Avsnitt
-
Send us Fan Mail
The Mothering Project | Ready Or NotWhat happens when you put three mums behind the microphone and give them permission to be completely honest? ( We all talk at once ;) )
In this episode, I am joined by Lucinda and Lauren from Ready Or Not for a funny, heartfelt and refreshingly real conversation about motherhood, work, identity and the invisible mental load so many women carry every single day.
Together, we unpack the constant tension between ambition and parenting, the pressure to "do it all," and why motherhood often feels less like balance and more like an ongoing negotiation. From school apps and WhatsApp groups to careers, relationships and finding yourself again, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, understood and a little less alone.
If you've ever wondered whether everyone else has somehow figured motherhood out better than you… this episode is for you.
In this episode we explore
The identity shift that comes with becoming a motherWhy motherhood can make you feel stronger and more vulnerable at the same timeThe reality of juggling careers, children and trying to find time for yourselfHow Ready Or Not grew from a small idea into a trusted parenting communityThe role social media can play in creating genuine connectionThe invisible mental load of school admin, appointments and family logisticsPractical ways to lighten the load, including shared calendars, asking for help and embracing "done is better than perfect"Why friendships with other mums become even more valuable as children growNavigating your relationship with your partner through the busy parenting yearsWhy every season of motherhood asks something different of usKey takeaways
There is no perfect formula for balancing work and motherhood.Letting go of perfection creates more space for what truly matters.Sharing the mental load isn't a luxury—it's essential.Community makes motherhood lighter.Every stage of parenting is temporary, even when it doesn't feel like it.Memorable moments
"If you don't change it, you choose it."
"Done is better than perfect."Plus...
The hilarious conversation about school apps, WhatsApp groups and the invisible administration of parenting.An honest discussion about ambition, burnout and why switching off isn't always easy.A playful debate about what "having it all" really means.Mentioned in this episode
Ready Or Not PodcastThe Mothering ProjectShared family calendars and practical planning toolsParenting experts and support networksIrish roots, Cork, family traditions and nostalgiaThis episode is for you if...
You're balancing work and motherhood.The mental load feels overwhelming.You're trying to rediscover who you are after becoming a parent.You love honest, funny conversations that don't pretend motherhood is perfect.You need a reminder that you're not the only one figuring it out as you go.Episode theme
Motherhood is messy, beautiful, exhausting and transformative. This conversation reminds us that none of us are meant to carry it all alone—and sometimes the greatest comfort comes from hearing another mum say, "Me too."
Find them over here https://www.instagram.com/readyornot.pod/
Me: https://www.instagram.com/the_mothering_project/
Sign up to my newsletter here :
https://www.christina-byrne.com/
-
Send us Fan Mail
I absolutely loved this conversation with Mia Lake.
Mia is the founder of Mia Lake Interiors, mum to her little man and one of those women who just gets it. We chatted about business, motherhood, ambition, style, boundaries and how success can look so different after kids.
What I loved the most was how much of this conversation wasn't really about interiors at all. It was about creating a life that works for you and your stage of life and needs at that time.
Mia shares her journey from working with her dad to starting her own business and growing a team, but also the messy bits we don't always see. The juggle, the shifts in priorities, the breakdowns, the pressure and the constant recalibration that comes with trying to do meaningful work while raising a family.
We also chatted about:
Why motherhood changed what success means to herThe reality behind Instagram and running a businessBuilding a team and protecting cultureConfidence, style and feeling good in yourself againBoundaries, self-care and listening to your bodyWhy flexibility matters so much when you're raising kidsSupporting women and creating environments where people thriveBeing able to adapt to your environment from Office to Building sites Choosing a life that fits, instead of chasing someone else's idea of successThere were so many moments in this conversation where I found myself nodding along, and taking Mental Notes for myself. :)
So many of us have spent years chasing the next thing, only to realise that what we're actually craving is a life that feels good.
A life with enough space.
Enough flexibility. Enough joy.
A life that fits.
I hope you love this conversation as much as I did.
♥ Christina
Connect with Mia:
Instagram: @mialakeinteriors
LinkedIn: Mia Lake
Website: www.mialakeinteriors.com.au -
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
Send us Fan Mail
The Mother Who Wants Something Too
Motherhood is one of the biggest jobs there is.
The caring, the planning, the organising, the emotional load, the constant responsibility for small humans we love more than words can explain. It's relentless, beautiful, exhausting and life-changing all at once.
And yet, amongst all of that, many mothers find themselves asking a question they never expected:
"What do I want now?"
Not because motherhood isn't enough.Not because they love their children any less.But because becoming a mother doesn't erase the woman underneath it all.In this final episode of The Mother You Become series, Fionnuala and I talk about the tension so many mothers feel between caring for everyone else and staying connected to themselves.
We explore identity shifts, ambition, intuition and the courage it takes to listen to your own desires without guilt.
Because motherhood asks so much of us.
The bravest thing we can do is acknowledge that alongside being a mother, we are still women with dreams, curiosity, purpose and parts of ourselves that deserve attention too.
If you would love some help with that I would love for you to reach out to me.
https://www.christina-byrne.com/
-
Send us Fan Mail
Most mothers think starting school means finally catching a break. I thought the same thing. I was wrong.
When my son started school, I wasn't prepared for any of it — the gut-punch of goodbye at the school gate, the mental load that somehow got heavier, or the quiet anxiety that crept in when I compared his milestones to every other kid in the yard.
Nobody talks about that part.
In this episode I'm getting honest about what the school years actually did to me — and what I had to learn the hard way about showing up for my kids without completely losing myself in the process.
We get into:
Why the transition hits harder emotionally than you expectHow comparison and milestone anxiety can quietly wreck your confidenceReal, simple ways to cut the mental load before it cuts youWhat it actually looks like to parent with patience when you're running on emptyThis isn't a highlight reel. It's the stuff I wish someone had told me before we ever set foot in that school playground.
Hit play if you're in it — or about to be.
🎙️ Because perfect parenting isn't the goal. Showing up real is.
-
Send us Fan Mail
The toddler years can be beautiful, messy, exhausting, and transformative all at once.
In this episode I (yes the interview was flipped on me which makes me feel uncomfortable ha) share my experience of navigating the early years of motherhood and the profound shifts that come with raising young children.
Together Fionnuala and I explore how parenting evolves from the baby stage into toddlerhood, the challenges of managing big emotions (both theirs and ours), and the often-overlooked journey of reparenting ourselves along the way.
We also talk about the importance of support, community, and maintaining connection with your partner and your own identity during a season that can feel all-consuming.
Whether you're in the thick of toddler life or reflecting on your own motherhood journey, this conversation offers reassurance, practical insights, and a reminder that you're not alone.
In this episode we discuss:
How parenting changes from the baby years to toddlerhood Managing big emotions and emotional regulation Reparenting yourself through motherhood The role of support networks and community Maintaining connection with your partner Protecting your identity alongside motherhood Why self-care looks different in this seasonA gentle and honest conversation for any mother navigating the beautiful complexity of the early years. 💛
Keywords: Motherhood, Toddlerhood, Parenting, Emotional Regulation, Self-Identity, Reparenting, Relationships, Support Networks, Early Years, The Mothering Project.
-
Send us Fan Mail
Becoming a Mother — The Emotional Reality No One Can Fully Prepare You For
In Episode 1 of The Mother You Become mini-series, I sit down with Fionnuala for a really honest conversation about the early days of motherhood — the shock, the identity shift, the emotional rollercoaster, the overwhelm… and the love that completely changes you.
We talk about what it actually felt like bringing our babies home, the pressure so many women quietly carry, and the parts of motherhood that nobody can fully prepare you for.
This episode isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s just two women reflecting honestly on one of the biggest transitions of our lives 🤍In this episode we talk about:
– the emotional shock of becoming a mother
– postpartum emotions and identity shifts
– the pressure to “get it right”
– support, self-care and survival in the early weeks
– learning to trust your own intuition
– the beauty and complexity of early motherhoodIf you’re in this season now, preparing for motherhood, or reflecting on your own experience, I hope this episode makes you feel seen ✨
Christina x
-
Send us Fan Mail
Ever get that feeling that something needs to change — but you don't know where to begin? In this solo episode, I cut through the overwhelm and shares five honest, practical tips for anyone considering a career change or side hustle. Whether you're burned out, curious, or just quietly knowing there's more for you — this one's for you.
In this episode you'll learn:
Why burnout is a signal, not a reason to quit — and what to do insteadHow to follow your passion and intuitive pulls without throwing caution to the windThe smart way to test your ideas before you make any big leapsHow to build a financial and emotional safety net that actually supports your transitionWhy community and mentorship are the most underrated tools in a career pivot -
Send us Fan Mail
Our lovely guest is back — and this conversation feels even more needed the second time around.
In this heartfelt follow-up episode, I sit down again with Fionnuala Wylie to talk about the transitions that quietly reshape us — motherhood, moving countries, identity shifts, burnout, business evolution, and learning to trust yourself through it all.
After spending nine years abroad, Fionnuala shares what it has really felt like returning home to Ireland, navigating change as a mother and business owner, and honouring the version of herself she’s becoming in this next season.
This episode is for the women in-between.
The women evolving.
The women questioning what they want now.And maybe needing the reminder that growth doesn’t always look loud — sometimes it looks like slowing down, recalibrating, and choosing differently.
In this episode:
Why returning home after years abroad brought unexpected emotional shifts The identity changes that come with motherhood and business growth The Irish weather chat ;) Learning to celebrate small wins instead of constantly chasing the next thing How support systems, routines, and community can hold you through change The importance of adapting your business and energy for different seasons of life Trusting uncertainty instead of fighting it Why the “in-between” seasons often shape us the mostI hope you enjoy this one :)
-
Send us Fan Mail
Are you sitting on a dream, wondering if it’s too late or too big?
Ciara Gallagher’s story is the reminder you didn’t know you needed. From traffic control to building a thriving beauty business, this conversation is all about bold moves, backing yourself, and learning as you go — not before you start.
We dive into the real journey behind the highlight reel — the pivots, the burnout, the risks, and the little moments that quietly changed everything.
If you’ve ever felt the pull to do something more, this episode will meet you right there.
In This Episode
Ciara’s unexpected leap from traffic control into beauty entrepreneurship How spotting trends (before they explode) can change everything The role of self-awareness in leadership and building a team What it really takes to develop products from scratch Why mentorship and connections aren’t optional — they’re essential Burnout, boundaries, and building a business that doesn’t break you The mindset shifts needed to grow and scale sustainably Trusting your intuition (even when it doesn’t make logical sense)Resources & Links
Brow Era Products — Ciara’s brow product range https://browera.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjd2mt3wtV-a2ipafR1XxjEfXBFhS0D2DFYxq92up0h7p8ecufConnect with Ciara
Instagram — follow her journey, business insights & behind-the-scenes - Instagram Browera - https://www.instagram.com/browera/ -
Send us Fan Mail
Sometimes life still looks completely normal on the outside… but internally something has shifted.
In this solo episode, I’m talking about the quieter signs that often appear before a change in career, pace, identity, or priorities — the things many women feel before they fully understand what is happening.
This isn’t about dramatic reinvention.
It’s about recognising what keeps returning, what feels heavier than it used to, and why uncertainty often shows up before clarity does.If you’ve been questioning things quietly, this episode may feel very familiar.
In this episode:
The subtle signs life may be asking you to change Why certainty rarely comes first How heaviness can be useful information Why small moves often matter more than big plans The truth about identity wobble during growth Why pace change can matter more than career change How to trust what keeps returning00:00 Why change often starts quietly
00:24 The subtle signs many women overlook
01:10 Why questioning your life matters
01:36 Sign one: don’t wait for certainty
02:34 When heaviness is information
03:55 Starting before confidence arrives
04:48 Why quiet building matters
05:41 Let values lead before titles
07:42 Identity wobble is normal
08:32 Small experiments create movement
09:29 Sometimes it’s pace, not career
10:37 Most people feel less certain than they look
11:49 Trust what keeps returning
13:10 Why your next chapter may already be beginningMy website : https://www.christina-byrne.com/
-
Send us Fan Mail
This week on The Mothering Project, I’m joined by Thy Nguyen /Monzo for a really honest conversation about identity, motherhood, and what happens when life asks you to begin again in a different way than you expected.
Thy shares her journey from running a yoga studio to stepping into work that looked very different, navigating motherhood, the pressure of business ownership, and the emotional reality of closing something she had once poured so much of herself into.
We talk about what COVID shifted — practically and personally — and the way motherhood can bring both clarity and conflict: what matters, what no longer fits, and how hard it can be to hear your own voice underneath the noise of everyday life.
There’s also a powerful conversation around mental load, self-awareness, and the invisible work women often carry — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.
What I loved most in this conversation is Thy’s honesty: about not getting it right all the time, about learning through change, and about giving yourself permission to evolve without guilt.
This episode is for anyone who has ever felt themselves changing and wondered what to hold onto — and what they may need to let go of 💛🎙️
Thy - Yoga https://www.instagram.com/yogawiththy/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVhzv0ICVaR/?igsh=eWRtZGpoNnVoc2Uy
-
Send us Fan Mail
Some conversations stay with you because they hold both strength and softness at the same time — and this is one of them.
In this episode, Carla shares the story behind leaving corporate life, backing herself, and building a Pilates business that reflects not just ambition, but who she was becoming underneath it all.
We talk about the courage it takes to begin again — professionally, personally, and emotionally — and how life can ask us to keep evolving even when we would rather stay certain.
Carla speaks openly about opening a studio during COVID, navigating pressure, motherhood, relationships, leadership, and the quieter inner shifts that often happen alongside visible success.
There is something deeply relatable in this conversation for any woman who has ever questioned whether she is allowed to want more, change direction, or rebuild parts of her life without apology.
It is a conversation about resilience, yes — but also identity, self-trust, and learning that growth often asks us to let old versions of ourselves soften.
In this episode we explore:
Leaving corporate life and backing yourself Building a business through uncertainty Motherhood and ambition sitting side by side Divorce, relationships, and personal evolution Leadership and holding space for others Why self-care often looks simple, not perfect Creating a business that feels aligned with who you are nowA few moments that stayed:
“I back myself to give everything a go.”
“Marriage is a chapter, not a failure.”
“Walking is my daily self-care ritual.”Connect with Carla:
Carla Instagram - Instagram
Hiit Pilates - Instagram
HIIT Pilates Studio | Reformer Pilates Sydney
And in case any of you listening want a change of life or career, See this amazing Pilates Reformer Course.
Reformer Pilates Teacher Training | HIIT Pilates Academy (Online & In-Studio) — HIIT Pilates Studio
-
Send us Fan Mail
Sometimes life can look completely normal on the outside… while internally, something is quietly shifting.
In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on that kind of season — the one where change is happening, but not always in ways other people can see yet.
I share a little of what this season has felt like for me: building the podcast, growing my work, getting clearer on what I want to create, and learning to trust what is forming even when there is not yet obvious proof.
Because not every meaningful shift arrives with dramatics.
Sometimes the strongest change happens quietly — in ordinary weeks, small decisions, and moments where you begin to trust yourself differently.
If you are in a season where something feels like it is moving, even if life still looks the same, this episode is for you.
Key Topics
what quiet change can feel like before anything looks different externallybuilding something before you fully know what it will becometrusting your own timingthe role values play when life feels uncertainallowing identity to evolve without forcing itTakeaways
Change often begins long before it becomes visibleYou do not always get proof straight away that something is workingInternal clarity matters just as much as external progressQuiet seasons can still be deeply productiveI would really like if you haven't already if you liked and shared with anyone who you think would enjoy it!
-
Send us Fan Mail
Before you read the show notes, I wanted to say a HAPPY St Patricks Day to all!
In this thoughtful and honest conversation, I sit with Julie Parker — founder of Beautiful You Coaching Academy — to explore the many transitions women navigate across motherhood, work, identity, and wellbeing.
Julie shares her own journey from social work into life coaching, reflecting on what led her to build a successful coaching academy and the values that have shaped both her business and life along the way.
Together, we discuss the realities of balancing motherhood with ambition, the often-overlooked intersection of menopause and modern womanhood, and why support systems matter so deeply when women are building something meaningful.
This episode also explores the power of coaching as a space for accountability, reflection, and growth — particularly during seasons of change — and the importance of understanding your core values when making decisions about work, family, and the life you want to create.
A grounded and generous conversation about growth, freedom, and the reminder that you do not have to do it alone.
In this episode:
Julie’s path from social work into coachingBuilding a coaching business through trust and relationshipsMotherhood, menopause, and identity shiftsWhy core values matter in life and businessDaily wellbeing and personal ritualsSupport, partnership, and sustainable ambitionA few standout moments:
✨ “It’s all about relationship building.”
✨ “Find out your core life values.”
✨ “You don’t have to do it alone.”Beautiful You - Instagram
Website: Home - Beautiful You Coaching Academy
Linked in - Julie - Julie Parker | LinkedIn
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection
02:53 Navigating Womanhood:
Menopause and Motherhood 06:06
The Journey to Life Coaching 08:57 Building a Coaching Academy 11:54
The Evolution of Coaching and Client Relationships 14:56 The Importance of Authenticity in Coaching 17:48
Finding Balance and Freedom in Life 20:55
Self-Care Practices and Wellbeing 28:26
Morning Rituals and Spiritual Practices 33:58
Balancing Motherhood and Business 40:01
The Importance of Support Systems 43:36 Chasing Dreams and Core Values
-
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, I sit down with Sorcha Hunter, founder of Hunter Labour Hire, a successful business operating in the construction and labour hire industry — a space traditionally dominated by men.
Sorcha shares the real, behind-the-scenes experience of building and running a business in a demanding industry. From managing staff and navigating client expectations to handling the inevitable curveballs that come with business, she speaks openly about the moments that once caused stress and overwhelm.
As a female founder in a male-dominated field, Sorcha has worked hard to establish credibility, stay ahead of industry demands, and continually adapt. We talk about the practical things she has done to keep up — developing strong problem-solving skills, learning to stay calm under pressure, and building strong relationships in her industry.
Alongside running Hunter Labour Hire, Sorcha is also the founder of SOS Mentors, a mentoring initiative that supports start-ups and emerging business owners by sharing practical knowledge and guidance drawn from her own business journey.
Sorcha is also a mother, navigating the unpredictability that comes with raising a family while running a company. That experience brings a different kind of perspective to leadership — one grounded in patience, adaptability, and resilience.
A big part of Sorcha’s ability to stay steady is how she looks after herself. She shares how prioritising self-care through yoga and gym training helps her regulate stress, maintain energy, and stay clear-headed when challenges arise.
Over time, the moments that once caused “freak-outs” have become opportunities to pause, learn, and respond with calm and confidence.
This conversation explores how resilience is built — not through perfection, but through experience, self-awareness, and the willingness to keep showing up.
About Sorcha
Sorcha Hunter is the founder of Hunter Labour Hire, a thriving labour hire business operating within the construction industry.
As a female founder in a male-dominated sector, Sorcha has built a reputation for strong leadership, practical problem solving, and resilience in the face of business challenges.
She is also the founder of SOS Mentors, where she supports start-ups and early-stage business owners through mentoring and guidance based on real-world experience.
Alongside her business ventures, Sorcha is a mother and prioritises self-care through practices such as yoga and regular gym training, helping her maintain balance, perspective, and resilience in both business and life.
What We Talk About
• Building a business in a male-dominated industry
• Managing staff and team dynamics
• Navigating client challenges and setbacks
• Balancing motherhood and leadership
• The mindset needed to stay calm in business
• Supporting new entrepreneurs through SOS Mentors
• The role of self-care, yoga, and fitness in sustaining resilienceYou can find Sorcha HLH- Instagram SOS Mentors - Instagram
Linked in : Sorcha Hunter | LinkedIn ; HLH Group | Hunter Labour Hire: Posts | LinkedIn
Website : Labour Hire & Construction Recruitment Agency Sydney
-
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode I explore something that sits quietly underneath so many of the things we want to do in life — the fear of being seen.
It’s not always the fear of failure that stops us. Often it’s the fear of judgement. The moment we put an idea, a project or our voice out into the world and wonder what people might think.
I share some reflections on what this has looked like for me while starting this podcast — the internal conversations, the courage it takes to press publish, and why visibility can feel so uncomfortable.
My whole career has been centred around people — understanding the human side of leadership, work and life — and this podcast is really an extension of that curiosity.
This episode is an honest conversation about visibility, authenticity, and what it takes to move forward even when the fear is still there.
Keywords
fear of being seen, visibility, podcasting, authenticity, personal growth, courage, overcoming fear, self-expression, leadership, motherhood, becoming
Key Topics
• The fear of being seen and judged
• Why visibility can feel uncomfortable
• What actually goes into starting a podcast
• Pressing publish and embracing vulnerability
• Authenticity and the human side of growth
• Practical ways to move through visibility fearsTakeaways
• The fear of being seen is often about vulnerability rather than failure.
• Starting something visible requires courage.
• Remembering your deeper purpose can help you move through self-doubt.
• Not everyone will understand what you're building — and that’s OK.
• Taking small steps builds confidence over time.
• Pressing “publish” is often the hardest step, but it’s also where growth begins.Chapters
00:00 Introduction — The quiet fear of visibility
00:40 Why being seen can feel uncomfortable
01:55 A moment where I felt that fear
03:20 Why I started this podcast
06:20 What it really takes to start a podcast
08:40 The courage it takes to press publish
10:10 What I’ve loved about creating the podcast
12:10 How I move through the fear of being seen
15:20 Becoming comfortable with visibility
16:45 Final reflectionMy Website - Home | The Human Project
Instagram : (1) Instagram
-
Send us Fan Mail
In this conversation, Tara and I explore the tension so many ambitious mothers feel — wanting to build something meaningful, while also wanting to be present.
We talk about failed starts, redefining success, building flexibility on purpose, and the emotional reality of growing a business alongside a family. Tara shares how she’s learned to prioritise self-care, lean into support networks, and build boundaries without apology.
This episode is really about becoming — who you’re becoming as a leader, a mother, and a woman — and how to do that without burning yourself out.
Key Topics
The journey from failed careers to business ownershipWhy support networks and mentorship matterWork-life integration vs. work-life balanceLeadership as a motherSelf-care as a non-negotiableThe future vision for Kindred and community impactKey Frameworks Discussed
The Power of Support NetworksWork-Life Integration StrategiesSelf-Care as Leadership PracticeAction Takeaways
Take time to consciously envision your career and life before making major changes.Build boundaries early — and don’t apologise for them.Start small with self-care. It doesn’t have to be grand to be powerful.Seek mentorship and community — success is rarely solo.Where you can find Tara!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarakindredppl/Instagram -
Send us Fan Mail
Christina explores burnout through a more nuanced lens — not as dramatic collapse, but as quiet self-abandonment. She unpacks how identity tied to capability, over-functioning, and subtle internal misalignment erode self-trust over time.
Through personal reflection on motherhood, ambition, and her quiet shift into self-employment, Christina reframes boundaries as an act of self-respect rather than selfishness — and invites listeners to examine where they may be overriding themselves.
This episode challenges high-functioning women to reconsider what they’re calling burnout — and whether it’s actually boundary erosion.
burnout, boundaries, self-trust, identity, motherhood, over functioning, high-achieving women, guilt, self-abandonment, work-life alignment, emotional resilience
Instagram
https://www.christina-byrne.com/
Key Topics
Burnout as moral and identity friction — not just exhaustionThe link between capability identity and overcommitmentMotherhood guilt and endlessly available patternsBoundary erosion as a slow loss of self-trustWhy changing environments doesn’t fix internal misalignmentUntangling worth from performancTakeaways
Burnout isn’t always collapse — it’s often quiet resentment and internal misalignment.High-functioning women override themselves in socially acceptable ways.Identity tied to being “capable” can drive chronic overcommitment.Guilt is often the discomfort of holding a boundary — not proof you’re wrong.Endlessly available is not the same as emotionally attuned.Every time you override your own “no,” you weaken self-trust.Real change begins when you stop negotiating with yourself. -
Send us Fan Mail
**** This conversation was recorded before Fionnuala’s little bub arrived — in that tender, anticipatory season before motherhood expands again. It’s a beautiful listen knowing what was on the horizon, and we’ll be recording a Part 2 to reflect on the lived reality once she’s in it.****
What happens when you stop ignoring the inner nudge and finally trust it?
In this episode, I sit down with Fionnuala to explore the real edges of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and identity. This is an honest conversation about pivoting from corporate life, building a soulful business, and learning to honour your energy through changing seasons.
No hustle narrative. No perfection. Just truth.
In This Episode We Explore:
Trusting your intuition when logic feels louderBuilding boundaries that protect your energy and prevent burnoutStructuring your business around seasons — including pregnancy and maternity leaveReleasing guilt around rest and self-investmentWhy mentorship and community are essential, not optionalThe role of shadow work and mindset in sustainable growthMoving from grind to grace in business and lifeThe power of retreats and in-person connectionEntrepreneurship isn’t just strategy.
It’s nervous system work.
It’s identity work.
It’s season work.If you’re a mum navigating transition — or a woman feeling the pull toward something new — this conversation will meet you there.
Timestamps
00:00 – Listening to the inner voice
02:04 – Fionnuala’s journey into entrepreneurship
05:15 – Trusting purpose over traditional work
08:14 – Boundaries and avoiding burnout
12:29 – The importance of mentorship and community
17:55 – Growth through entrepreneurship
20:42 – Shadow work and mindset shifts
23:11 – Advice for aspiring mama entrepreneurs
27:50 – Preparing your business for maternity leave
31:10 – Retreats, community, and future plans in Ireland
37:11 – Transitioning out of corporate
41:22 – Embracing seasons and staying grounded
47:24 – Closing reflectionsYou can find Fionnuala - Instagram , Instagram
-
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The Mothering Project, I talk about the mental load — the unseen, ongoing thinking that keeps homes, families, and workplaces running.
Not just the tasks. But the anticipation. The remembering. The emotional temperature-checking.The part that rarely gets acknowledged.
I share some of my own experiences — from early motherhood to returning to work — and explore why this kind of invisible responsibility is so exhausting. We look at how easily it becomes internalised as “I should be coping better,” when in reality, it’s sustained responsibility without relief.
This conversation also touches on the cultural layer — why mental load disproportionately sits with women, and why naming it matters.
Nothing here needs fixing.
But it might help to hear it said out loud.• Mental load isn’t just tasks — it’s anticipation and emotional management.
• It’s not about who does more, but who carries the thinking.
• When your brain is always scanning, it never truly rests.
• Exhaustion doesn’t mean weakness — it often means responsibility without relief.
• Irritability and numbness can be signals, not personality flaws.
• Naming what you’re carrying reduces shame.
• You don’t need to optimise harder — you need your inner world taken seriously.
• Making the invisible visible can shift relationships and self-blame.
• This isn’t just personal — there are structural and cultural layers at play.
• Noticing what you carry is the first small act of change. - Visa fler
