more often than not? If so, you're not alone. In this podcast episode, Kayla and Catherine explore how creativity and play can be powerful tools for healing in motherhood.  Cranky Mom Syndrome: When you’re trying to be in the know about all the things and unknowns a...

Send us a text In today’s episode, Catherine Mellinger and Kayla Huszar share insights on curiosity, connection and creativity and the magic that expressive art gives you as a mother. "Even when I feel like I've messed up due to my own dysregulation, or when I'm bombarded with 'perfect' scripts in books or Instagram, I know that as a mother, I can always turn to my art journal to find reassurance....

Send us a text When the joy of welcoming a new life is overshadowed by the silent battles of postpartum depression, the stories that emerge can be as heart-wrenching as they are crucial to share.  We previously left you on a cliffhanger. Now, here is part two of Patricia Tomasi's story. She shared her harrowing experience with postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and the chilling touch of psych...

Send us a text Patricia Tomasi's voice resonates with a vulnerability that could only come from someone who has stared down the darkest corridors of postpartum mental health. Her harrowing encounter with postpartum psychosis isn't just a personal battle—it's become a call for change in the way we support new mothers living with mental health. The April 2024 edition of @torontolife magazine feature...

Send us a text Have you ever felt like self-care is just another chore on the to-do list, especially when you're juggling the superhuman task of motherhood? We've got Emma, a renowned self-care and motherhood coach, joining us to reshape the conversation around self-care into something that's feasible and doable. Together, we break down the walls of misconception and reconstruct self-care into dai...

Send us a text Do you feel like you are drowning in motherhood and unsure how to get to shore?  Are you tired of feeling stuck? Want to know a simple way to boost your mood? Are you buckling under the constant pressure of gentle parenting, meal planning, or other significant life events? Lately, I've been asked for my perspective on why I do expressive art therapy for moms as a social worker and t...

Send us a text Ever felt like motherhood is akin to being a circus performer, endlessly juggling tasks while walking a tightrope? That's where Kelly Forsyth and I come in, guiding you through the often unspoken journey of maternal overwhelm and the elusive art of self-care. We understand that the pursuit of personal time is a battle against a schedule peppered with kiddie activities, and we're her...

Send us a text As I peeled back the layers of my own motherhood at a transformative 10-day expressive arts therapy program, a profound shift occurred within me. I went to learn about the power of expressive art therapy and left feeling like a brand new person. I felt like me again. I had completely lost myself in motherhood, and it was through the healing arts that I found her again.  Ah Ha Moment...

Send us a text Why isn't anyone discussing this burnout recovery hack for moms? Jenn Hepton shatters the illusion of intense mothering. Jenn shares personal details from her mothering and life. Jenn's poignant revelations, sparked by her mother's terminal illness, serve as our guide through the maze of cultural and patriarchal expectations. I loved this conversation for so many reasons: The raw an...

Send us a text Have you ever tried so hard to stay regulated and then lose it, wondering if you are messing up your kids? Yes, us too! Join Kayla Huszar and my insightful guest, Danik, as we courageously talk about trauma and motherhood that promises to leave you feeling seen and empowered (and maybe a little raw). This episode takes you through a generational parenting shift, informed by new know...

Send us a text This episode is an invitation for moms to rediscover their authenticity, intuition, and highest self by choosing six intentional words for 2024.  Ah Ha Moments: How, as a busy mother, do you allow yourself to just be? Can you create more zesty moments in life? How do you embody an authentic presence ? The simple act of 'breathing' can anchor even the busiest of mothers into the now...

Send us a text When I first held my newborn, I never realized that, just like them, I was embarking on a profound transformation. Our latest conversation with Katrina delves into this very metamorphosis, known as matrescence—the redefining of a woman's identity through motherhood. It's a journey that echoes the unpredictability of adolescence, complete with the resurgence of past traumas, hormonal...

Send us a text Ever wondered how societal expectations influence the distribution of emotional labour and mental load in your marriage? You're in for a treat! This episode features our insightful guest, Zach, a previous math teacher and Fair Play facilitator, who enlightens us on the profound impact of invisible labour in our lives.  Getting personal, we share our own experiences and offer practic...

Send us a text Exhausted by the relentless expectations of the festive season? Longing for a Christmas that feels more authentic, chill, and filled with genuine joy? This episode is a special live session from The Motherload community where we dive deep into the tangled feelings that the holiday season brings. Together, we'll explore honoring your family's temperaments, the wisdom of not taking ot...

Send us a text Kayla interviews a dad, Fredrick, who is doing the work and is helping other men do the work too. In an honest and open discussion, we reveal how men can embrace vulnerability, promote effective communication, and co-create meaningful relationships.  Join us as we tear down: the walls of patriarchy that hurts everyone (not just moms) the idea that men need to reject their emotions t...

Send us a text Have you ever felt consumed by guilt after losing your cool and yelling at your kids? It's a scenario that we can all relate to, and our guest, Olivia, author of "Impossible Parenting," is here to help us navigate through it. Ah Ha Moments: Parents who grew up in households with a lot of yelling are now learning to navigate emotional regulation and restraint in a whole new way (it's...

Send us a text Are you a parent struggling with those pesky intrusive thoughts, making your fears and doubts even louder? Our super cool guest, Olivia, the author of Impossible Parenting, dives into this complex issue, sharing some awesome insights on how to handle these sneaky mental health struggles. We share our own experiences and also the fear and shame that these thoughts can bring. We explo...

Send us a text Ever feel like you’re flunking motherhood? Like no matter how much you love your kids, you just can’t seem to live up to the impossible standards of being a “good” mom? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not failing. In this episode, I sit down with Olivia Scobie, author of Impossible Parenting, to talk about the toxic myths of modern motherhood, why some parenting phases feel h...

Send us a text Has joy become a total stranger in your life? Are you letting fear steal your happiness? This episode turns towards fear and joy; when you can't feel joy because of fear, it's called "magical thinking." It stops us from fully embracing positive emotions. Listen to a heartwarming story about a soon-to-be dad so overwhelmed by fear that he couldn't feel any joy during his partner's pr...

Send us a text Returning to paid work is the second biggest challenge people face (after giving birth). This episode focuses on navigating the transition from at-home parent to working parent.  How do I seamlessly transition back into the workforce after a hiatus? Fret not! Our insightful guest, Anna McKay, drops by to quell your anxieties and gives three secrets to returning to paid work. She bri...

Send us a text Tired of being in charge all the time? Burning with resentment over the load you carry? Wish your partner would step up? Discover how to build a fairer relationship and home with the Fair Play method. Join licensed social worker and fierce advocate for women and girls, Lauren Tetenbaum, as she uncovers the hidden barriers to equality and how you create more equity at home! Reflectio...

Send us a text It sucks when you are carrying the mental, emotional and invisible loads of parenting! Our guest, Lindsay Dreyer and Kayla Huszar (host), peel back the layers of the double-duty (working and moming) demands that lead to an exhaustive mental load.  We aren't shy about mental health, including the art of setting boundaries and making time for ourselves. We explore entrepreneurship and...

Send us a text Grab your headphones and listen to Jenelle from Humble and Kayla Huszar share personal stories about guilt vs. intuition. There is power in pausing and going after the thing that will make you feel alive. Have you ever had an internal conflict about changing jobs, getting a dog, a housecleaner or going on a solo vacation? In that case, you'll want to hear how you overcome the guilt...

Send us a text In this episode, Jenny and Kayla discuss why "self-care" isn't enough for modern mothers. You're probably familiar with the typical self-care activities like getting a manicure, taking a bubble bath, or getting a massage. Still, they often add more tasks to our overflowing to-do lists without making us feel any better. Jenny offers some simple, practical steps for busy moms. She emp...

Send us a text In this episode, Georgia McCusker and Kayla Huszar delve into the societal norms that have influenced our views on motherhood. From a young age, we are exposed to a patriarchal narrative that dictates how boys and girls should act. Boys are expected to hide their emotions and needs, while girls are expected to be submissive and obedient. The patriarchy thrives on promoting one voice...