The Motherhood Process

As we step into a new year, it’s natural to reflect on what we’re carrying with us—and what might be ready to be released. In this episode, Autumn Akins gently explores the idea that not everything that feels nostalgic is meant to stay. Through thoughtful reflection, Autumn invites listeners to consider how growth, motherhood, and intentional living can shift the way we view traditions, routines,...

The holidays are meant to be joyful, but for many moms, they feel heavy, pressured, and overwhelming. In this episode, host Autumn Akins gently invites you to release the unrealistic expectations that often come with the season and embrace a slower, simpler approach to Christmas and beyond. Autumn speaks candidly about the invisible pressure placed on moms to make the holidays magical, memorable,...

Are you constantly saying yes only to look back on your week feeling tired, overwhelmed, and resentful? In this episode, host Autumn Akins walks through a powerful, real-time lesson she is learning: the importance of saying no more often.    Autumn dives into the common reasons why moms feel compelled to overcommit—from guilt and the fear of missing out to a simple craving for connection. She shar...

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overstimulated, or unsure why your usual ways of recharging suddenly don’t work anymore, this episode is for you. Autumn opens up about a powerful truth many moms overlook: nothing is wrong with you — you’ve simply changed. And with a new season comes a new need for a different kind of rest. Drawing from Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith’s framework from Sacred Rest ,...

If you're a homeschool mom feeling the burnout and hitting a wall a few months into the year, you are not alone. Autumn gets real about this common struggle, sharing her own experience navigating this phase while managing a growing family and a major shift in her family's daily rhythms.   This isn't an episode about powering through; it's about giving yourself permission to be...

Ever thought about how you could bring more peace and productivity to your life as a mom? In this episode of The Motherhood Process, I'm sharing a mindset shift that truly transformed my approach: treating motherhood like the job it is. Not in a cold, corporate way, but by applying the same intention, systems, and boundaries you would to any career you take seriously. I'll share my own j...

Ever thought about homeschooling but felt overwhelmed by the “what ifs”? In this episode of The Motherhood Process , I’m sharing our family’s honest journey into homeschooling—and why we’re choosing to start slow. From the doubts and outside opinions that almost kept me from taking the leap, to the vision we have for our kids’ education, I’ll walk you through the mindset shifts and practical steps...

Ever feel like you have to do all the things to be a "good" mom? In this episode of The Motherhood Process , Autumn Akins shares a radically gentle approach to navigating motherhood: starting small. Whether you're rebuilding routines, trying to declutter your home, or easing into homeschool life, this episode is a powerful reminder that big change doesn’t require big steps. Autumn w...

In this episode of The Motherhood Process, Autumn Akins reveals her secret weapons – six highly-loved items that have become indispensable to her daily life with baby Riot. From game-changing gear that supports your child's development, to unexpected favorites that bring pure joy to routines, Autumn shares the products that have truly made a difference. She even unveils a personal "mom h...

In this personal episode of the Motherhood Process, Autumn Akins discusses how the birth of her third child forced her to let go of her once-rigid morning routine. She shares the mental and emotional struggles of adapting to life with three young children, and the guilt she felt for not maintaining her former routine. Autumn emphasizes that the true value of her routine was never about productivit...

In this episode of The Motherhood Process, host Autumn Akins is back and welcoming a new special guest to the family, her brand new baby. Diving into the "meat of the topic," Autumn tackles the common struggle of multitasking and why it often leaves us feeling drained and unproductive. Drawing from her own experience as a "serial multitasker," she makes the case for single-task...

The newborn phase is a whirlwind of emotions, changes, and challenges, but it’s also a time of incredible growth and connection. In this episode, I’m sharing insights to help you navigate this season with grace and resilience. From managing expectations to building your support system, we’ll explore how to prepare emotionally for life with a newborn. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or add...

Traveling with kids during the holidays can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I’m sharing practical tips to make family trips smoother, less stressful, and maybe even enjoyable. Whether it’s a long car ride or a cross-country flight, these strategies will help you navigate the chaos with confidence. Tune in to learn how to keep kids entertained, manage expectat...

Expectations—we all have them. But when those expectations go unmet, they can lead to disappointment, resentment, and even damage to our mental health. In this episode, I’m diving deep into why we hold expectations, how they affect our relationships and well-being, and actionable strategies to let go and focus on what we can control. Together, we’ll explore how shifting from expectations to apprec...

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy (and sometimes stress) of gift-giving. In this episode, I’m sharing our family’s intentional approach to Christmas gifts—the Core Four Christmas Tradition. By focusing on four thoughtful categories— something to read, something they need, something to wear, and something they want —we’ve simplified the holidays while keeping the magic alive. Tu...

In this episode, we’re tackling the overwhelm that comes with building systems at home. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to begin, you’re not alone! I’ll walk you through practical steps to get started with manageable routines, even if you’re feeling paralyzed by the options. Together, we’ll explore the mental roadblocks that often hold us back, the emotional toll of overwhelm, and why find...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the topic of implementing family systems to make life smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. As a high-achieving mom, you know how valuable routines can be, but getting the whole family to follow along isn’t always easy! I’ll walk you through a three-step framework to understand family resistance, highlight the benefits of systems for everyone, and set boun...

In this episode, I’m opening up about a huge, life-changing decision my husband and I recently made. With our family preparing to move from Wyoming to Michigan, we found ourselves facing conflicting needs and challenges. This episode explores the power of open communication, identifying each other's non-negotiables, and working through the tough emotions that arise when big choices pull a cou...

Welcome back to The Motherhood Process! In today’s episode, I’m sharing a funny yet relatable story about a little mishap with my four-year-old son who accidentally let a “bad word” slip at school. Join me as I walk you through my initial reactions, the importance of communication, and how we can turn these awkward moments into valuable lessons for our kids. What You’ll Hear: The Shock Factor: I’l...

In this episode, I’m opening up about a major life change our family is navigating - a cross-country move from Wyoming to Michigan. We’ll talk about the rollercoaster of emotions that come with big transitions and how I’m working to balance excitement with the inevitable fear of the unknown. Just like our journey into restaurant ownership, this move is a leap of faith, but with kids in tow, it fee...

Hey, Mama! It’s Autumn here, and I’m so excited for today’s episode because we’re unpacking a topic that hits home for so many of us: the myth that making mistakes somehow makes us “less” as moms. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to be perfect or caught yourself replaying those tough moments on a loop, this one’s for you. I’m sharing some real stories from my own journey, tips to shift our mindset...

Welcome to The Motherhood Process, hosted by Autumn Akins!  I'm a former kindergarten teacher turned stay-at-home mom to 2 sweet but crazy little boys (with another on the way!) who found her passion in entrepreneurship. After spending years in the classroom, I decided to make the transition to stay-at-home-mom when my first son was born and embarked on my mom journey.  From teaching to mothe...