The Happy Mama Movement with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz
Motherhood changes us. As the generation who were told we could do anything and be anything we want to be, accepting the changes that come with motherhood can be very difficult.This podcast is a collection of stories of matrescence, motherhood, womanhood and change, told by our Mama Rising coaches and mothers around the globe. Through our stories and community, we hope that the wisdom of the rite of passage of matrescence spreads far and wide, and that we can begin to change the way we see, value and support ALL mothers everywhere. Because we really need it. Hosted on...
#310 | HOW TO ACTUALLY EMBODY SELF-COMPASSION | WITH BELINDA HAAN
Welcome to this episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
Today, I’m joined by mindfulness teacher and founder of The Compassion Project, Belinda Haan. With warmth and honesty, Belinda shares how perfectionism and self-doubt marked her early motherhood years—and how compassion, not criticism, became her most powerful tool.
We talk about:
Unrealistic BeginningsHow the "Huggies ad" version of motherhood left Belinda isolated, ashamed, and exhausted in her early years as a mum.
The Deepest RegretWhy self-criticism is often the harshest parenting voice in our heads—and ho...
#309 | TAKE THE MIC | WITH DR. ANGELE CLOSE
Welcome to this soulful and deeply honest episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
In today’s solo Mama Rising story, we hear from Dr. Angele Close — clinical psychologist, author, and motherhood coach — as she shares her personal matrescence journey.
What began with the excitement of becoming a mother to three children unfolded into a deeply transformative path through burnout, grief, intergenerational trauma, and ultimately, healing.
We’re invited into her story — one filled with honesty, insight, and a reminder that we can parent with more compassion once we learn to extend that same...
#308 | WHY SUPPORTING THE MAMA IS WHAT NEURODIVERSE KIDS NEED | WITH STACEY ERIN
A fresh perspective for the overwhelmed mother
Welcome, dear listener, to another honest and heartfelt episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
Today, I’m joined by the remarkable Stacey Erin — Social Worker, Therapist, Coach and a fiercely loving mother who works with families navigating the social and emotional wellbeing of neurodivergent children. With deep compassion and no-nonsense wisdom, Stacey names the invisible weight so many mothers carry — and offers both fierce truth and tender support in return.
We talk about:
Why it’s not your fault —...#307 | MATERNAL ACTIVISM THROUGH OUR STORIES | WITH JAYDE KIRCHERT
Welcome to this soul-stirring episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
Today, I’m joined by Jayde Kirchert — mother, writer, director, and Artistic Director of Citizen Theatre. Jayde’s latest work Ripening explores the complex terrain of motherhood and birth through a bold, theatrical lens — and in this deeply honest conversation, she shares her own story of labour, loss, transformation, and creative awakening.
We discuss:
The Birth They Don’t Tell You AboutWhy honest preparation matters more than fear — and how education, mindset, and advocacy shaped Jayde’s birth experien...
#306 | PUTTING MOTHERHOOD ON YOUR RESUME | WITH GIFTY ENRIGHT
Redrawing the Lines: Boundaries, Worth, and the True Value of Motherhood
Welcome to this powerful new episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
Today, I’m joined by Gifty Enright — wellbeing and diversity expert, author, and internationally respected leadership coach. With her signature wit and wisdom, Gifty challenges the status quo and reminds us that the job of raising the next generation isn’t just important — it’s foundational to our entire society.
We talk about:
The Lines We Draw Define the Lives We Lead Why setting boundaries starts with self-worth...#305 | TAKE THE MIC | WITH CLAIRE HOLLOWAY
A Quiet Moment Together on The Happy Mama Movement Podcast
In this solo episode, we're joined by one of our incredible Mama Rising® Movement Facilitators, Claire Holloway—a devoted guide for women on the journey of matrescence and the founder of The Centre of Bright Beginnings. Claire opens her heart and shares her personal story of becoming a mother, what surprised her, what healed her, and how she now supports others navigating their own bright beginnings.
We talk about:
Shifting Expectations of Motherhood: When conception doesn’t come easily, even for those who’v...#304 | NAVIGATING GRIEF AND MOTHERHOOD | WITH ILANA YAHDAV
Welcome to The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
This week’s guest is Ilana Yahdav — a certified grief educator, storyteller, and advocate for reimagining our relationship with grief, especially during the profound identity shift of motherhood. In this deeply affirming conversation, we explore the powerful intersection between matrescence and grief, and how validating our emotions can lead to profound healing.
We talk about:
The transformative power of grief: Ilana shares how the loss of her father plunged her into a decade-long journey through grief, and how discovering grief recovery changed the course of her...#303 | EMOTIONAL FLOODING AND WHY WE EXPLODE | WITH GAYANE ARAMYAN
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
Today, I’m joined by Gayane Aramyan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health.
With warmth, wisdom, and lived experience, Gayane helps us explore what’s really happening beneath the surface of anger, conflict, and overwhelm in early parenthood and how we can begin to heal and reconnect.
We get deep into the weeds:
The Calling Shaped by Experience:How Gayane’s journey into therapy began in her teens, and how her early ex...
#302 | PARENTING CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE | WITH AMY MOLLOY
Welcome to this Light-filled episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by the remarkable Amy Molloy—an award-winning journalist, editor, author, and the creative force behind the hit podcast The Space, which has garnered over 6 million downloads. Amy's dedication to "words that move the world forward" has led her to craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
In Our Conversation, We Explore:
The Wisdom of Children: Reflecting on the emotional and spiritual sensitivity of the current generation of kids.Ways of supporting Sensitive Children: Ta...#301 | TAKE THE MIC | WITH MELISSA BLUM
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
In this heartfelt talk, Melissa Blum, the founder of Into Full Bloom, a coaching service dedicated to supporting mothers takes the mic and shares with us her story.
Melissa is a Mama Rising Facilitator, a soon-to-be certified life coach, an engineer, and a mother herself. She brings a rich blend of experience in environmental engineering, psychology, and grief work to her practice, helping mothers navigate both the joy and the loss that can come with motherhood.
Melissa discusses:
...#300 | THE GROWTH OF MATRESCENCE AWARENESSAND WHAT WE REALLY NEED | WITH AMY TAYLOR KABBAZ
300 Episodes of The Happy Mama Movement: A Reflection on Matrescence Awareness
Welcome to this very special episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast—our 300th episode!
I can hardly believe we've reached this milestone. It’s been an incredible journey, and today, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, how much the awareness of matrescence has grown, and what this means for mothers everywhere.
In This Episode, I Share:
The Journey to 300 Episodes – How this podcast started and the incredible conversa...#299 |THE GOOD MOTHER MYTH | WITH NANCY REDDY
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
Today, we’re joined by the wonderful Nancy Reddy—writer, poet, and writing teacher—whose work explores the often messy, complex realities of motherhood and creativity. Nancy’s first book of narrative nonfiction, The Good Mother Myth, is set to be published by St. Martin’s in January 2025. She’s also the author of three books of poetry, including Pocket Universe, and co-editor of The Long Devotion: Poets Writing Motherhood. Her writing dives into the truths behind the glossy myths we’re told about motherhood, and...
#297 | EMOTIONAL REGULATION IN MATRESCENCE | WITH KELLY THISTLETHWAITE
Welcome to The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Kelly Thistlethwaite, an experienced Somatic and Matrescence Coach, to explore the transformative journey of motherhood. Kelly shares her profound insights on navigating the emotional landscape of motherhood, healing from birth trauma, and the importance of nervous system regulation in fostering resilience and well-being.
We talk about:
The life-altering transformation that comes with Matrescence and how it reshapes identitySomatic approaches to emotional regulation and why they matter for mothersNavigating the complexities of birth trauma and perinatal loss with...#296 | REBUILDING YOUR IDENTITY AFTER POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS | WITH ARIANE BEESTON
Welcome to this week's episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
Today, I’m joined by the insightful and multi-talented Ariane Beeston. With a background as a child protection caseworker and psychologist, Ariane has dedicated her career to supporting families and advocating for maternal mental health. Her writing has appeared in publications like The Sydney Morning Herald, Daily Life, Babyology, and Mamamia, and she currently works as the communications and content manager for The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), Australia’s leading organization in perinatal mental health. Ariane is also a dancer, choreographer, and now, a published auth...
#295 | TAKE THE MIC | WITH REBECCA HOGAN
Today, Rebecca Hogan, The Confidently You coach, takes the mic.
Rebecca is on a mission to help mums rediscover themselves and reclaim their confidence. As well as being a wife, mum of one daughter and a Mama Rising coach, Rebecca is the co-host of the podcast Mumanist and author of the forthcoming book Me to We: The Confident Mum’s Guide to Motherhood, which is set for release in September 2025.Â
Her own journey of navigating burnout, and infertility, and experiencing and studying the challenges of modern day motherhood, led her to create the transformative “Free to Be...
#294 | WILD MOTHERING | WITH TAMI LYNN KENT
Welcome to this week’s enriching episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
Today, I am thrilled to be joined by Tami Lynn Kent, a pioneer in women’s health and empowerment, founder of Holistic Pelvic Care™, and the celebrated author of Wild Feminine, Wild Mothering, and Wild Creative. With a master’s degree in physical therapy and decades of experience working with thousands of women, Tami has dedicated her career to helping women connect with their creative and physical energy at all stages of life.
In this episode, we dive into:
The tran...#293 | THE POWER OF MATRESCENCE GATHERINGS | WITH LUCY EDGE
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
Today, we’re joined by Lucy Edge, a mother, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Mum Talks.
Lucy is a motherhood coach and Mother Circle facilitator dedicated to helping mums feel seen, heard, and supported through every stage of their journey.
We talk about:
The heartfelt story behind Mum Talks and Lucy’s drive to create a space where mums can thrive.How motherhood transformed Lucy’s perspective and inspired her to support other women.The importance of building communit...#292 | HOW CYCLE AWARENESS IS CHANGING THE WORLD FOR WOMEN | WITH ALEXANRDA POPE & SJANIE HUGO WURLITZER
Show Notes for Alexandra Pope & Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer
Welcome to this week’s transformative episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
Today, we’re joined by two revolutionary thinkers in women’s health and spirituality, Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, co-founders of Red School and co-authors of Wild Power and Wise Power. Together, they’re pioneering the field of menstruality, helping women unlock the hidden gifts of their menstrual cycles and navigate the profound transition of menopause with newfound authority and purpose.
We explore:
The groundbreaking concept...#291 | TAKE THE MIC | THE EXPECTATIONS OF LIFE AFTER BABIES | WITH KATHERINE HALE
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
Today, Katherine Hale, the inspiring founder of Thrive in Motherhood, takes the mic.
Katherine is on a mission to empower ambitious career women in early motherhood to reconnect with themselves, prioritize their well-being, and find harmony in their dual roles as professionals and mothers. Through her transformative “REACT” framework, Katherine helps women go from surviving to thriving in just eight weeks while also working with organizations to foster inclusive, supportive workplaces for mothers.
Katherine talks about:
Katherine’s complex journey...#290 | HOW TO HOLD ON TO HOPE, NO MATTER WHAT | WITH ALISON BEDER SOLWAY
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
Today we’re joined by Alison Beder Solway, an inspiring debut author, fitness expert, and founder of ABS Fitness.
Alison's work is built on the idea that hope is a conscious choice, one rooted in strength and resilience. With a background in environmental policy, teaching, and fitness, Alison brings a unique perspective to empowering women in both body and mind. Her debut memoir, The Miles We Run, offers readers a deeply personal look at her journey navigating surrogacy, fertility, and marathon training—all ex...
#289 | WHAT TRADITIONAL CULTURAL PRACTICES CAN TEACH US AS NEW MAMAS | WITH SHRADHA BIYANI
Welcome to The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
Today’s episode brings a truly insightful conversation with Shradha Biyani, an editor, book writing coach, and the visionary founder of Tashi Press. With her unique blend of journalism training and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Harvard University, Shradha helps writers articulate impactful narratives. She has worked with numerous publishing houses, including Pan Macmillan, Westland Books, and Penguin Random House, and her workshops and coaching embody her passion for storytelling, language, and the power of shared human experiences.
We talk about:
A Pyra...#288 | THE CESAREAN EPIDEMIC AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR US | WITH RACHAEL SOMERSTEIN
Welcome back, Mamas, to this week's episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
Today, we're joined by Rachel Somerstein, a powerhouse in maternal health journalism and the author of Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section. Combining personal stories, investigative research, and historical insights, Rachel’s work seeks to drive essential conversations around c-sections and maternal health.
We in-depth on:
The ups and downs: in her motherhood journeyThe Unseen Side of C-Sections: Rachel shares the profound and often overlooked realities surrounding cesarean sections, which are the most fr...#286 | TAKE THE MIC: HOW MATRESCENCE SUPPORTS OUR DAUGHTERS | WITH JADE ESTELLE
Welcome to another empowering episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
In today’s session, we’re diving deep into the sacred feminine journey with the wonderful Jade Estelle.
Jade is a Feminine Space Holder and Rites of Passage Coach, specializing in menstruation, matrescence, and menopause.
She brings a beautiful and restorative approach to embracing the feminine, and today we explore her work in guiding women of all ages to reconnect with themselves and honour their life cycles.
Here’s what we cover:
The Power of Rites of Passag...#285 | MAKING THE MOTHERSHIFT | WITH JESSIE HARROLD |
Welcome to another heartfelt episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
Today, I’m thrilled to dive into a meaningful conversation with Jessie Harrold. Jessie has dedicated over fifteen years to guiding women through profound transformations and life’s pivotal rites of passage. As a coach, doula, and author, her insights are bound to resonate with mothers at every stage of their journey.
We explore:
The Transition to Motherhood: Jessie unpacks the concept of matrescence and how it redefines motherhood as a rite of passage.The MotherSHIFT : Learn about Jessie’s experience around...#284 | MATRESCENCE WITH A NEURODIVERSE DIAGNOSIS | WITH NICOLE AMERY
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
This week’s guest is Nicole Amery.
With over 20 years of experience as a registered Occupational Therapist, Nicole is a Motherhood Coach who specializes in supporting neurodivergent families. She is passionate about helping mothers and caregivers as they navigate the unique challenges of raising neurodivergent children.
We talk about:
The importance of supporting mothers in neurodivergent families and how this positively impacts the child.Nicole's personal experiences as an autistic mother and how it informs her...#283 | RAISING GIRLS WHO LIKE THEMSELVES | WITH KASEY EDWARDS
Welcome back, Mamas to The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!
This week’s guest is Kasey Edwards, a leading Australian columnist and bestselling author known for her insightful and humorous takes on parenting, work satisfaction, and body image. Kasey’s work has reached over 10 million readers worldwide, making her a powerful voice for women and girls everywhere.
We talk about:
The importance of raising girls who like themselves – How building self-worth and confidence in young girls sets them up for success in life.Work satisfaction and finding purpose – Kasey shares her personal journey of feeli...#282 | TAKE THE MIC | HEALING MY OWN INNER CRITIC THROUGH MATRESCENCE | WITH KELLEY PICKETT
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
This week’s guest is Kelley Pickett, a Registered Psychologist, Meditation Teacher, and Mama Rising Coach, dedicated to helping mothers understand themselves and thrive through holistic mental health practices.
She shares with us:
The Importance of Self-Awareness: Kelley shares how tools and practices can help mothers understand who they are and why they feel certain ways, leading to personal growth and empowerment.Navigating Stress and Anxiety: Kelley discusses how recognizing emotions and thought patterns can prevent burnout and support healing, part...#281 | HONOURING AND MOVING MATERNAL RAGE | WITH AMY TAYLOR KABBAZ
Welcome to this week’s solo episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
In today’s episode, I dive deep into a powerful and often unspoken experience of motherhood: maternal rage and anger. As mothers, we can feel a sense of overwhelming responsibility and crushing pressure, and yet, so often, we are not acknowledged or supported in the ways we truly need.
But there is a way through planning and care.
We explore:
What maternal rage really is, and how it differs from typical frustration or stress.Why mothers are so o...#280 | WHY IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT YOU FEEL THIS WAY | WITH ERIN SPAHR
Welcome back, Mama's, to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
This week’s guest is Erin Spahr, a licensed therapist, maternal mental health advocate, and podcast host based in Raleigh, NC, who uses a feminist lens in her work to help mothers break free from societal pressures and cultivate self-compassion.
We get serious about:
The impact of societal expectations on mothers' mental health.How feminism can be a tool for navigating motherhood with more confidence.The importance of inclusivity and identity-affirming care for mothers.Erin’s journey through mother...#279 | NAVIGATING SECOND MARRIAGES AND A NEW MATRESCENCE | WITH SOPHIA PALLAS
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.
This week’s guest is Sophia Pallas, an astrologer, copywriter, and online business strategist who pivoted her entire career to focus on the ancient practice of astrology after discovering its profound impact on her life.
Sophia and I get into the nitty-gritty on:
How astrology helped Sophia find clarity and direction during a challenging period in her life.The transformative power of understanding your birth chart in both personal and business decisions.Sophia’s journey through motherhood, divorce, a second marria...#278 | TAKE THE MIC | FOSTERING A CULTURE THAT HONORS THE RESILIENCE OF MOTHERS | WITH DUSK LINEY
Welcome to this week’s episode of 'The Happy Mama Movement Podcast'.
This week’s guest is Dusk Liney, a trauma-sensitive birth doula and Mama Rising Facilitator.
Dusk shares with us:
How her personal experience led to the creation of 'Dear Dusk.'The transformative power of understanding matrescence, especially for survivors of trauma.Unique challenges faced by mothers who are survivors of sexual assault.The importance of trauma-sensitive maternal care.Her vision for a culture that honors the resilience of mothers.I hope you find this conversation insightful.
#277 | MANAGING THE MENTAL LOAD | WITH DR ROBYN MILLER
Welcome to this week’s episode of the Happy Mama Movement podcast.
This week’s guest is Dr. Robyn Miller, a medical doctor and founder of The Mental Load Project, who is dedicated to helping mothers share the mental load that leads to exhaustion, resentment, and overwhelm.
We talk about:
How the mental load affects mothers and their well-being.The social conditioning that leads women to take on invisible, emotional labor.Practical strategies for sharing the mental load with partners.The importance of equality at home in achieving equality in the workplace and...#276 | REDEFINING SUCCESS AND COMPETITION THROUGH MOTHERHOOD | WITH SAM AND SARAH
Welcome to this week’s episode of the Happy Mama Movement podcast.
This week’s guests are Sarah de Boer and Samantha Sutherland. Sarah is a Facilitator, Marketer, Matrescence Advocate, and mother of two, who co-founded Beyond the Break to address the barriers women face in the workplace and help organizations meet their gender equity goals. Samantha is a diversity and inclusion expert focusing on gender equity in Australia, aiming to create a world that works for working women and enables every woman to have a fulfilling and joyful career.
We talk about:
#275 | LESSONS ON MOTHERHOOD FROM A MILLION+ DOWNLOADS | WITH ZOE BLASKEY
Welcome to this week’s episode of the Happy Mama Movement podcast.
This week’s guest is Zoe Blaskey, a mum of two, qualified transformational coach, and Founder of Motherkind.
This week we talk deeply on:
I hope...
#274 | TAKE THE MIC | OVERCOMING POSTNATAL DESPRESSION AND SUPPORTING LOCAL MAMAS | JODIE ABRAHAM
Welcome to this week’s episode of the Happy Mama Movement podcast.
This week’s "TAKE THE MIC" guest is Jodie Abraham, a Nutrition, Health, and Wellness Coach, a certified Mama Rising Facilitator, and a Women’s Health and Hormones Coach.
Jodie shares with us:
We hope you get something out of this week's episode. Check the links below...
#273 | THE UNEXPECTED MAGIC OF CARING FOR OTHERS | WITH ELISSA STRAUSS
Welcome to this week’s episode of the Happy Mama Movement podcast.
This week’s guest is a writer who has been exploring the politics and culture of parenting and caregiving for more than fifteen years.
The marvelous Elissa Strauss.
We cover a lot of ground, including:
Insights from her book,'The unexpected magic of caring for others'How we can inspire a new culture and conversations.The intersection of motherhood and cultural criticism.The effect of cultural programming on today’s society.Balancing professional life with family responsibilities.I...
#272 | A NEW APPROACH TO MOTHER'S GROUPS | WITH COURTNEY WHITTLE
Welcome to this week’s episode of the Happy Mama Movement podcast.
This week’s guest is Courtney Whittle, a motherhood support facilitator and the founder of The Georges River Motherhood Network.
We explore:
Courtney’s journey in overcoming Postpartum Depression and Anxiety.How to concept of Matrescence changed everything for her and what she sees is possible for othersHow Courtney founded The Georges River Motherhood Network and it's big missionThe gaps in support services for new mothers and how to fill themThe importance of community and support for maternal mental healthHer vision...#271 | HOW DO WE DO THIS WHEN WE HAVE NO EXAMPLES AROUND US? | WITH GABRIELLE NANCARROW
Welcome to this week’s episode of the Happy Mama Movement podcast.
This week’s guest is Gabrielle, the mother of three beautiful children, an author, a doula, and the founder of Gather, a space and community for women in Melbourne, Australia.
We talk about:
How we can support families through conception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.The importance of creating and nurturing community spaces for women.Insights from Gabrielle’s journey as an author and doula.The challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood and professional passions.How we can make a positive impact...#270 | BECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH THE TYPE OF WORKING MOTHER YOU ARE | WITH VICKY WREN
How do we make peace with the type of mother we want to be when we also crave our careers or our own ambitions and dreams?
That's exactly what this week's podcast is all about when Amy speaks with Vicky Wren, a mother of three, an accountant with over 20 years of experience, a Mama Rising Facilitator and Coach, and a soon-to-be-published co-author in the book “Working Mothers Inspiring Others.”
In this episode, we discuss:
- the eye-opening moment she came face-to-face with the concepts within Matrescence.
- the cultural impa...
#269 | ALCOHOL, MOTHERHOOD, AND THE PROMISE OF WINE O'CLOCK | WITH SARAH RUSBATCH
Welcome to this week’s episode of the Happy Mama Movement podcast.
This week’s guest is Sarah Rusbatch, a multi-award-winning Health and Wellbeing Coach, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach, and a menopause coach.
We talk about:
- How Sarah's journey to sobriety began and the impact it had on her life.
- The importance of understanding and addressing grey area drinking.
- Key strategies for women to create and live their best alcohol-free lives.
- The role of community and support in achi...
