High Capacity – Nervous System Regulation, Stress Management, Burnout Recovery, Somatic Tools, Anxiety, Boundaries, Overwhelm

You’ve tried the breathing exercises, the meditations, the journaling—but your nervous system still feels like it’s stuck on high alert. Sound familiar?  In this episode, we’re diving into the real reasons your nervous system isn’t calming down (hint: it’s not your fault) and what you can do to shift into a state of lasting regulation We’ll explore the sneaky ways modern life keeps us locked in st...

When’s the last time you truly felt calm—not just in your mind, but in your whole body? If you feel stuck in overdrive or your to-do list has you so wired that even your “relaxation time” feels like another obligation, your nervous system is begging for a breather.  In this episode, we’re getting straight to the good stuff—simple, science-backed tools to shift your nervous system out of fight-or-f...

Tired of feeling tired? You’re not alone.  As high-achieving moms, we’re often running on coffee and willpower, crashing hard in the afternoon, and praying for just one night of uninterrupted sleep.  But here’s the kicker: you can’t out-hustle bad sleep. And if your nervous system is stuck in overdrive, no amount of melatonin is going to fix it. In today’s episode, we’re talking about three powerf...

Turns out, self-compassion is a science-backed superpower for rewiring your brain and creating lasting change. In this episode, I’m joined by Liz Kelly, psychotherapist, clinical social worker, and author, to explore the transformative impact of self-compassion on your brain’s neuroplasticity—the ability to grow, adapt, and heal.  If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of stress or overwhelmed by lif...

The holidays are here, and while this season is supposed to be filled with joy and connection, let’s be real—sometimes it feels more like a marathon of to-do lists, social obligations, and a whole lot of pressure to make everything perfect. If you’re feeling more frazzled than festive, you’re not alone.  In this episode, we’re diving into 5 common symptoms of holiday burnout and, most importantly,...

Have you ever wondered why traditional methods of managing stress and anxiety often fall short?  In this episode, we explore how to resolve anxiety and stress faster than you thought possible by addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms.  Dr. Tara Perry joins me to talk about how accessing your subconscious mind can unlock profound healing and transformation. With over 25 years of experience...

Ever wondered what it actually feels like when your nervous system begins to heal—when you start feeling grounded, centered, and balanced in your everyday life? For so many of us, stress and burnout have been the default for so long that we’ve forgotten what a truly healthy, regulated nervous system even feels like. The good news? Healing is possible, and the signs are more tangible than you might...

What if I told you that work-life balance is a lie…AND that it’s simultaneously possible to have a thriving career, a connected family, and a peaceful home? It’s all about embracing what today’s guest calls " a Life of And." Tiffany Sauder is an entrepreneur, mom of four, and founder of the marketing agency Element Three.  Instead of sacrificing one area of life for another, Tiffany shar...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in fight, flight, or freeze and cannot find your way back to calm, today’s episode is about to change the game. We’re diving into Deb Dana’s 4 Rs of Nervous System Regulation —a simple, science-backed framework to help you reset and reclaim peace, even when life feels like a lot. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✨ The 4 Rs: Recognize, Respect, Regulate,...

Is it possible to embrace frugality without feeling deprived or restricted? What if living frugally could actually spark creativity, deepen your values, and help you live a more intentional life? In this episode, we’re joined by Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, co-hosts of the wildly popular Frugal Friends Podcast . Jen and Jill are on a mission to transform how people think about money.  Jen is a per...

This episode is all about the small habit shifts that pack a big punch. In Part 3 of our Burnout Recovery Blueprint series, we’re diving into the habits that make the biggest difference in regulating your nervous system, protecting your energy, and helping you feel more grounded—without overwhelming yourself. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: ✨ Why recovery isn’t about massive overhauls,...

Need quick, effective tools to calm your nervous system—like now? If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode, running on empty, or overwhelmed by stress, this episode is your game-changer.  In Part 2 of this 3-part series, we’re diving into The Art & Science of Somatics—and how simple body-based practices can help you reset your nervous system in minutes. Burnout recovery isn’t about pushing h...

Exhaustion, overwhelm, and that constant edge? They all trace back to one key factor. Here’s the thing: burnout recovery isn’t about bubble baths, wine nights, or slapping a cute affirmation on your vision board.  It’s about getting to the root of what’s got you stuck—and spoiler alert—it’s not your productivity skills or lack of willpower. In Part 1 of this 3-part series, we’re diving into the mi...

Let’s talk about perfectionism. You know, that voice in your head that tells you, “If you can’t do it perfectly, why bother doing it at all?”   It’s the same voice that has you procrastinating on that new habit or beating yourself up for falling short (again).  Spoiler alert: that 'all or nothing' mindset is keeping you feeling stuck. In this episode, I’m joined by Monica Packer, an expe...

Are stress and overwhelm your default settings?  Maybe you brush off anxiety, overthinking, or irritability as a part of life as a high-achieving mom.  In this episode, I’m calling out 10 signs of nervous system dysregulation that you’ve probably been ignoring or writing off as “just how it is.”  Spoiler: constant busyness, perfectionism, and sleepless nights are not your personality—they’re signs...

Work-life balance: is it an actual thing, or just a myth designed to make us feel like we’re failing at everything? Spoiler alert: it’s probably the latter. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jody Carrington—psychologist, speaker, author, and the human equivalent of a warm, no-BS pep talk. Dr. Jody brings two decades of experience working with kids, families, and communities, and she’s here to u...

Ah, the holidays—a magical mix of family time, festive meals, and, let’s be honest, a side of stress that could rival Black Friday crowds.  Whether it’s Aunt Linda’s unsolicited parenting advice, a toddler meltdown mid-flight, or the anxiety of hosting Thanksgiving dinner for 15 people who all have *opinions* about stuffing, the season has a way of testing your nerves. In this episode, we’re divin...

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, and struggling to balance the demands of family life?  In this episode, we’re diving into the root causes of stress and resentment in the household—and how to tackle them head-on. Think about the last time you felt truly present with your kids or deeply connected with your partner. If that moment feels too far away, this conversation is for you. My gues...

Did you know that one powerful nerve in your body could be the key to managing stress, boosting your mood, and supporting overall well-being?  In this episode, we’re diving into the vagus nerve—an often-overlooked part of the body that plays a central role in health.  We’ll explore what the vagus nerve is, five ways to activate it, and how to weave these practices into your daily routine for lasti...

What if you could intentionally edit out the parts of your life that feel overwhelming?  In today’s episode, we explore how the process of “editing your life” can transform your daily experience, helping you connect more deeply with yourself and those around you.  Elisabeth McKetta is an expert on creating space for what matters most. Through her “3 Es” framework, she invites us to examine, edit,...

Do you have goals you’re chasing or things you’d like to change in your life, but you struggle with staying consistent?  As we celebrate 300 episodes of The Calm Mom (woah!), today’s episode is all about practical habits and mindset shifts to help you build resilience, stay on track, and reach your milestones. In this episode, you’ll learn: The power of true commitment and how to go beyond just “t...

Are you out of touch with your inner child? Think about a moment when you’ve seen your kids light up over the smallest thing—a rainbow, a funny face, a new idea—and you realize it’s been way too long since you felt that kind of awe & wonder.  When we’re carrying unhealed trauma, it’s like a filter over our life that blocks us from experiencing that natural, joyful curiosity we once had. In thi...

Let’s be real - when you're frustrated, annoyed, or sad, are you more likely to scroll, snack, or try to snap out of it rather than feel the feels?  In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really means to numb and suppress emotions—and why it’s holding you back more than you think . We’ll explore why emotional hygiene matters, the common ways we suppress our feelings, an...

Is it possible to be driven and ambitious while still being gentle with ourselves? Today’s guest is Dr. Danielle De La Mare, a former tenured professor who found herself stuck in a cycle of burnout and overwork. She was confused, frustrated, and burned out about the future of her career: her imposter feelings--including shame and fear--drove her to intense levels of over-working & often debili...

Are you so used to chronic stress that the daily grind feels normal?  Many of us don’t recognize the early warning signs of burnout until we’re in pretty deep. In this episode, we’ll explore what burnout actually is, how it differs from regular tiredness, and how it affects your body.  Plus, we’ll unpack four warning signs that you may be headed toward burnout and practical steps to start healing...