Down The Well

Season 4 Episode 1 | The Devouring Mother: Why Our Children Need Us to Become Less Necessary

What happens when a mother's love becomes tangled with her need to be needed?

In this episode of Down The Well, Elle explores The Devouring Mother, the shadow side of the caregiver archetype that emerges when protection becomes control, sacrifice becomes martyrdom, and devotion makes it difficult to let our children grow.

Through psychology, mythology, and honest reflections on her own motherhood, Elle challenges the modern ideal of the "good mother" and asks whether our efforts to prevent every...

Want to work with Elle? (Life Coaching) 🔗 ellerowley.com Season 3 Episode 9 | The 3 Stages of Caregiving in Motherhood

In this episode, Elle explores the caregiver archetype and the three levels of development that shape how we love, give, and grow in motherhood.

From overgiving and burnout to boundaries, empowerment, and generative care, this conversation offers a new lens on what it means to care for others without losing yourself.

Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop

🔗 Elle's Links: https...

Want to work with Elle? (Life Coaching) 🔗 https://paperbell.me/elle-rowley#packagestarpk

S3 E8 | The 3 Pillars of an Unshakable Mindset (For the Hard Days of Motherhood)

In this episode, Elle shares the 3 pillars of an indomitable mindset — a framework for building resilience, clarity, and purpose in the middle of real life.

Through the lens of Meaning, Belief, and Action, she explores how the way you interpret your life shapes how you experience it — and how intentional mindset shifts can help you navigate motherhood, challenge, and growth with greater strength and alignment.

From de...

Want to work with Elle? (Life Coaching) 🔗 https://paperbell.me/elle-rowley#packagestarpk

S3 E7 | Maiden → Mother → Matriarch: The Map No One Gave Us

In this episode, Elle explores a framework that brings clarity to the often confusing experience of becoming a woman: maiden, mother, matriarch.

Drawing from psychology, myth, and scripture, she reframes the disorientation many women feel — especially in motherhood — not as failure, but as initiation into a deeper identity.

From the maiden’s search for meaning, to the mother’s transformation through sacrifice, to the matriarch’s emergence as a source of wisdo...

Want to work with Elle? (Life Coaching) 🔗 https://paperbell.me/elle-rowley#packagestarpk Season 3 Episode 6 | Letters from Down the Well: Finding Yourself After Motherhood (Postpartum, Identity & Overwhelm)

In this episode, Elle introduces Letters from Down the Well — a new series where real questions from women and mothers open the door to honest, transformative conversations.

From postpartum identity and overwhelm to marriage, mom guilt, and breaking generational cycles, Elle offers a grounded reminder:

You’re not failing — you’re becoming.

If you’ve felt lost, stretched, or unsure of who you are in th...

Want to work with Elle? (Life Coaching) 🔗 https://paperbell.me/elle-rowley#packagestarpk Season 3 Episode 5 | Reclaiming the Table: Why Gathering Matters In this episode of Down The Well, Elle Rowley sits down with cookbook author and Recipe Club founder Kelsey Nixon for an honest conversation about why gathering around the dinner table matters. Kelsey shares childhood memories, her personal journey through motherhood and loss, and practical tips for reclaiming family dinner—even when life is busy or imperfect.

Together, they bust the myth of “perfect” hosting, discuss the real reason dinner matters, and inspire listeners to embrace simple, meaningfu...

Schedule a free coaching consult [email protected] Season 3 Episode 4 | Break The Cycle of Overwhelm and Resentment In Motherhood

In this episode of Down The Well, Elle Rowley dives into the root causes of overwhelm and resentment in motherhood, revealing how the stories we tell ourselves can quietly define our experiences. Moving through scenarios of three mothers, Elle explores how old beliefs can keep us trapped.

Have you had any of these thoughts before?

“I am the only capable adult”

"A good mother never has limits"

"I ha...

Schedule a free coaching consult - [email protected] Season 3 Episode 3 | Who She Became After the Waiting — 5 Lessons From Leanne Morgan In this episode of Down The Well, Elle Rowley takes listeners on a journey through the inspiring life and career of comedian Leanne Morgan, celebrating her as a modern-day matriarch whose humor and wisdom are hard-earned and deeply relatable. Through stories of motherhood, late blooming success, and finding comedy in the chaos of everyday life, Elle Rowley distills five powerful lessons from Leanne Morgan's journey—including the transformative power of humor, the quiet strength of gentleness, and the myth...

Contact Elle, [email protected], to schedule a free coaching consult.

Sz 3 Ep 2 | What if losing yourself in motherhood was only the beginning of your real story?

In this powerful solo episode, Elle Rowley dives into the most common and painful experience shared by mothers everywhere: the feeling of disappearing into motherhood. Drawing wisdom from both her own journey and the collective voices of hundreds of moms, she unpacks the loneliness, exhaustion, and self-loss that so often come with parenting—and challenges the idea that these struggles are the end of your story.

Th...

Szn 3 Ep 1 | What if the biggest obstacle to joy isn’t your circumstances—but the stories you unknowingly tell yourself? In this season opener of Down The Well, Elle Rowley unpacks the true meaning of transformation, inviting listeners to bravely reexamine the narratives shaping their motherhood—and their lives. Through vulnerable storytelling and thought-provoking wisdom, Elle shares her own journey from feeling like “the party pooper” mom, always overshadowed by her husband’s fun energy, to intentionally rewriting her identity and rediscovering the magic she brought to the table. Whether you’re stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, feeling “blah” about mom...

Sz 2 Ep 15 | What if you could rewrite your story, and finally step into the life you’ve been hoping for?

In this end-of-year solo episode, Elle Rowley brings you her “25 Lessons from 2025”—equal parts practical wisdom and raw honesty. From the highs of parenting teenagers to the everyday struggles with self-judgment and comparison, Elle shares the insights she gained by analyzing her year with the help of ChatGPT (yes, really!) and looking back at how far she’s come.

This isn’t just about resolutions or superficial transformation. It’s about the deeper work of noticing where...

Sz 2 Ep 14 | What if emotional overwhelm isn't coming from your life circumstances—but from the sentences running through your mind?

In this intimate, practical conversation, Elle Rowley sits down with master coach Jody Moore to explore the roots of emotional suffering for mothers, especially in life's toughest seasons. Together, they bust the myth that overwhelm, anxiety, and guilt are caused by what’s happening outside of us, and instead reveal how our thoughts—and the judgments stacked on top of them—create our hardest moments.

Jody Moore shares how practicing self-compassion, curiosity, and letting go of perfe...

Sz 2 Ep 13 | What if the true power of motherhood isn’t just surviving the day-to-day—but embracing the descent, the grief, and the transformation that follows?

In this solo episode, Elle Rowley invites you to journey down the well of motherhood’s deepest myths, drawing wisdom from three iconic divine mothers: Mary (the mother of Christ), Demeter (Greek goddess), and Isis (Egyptian goddess). Through story and reflection, Elle reframes the narrative that so often reduces motherhood to mere busyness and duty, showing how our real growth comes when we allow ourselves to descend into uncertainty, pain, and myster...

Szn 2 Ep 12 | What happens when the life you imagined disappears—and you say yes to what’s next, one small step at a time?

In this deeply moving Portrait of a Matriarch episode, Elle sits down with Yvonne Sinclair, founder of Naru in Guatemala, whose story is part adventure, part quiet revolution.

Yvonne’s life began in London’s marketing world, where stability looked perfect from the outside. But when her family life didn’t unfold as planned, she found herself stepping into the unknown—first through solo travel in Egypt, and then, unexpectedly, in the rural mo...

Szn 2 Ep 11 | What if the next era of womanhood is actually the most powerful, joyful, and creative of all? In this heartfelt conversation, host Elle Rowley sits down with master coach Bev Aron to reimagine what it means to become the matriarch—not a martyr, but a woman rooted in wisdom, joy, and unwavering self-trust. Together, they explore how motherhood can be a journey of deep healing, not just for ourselves, but across generations. Bev Aron shares how her work as a coach was born out of her own transformation through motherhood, and why awareness—being a gentle observer of o...

Sz 2 Ep 10 | What if the greatest act of heroism isn't conquering the world—but creating a home worth returning to?

Elle explores the ancient art of homemaking as sacred work. Drawing from Homer's Odyssey, the Hero's Journey, and hospitality traditions spanning Greek xenia to Japanese omotenashi, she reveals how mothers and matriarchs don't just decorate spaces—they shape culture itself.

Elle breaks down six powerful elements of creating refuge: rhythm, presence, peace, cultivation, welcome, and spirit. Through personal stories—from her grandparents' healing weekly routines to a friend's mother finding peace while caring for a non-ve...

Sz 2 Ep 9 | What if the hardest part of motherhood isn't the emotion itself—but what we do to ourselves after we feel it?

In this solo episode, Elle unpacks one of the most invisible sources of suffering in motherhood: the pattern of feeling bad about feeling bad. She reveals how we take a natural human emotion—frustration, sadness, overwhelm—and then bury ourselves under layers of guilt, shame, and judgment.

This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending hard emotions don't exist. It's about learning to recognize when we're digging ourselves deeper into the well... and how to...

Sz 2 Ep 8 | Elle invites us to pause... to breathe... to stay for the exhale.

As the leaves turn and the holidays begin, she explores a deceptively simple yet profound concept: truly experiencing the moments we create. It's not about doing more—it's about being more present in what we're already doing.

Elle shares her journey from frantic holiday-maker to intentional memory-creator, offering a mini masterclass in emotional presence. She challenges us: Are we confusing participation with presence? Are we unconsciously fleeing from joy?

From yoga mats to dinner tables, Elle provides practical wisdom for...

Sz 2 Ep 8 | Elle sits down with her longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Andrea Faulkner Williams, to share real and heartfelt reflections on nurturing friendship through the busyness of motherhood.

Ever felt like you're drowning in the demands of life? You're not alone.

Elle and Andrea share raw, honest truths about:

• The tender challenges that shape motherhood

• Keeping friendships strong when life feels busy

• Championing each other's dreams

• Turning comparison into inspiration

Take a moment to laugh and cry along with Elle and Andrea as t...

Sz 2 Ep 6 | We have the pleasure of hearing from Lisa Marchiano for the second time on the Down The Well Podcast, a Jungian analyst and author of "Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself." Lisa and Elle peel back the layers of the "Good Mother" myth and dive deep into the transformative power of shadow work in motherhood.

Are you ready to confront the shadow side of mothering? To embrace the parts of yourself you've been told to hide?

Lisa reveals how the "good mother myth" sets impossible standards, leaving us feeling inadequate and disconnected from our...

Sz 2 Ep 5 | What if the transition to motherhood isn't just about diapers and sleepless nights... but a profound archetypal shift that reshapes your entire being?

In this soul-stirring episode, Elle dives deep into the often overlooked journey from maiden to mother. She peels back the layers of societal pressure, personal resistance, and the bittersweet beauty of this transformation.

Are you clinging to your "maiden" self even as you navigate motherhood? You're not alone.

This isn't just about having kids—it's about saying yes to a fuller, vaster version of yourself. Ready to step in...

Sz 2 Ep 4 | In this soul-stirring episode, Elle dives deep into the heart of modern motherhood's greatest paradox: How do we find wholeness in a role that seems to demand we shatter ourselves into a million pieces?

Drawing inspiration from Ann Morrow Lindbergh's timeless wisdom, Elle explores the concept of "Zerissinheit"—that torn-to-pieces feeling so many mothers know all too well. But here's the plot twist: What if fragmentation isn't our destiny, but our chrysalis?

Elle challenges the notion that mothers must sacrifice everything on the altar of caregiving. Instead, she offers a radical new vision: mo...

Sz 2 Ep 3 | Elle dives deep into the often-overlooked middle years of marriage with couples coach Natalie Clay. They explore the hidden treasures and challenges of long-term partnerships, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to truly grow together.

Are you feeling more like roommates than soulmates? Struggling with communication or emotional self-reliance? This episode can be your lifeline.

Natalie shares powerful insights on:

• The importance of emotional self-reliance (without losing connection)

• Transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth

• Embracing vulnerability as the key to deeper intimacy

It's time t...

Sz 2 Ep 2 | What if the key to unlocking your creative genius lies in the pages of a century-old novel?

In this episode, Elle Rowley shares another installment in her series of Portrait of a Matriarch. She takes us on a journey through the life of the matriarch, Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of Anne of Green Gables and unexpected mentor to generations of dreamers.

From Prince Edward Island's red-clay roads to the depths of personal struggle, we explore how Montgomery's resilience and creativity shaped a literary legacy that still resonates today.

Elle shares her 5...

Episode 13: What if the key to unlocking your creative genius lies in the pages of a century-old novel?

In this episode, Elle Rowley shares another installment in her series of Portrait of a Matriarch. She takes us on a journey through the life of the matriarch, Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of Anne of Green Gables and unexpected mentor to generations of dreamers.

From Prince Edward Island's red-clay roads to the depths of personal struggle, we explore how Montgomery's resilience and creativity shaped a literary legacy that still resonates today.

Elle shares her 5 favorite...

Sz 2 Ep 1 | What if motherhood isn't just about raising children, but a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation?

Elle is back with another season and starts us out with this soul-stirring episode, she dives deep into the concept of the "mother's hero's journey," inspired by Lisa Marchiano's groundbreaking work. She unravels the seven stages of this journey, from the initial call to adventure to the triumphant return—each step a potential for growth, challenge, and rebirth.

The 7 Stages Elle discusses:

1. Departure from ordinary world

2. The call to adventure

3. The de...

Sz 1 Ep 11 | In a world that feels increasingly fractured, overwhelmed, and chaotic—what if peace begins not with politicians, but with parents?

In this powerful episode, Elle explores how world peace starts at home. She draws a straight line between how we engage with our children and how we shape the future of our society. This is not about perfection—it’s about presence, intention, and radical gentleness.

🔔 Subscribe for more soul-grounded conversations from the edge of motherhood, identity, and becoming.

💬 Comment below: What does peace look like in your home? Timestamps:

04:38 - 3...

Sz 1 Ep 10 | What happens when your body changes… and the world doesn’t talk about it? In this honest episode, Elle speaks with Chelsea Etheridge, founder of Not Young, a supplement company geared towards women in perimenopause.

Chelsea shares how navigating perimenopause became the unexpected spark for personal transformation and the creation of her platform, Not Young. She opens up about aging, identity, and why the “maiden-obsessed” culture is due for a rewrite. Take a listen... Timestamps: 01:46 - Chelsea's story

09:05 - Story of Not Young

10:25 - Signs of perimenopause 16:16 - View on aging

19...

Sz 1 Ep 9 | Motherhood can feel like a storm—loud, chaotic, and completely overwhelming. But what if the key to peace isn’t fixing the storm... but learning how to stand still within it?

In this episode of Down the Well, Elle dives into six timeless Stoic principles that can transform the way you approach parenting. These lessons offer clarity, peace, and strength for the mother. Take a listen...

Timestamps:

01:22 - What is Stoicism

01:59 - Principle #1

04:40 - Principle #2

05:32 - Principle #3

06:15 - Principle #4

07...

Sz 1 Ep 8 | On the path of the mother's hero's journey, we are often confronted with challenges. As we strive to navigate these obstacles with open-heartedness, curiosity, and humility, sometimes we fall short and allow our emotions to take control. A certified life coach, Elle teaches proven and practical techniques for on-the-spot emotional regulation that will help any mom become the person she wants to be. Take a listen...

Timestamps:

00:21 - Understanding the Mother's Hero's Journey

01:26 - Challenges and Emotions in Motherhood

06:13  - Tools for Self-Coaching: The 1-2-3 A...

Sz 1 Ep 7 | Education is an essential part of parenting. Yet, the decision of how to best educate your children when you're down the proverbial well may feel overwhelming from the number of options, the best fit for each child, or frustration with your current situation. Elle speaks with Liz Black, an education specialist and consultant, about the benefits of homebased schooling. Take a listen...

Timestamps:

03:15 - why homeschool is gaining popularity

09:40 - homeschool vs. homebased education

14:06 - what and how to teach

15:43 - will my child...

Sz 1 Ep 6 | In our pursuit of a meaningful life, perhaps the answers we seek are found in the past. In this episode of Down The Well, Elle talks about the 5 life-changing lessons from the well known American matriarch, Grandma Moses. Find out how this humble woman led a life of pure inspiration. Take a listen...

Timestamps:

08:42 - Lesson #1

15:57 - Lesson #2

22:46 - Lesson #3

29:29 - Lesson #4

34:05 - Lesson #5

Down The Well Links:

Check out Down The Well on YouTube<...

Sz 1 Ep 5 | We are so afraid of aging - just think about all the anti-aging products, procedures, and plans. This cultural obsession with youthfulness is taking over the female journey of maiden to mother to matriarch. Elle discusses the importance of this journey and how each female archetype enlightens, inspires and helps us evolve as women. Take a listen...

Timestamps:

03:28 - The Maiden

06:58 - The Mother

16:33 - The Matriarch

Links:

Down The Well Links:

Check out Down The Well...

Sz 1 Ep 4 | The addiction to sugar is real. It affects how we think and feel. So, Elle and her family took on the challenge of one year without sugar. Listen to how they did it, the challenges, the benefits and more.

Links:

Down The Well Links:

Check out Down The Well on YouTube

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/miYICSde6Q4

Elle's Substack - substack.com/@ellerowley

Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley

Sz 1 Ep 3 | What is true self-care? What does it mean to a mother? On this episode of Down The Well, Elle explores the meaning of true self-care and not simply the distractions or indulgences that the world offers. Take a listen to the suggestions she gives mothers to help them live their best life.

Links:

Yoga Nidra Videos

The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality

Down The Well Links:

Check...

Sz 1 Ep 2 | Our first guest on Down The Well is Lisa Marchiano, a psychotherapist, Jungian analyst, and author. Lisa's work is the inspiration for this podcast as she discusses the mother's hero's journey, how it is connected to falling down a well and becoming a new person. Take a listen to this inspiring interview.

Timestamps:

01:17 - Lisa's background

03:03 - Falling down the well

08:15 - What is the hero's journey for a mother

14:40 - Difference between sacrifice and martyrdom

19:44 - The idea of the eternal...

Sz 1 Ep 1 | Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley, talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books.

Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better.

Learn more about your ad...