Episodes

  • Breaking Free from Perfectionism w/ Charlotte Grimmel

    Breaking Free from Perfectionism w/ Charlotte Grimmel
    Jun 3 2025
    In this conversation, Nina and Charlotte delve into the complexities of perfectionism, exploring its protective nature and how it often leads to procrastination. They discuss the impact of perfectionism on self-worth and inner dialogue, and provide practical steps for breaking the cycle of self-sabotage. The conversation also touches on parenting and how to nurture children without imposing perfectionist standards. 00:00: Understanding Perfectionism06:11: The Protective Nature of Perfectionism12:00: Procrastination and Perfectionism: A Vicious Cycle16:26: Breaking the Cycle: Practical Steps to Overcome Perfectionism24:50: Parenting and Perfectionism: Nurturing Without Pressure Charlotte Grimmel is a psychologist (MSc) and holistic business coach who works at the intersection of mindset, high-performance psychology, and strategy. She helps high-achieving entrepreneurs develop the internal clarity and capacity to grow the business they actually want—without relying on hype, hustle, or someone else’s playbook. Her work focuses on the mental models, emotional habits, and self-concepts that shape how we lead, make decisions, and show up in the world. Through her coaching practice and platform @themindfriend (195k+ followers), Charlotte turns deep psychological insight into practical tools for navigating visibility, leadership, and growth. Known for her direct yet compassionate approach, she helps people transform their relationship with their minds—rather than fighting against themselves. Episode Sponsor: Build the best summer ever with KiwiCo! Get $15 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/MAMKNOWS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Navigating your Child's Boredum w/ Dr. Cindy Hovington

    Navigating your Child's Boredum w/ Dr. Cindy Hovington
    May 27 2025
    In this conversation, Nina and Dr. Cindy explore the concept of boredom, particularly in the context of parenting. They discuss how societal pressures often lead parents to keep their children busy, which can hinder emotional development. Dr. Cindy emphasizes that boredom is an emotion that needs to be acknowledged and managed, rather than avoided. The discussion highlights the importance of allowing children to experience boredom as a means of fostering creativity and emotional regulation. They also provide practical strategies for parents to support their children in coping with boredom and understanding their emotions. In this conversation, Cindy and Nina explore the importance of scaffolding in learning and emotional reflection for children. They discuss how to manage boredom, the impact of technology on emotional regulation, and the significance of teaching coping skills. The dialogue emphasizes the need for parents to validate their children's feelings and revisit emotional experiences to foster better emotional intelligence and regulation. 00:00: The Challenge of Boredom05:01: Understanding Boredom as an Emotion10:02: Supporting Children Through Boredom15:01: Coping Mechanisms for Boredom20:11: Practical Strategies for Parents21:09: Understanding and Managing Boredom24:42: The Impact of Technology on Emotional Regulation27:28: Teaching Emotional Coping Skills30:43: Revisiting Emotions and Validating Feelings Dr. Cindy Hovington, a mom of three and Ph.D. in neuroscience, is the founder of Curious Neuron—an evidence-based platform dedicated to helping parents understand and regulate their emotions, so they can model healthy coping strategies for their children. She also hosts The Reflective Parenting Podcast, where she dives into the emotional challenges of parenthood with compassion and science-backed insights. Many of us grew up without learning how to manage stress or emotions effectively, and now, as parents, we face the difficult task of unlearning old patterns while trying to teach our kids something better. Curious Neuron bridges that gap, offering not just information about emotions, but real tools to build emotion regulation skills through its Reflective Parent Club. Start building your self-awareness today by grabbing one of our free resources! Episode Sponsor:Get started at factormeals.com/mamaknows50off and use code mamaknows50off to get 50 percent off plus FREE shipping on your first box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Navigating Secrecy v Privacy in Relationships w/ Dr. Alexandra Solomon

    Navigating Secrecy v Privacy in Relationships w/ Dr. Alexandra Solomon
    May 20 2025
    In this conversation, Nina and Dr. Alexandra Solomon explore the nuanced differences between secrecy and privacy in relationships, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication. They discuss how technology has changed relationship dynamics, the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior, and the necessity of understanding emotional needs in partnerships. The dialogue highlights the significance of approaching sensitive topics with curiosity rather than accusation, fostering a deeper connection between partners. In this conversation, Nina and Dr. Alexandra explore the complexities of vulnerability in relationships, the importance of understanding boundaries and privacy, and how healthy privacy can enhance intimacy. They discuss the significance of emotional safety and the need for couples to invest in connection and fun to maintain a strong relationship. The dialogue emphasizes self-awareness and the impact of past experiences on current relationships, providing insights into navigating challenges and fostering growth.00:00: Understanding Secrecy vs. Privacy in Relationships02:56: The Evolution of Relationship Dynamics06:00: The Impact of Technology on Trust08:56: Navigating Privacy and Secrecy11:55: Childhood Influences on Relationship Behavior15:11: Effective Communication in Relationships19:45: Navigating Vulnerability in Relationships24:43: Understanding Boundaries and Privacy28:31: The Role of Healthy Privacy in Intimacy35:55: Investing in Connection and Fun in RelationshipsAlexandra H. Solomon, PhD, is internationally recognized as one of today’s most trustedvoices in the world of relationships, and her framework of Relational Self-Awareness hasreached millions of people around the globe. A couple therapist, speaker, author, professor,podcast host, and media personality, Dr. Alexandra is passionate about translating cutting-edgeresearch and clinical wisdom into practical tools people can use to bring awareness, curiosity,and authenticity to their relationships. She is a clinician educator and a frequent contributor toacademic journals and research, and she translates her academic and therapeutic experience to the public through her popular and vibrant Instagram page, which has garnered over 200Kfollowers. She is an adjunct professor in the School of Education and Social Policy atNorthwestern University and is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice. Her hitpodcast, Reimagining Love, has reached listeners across the globe and features high-profileguests from the worlds of therapy, academia, and pop culture. She is the award-winning authorof Taking Sexy Back: How to Own Your Sexuality and Create the Relationships YouWant, Loving Bravely: 20 Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want,and Love Every Day: 365 Relational Self-Awareness Practices to Help Your Relationship Heal,Grow, and Thrive. You can visit her online at https://dralexandrasolomon.com/ and on Instagramat @dr.alexandra.solomon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Navigating catastrophic thinking anxiety w/ Carrie Howard

    Navigating catastrophic thinking anxiety w/ Carrie Howard
    May 13 2025
    In this conversation, Nina and Carrie delve into the complexities of catastrophic thinking and high functioning anxiety. Nina shares her personal experiences with catastrophic thoughts, particularly in her roles as a professional and a mother. Carrie, a therapist specializing in high functioning anxiety, explains the nature of this anxiety and how it manifests in seemingly successful individuals. They discuss the disconnect between external appearances and internal struggles, the mechanisms behind catastrophic thinking, and the roots of these thought patterns. The conversation also explores the differences between anticipatory anxiety and healthy preparation, providing insights into managing these feelings effectively. In this conversation, Nina and Carrie Howard delve into the complexities of catastrophic thinking, exploring its roots in fear and anxiety. They discuss how different individuals experience catastrophic thoughts in various situations and provide practical strategies for recognizing and managing these thoughts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of sitting with discomfort and uncertainty, as well as offering support to loved ones who may struggle with anxiety. Carrie shares valuable techniques for grounding oneself and fostering a sense of safety, ultimately encouraging listeners to cultivate self-awareness and compassion in their mental health journeys. 00:00: Understanding Catastrophic Thinking03:05: High Functioning Anxiety Explained06:03: The Disconnect Between Appearance and Reality08:34: Defining Catastrophic Thinking09:13: The Mechanism of Catastrophic Thinking11:37: The Roots of Catastrophic Thinking17:51: Anticipatory Anxiety vs. Catastrophic Thinking19:10: Healthy Preparation vs. Catastrophic Thinking20:50: Understanding Catastrophic Thinking23:56: Practical Strategies to Combat Catastrophizing30:06: Sitting with Discomfort and Uncertainty34:00: Supporting Others Through Catastrophic Thinking Carrie Howard is a licensed anxiety therapist, mental health educator, and content creator who specializes in high-functioning anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. With over a decade of clinical experience—and a personal journey with anxiety herself—she helps women face their fears, build self-trust, and navigate life with more confidence and calm. Carrie’s work has been featured in outlets like Good Morning America, Shape, HuffPost, and Verywell Mind, and she’s known for blending professional insight with a deeply compassionate, relatable approach. Episode Sponsor: Get started at factormeals.com/mamaknows50off and use code mamaknows50off to get 50 percent off plus FREE shipping on your first box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Setting Boundaries with Draining People w/ Emily Sanders

    Setting Boundaries with Draining People w/ Emily Sanders
    May 6 2025
    In this conversation, Nina and Emily explore the complexities of setting boundaries in relationships, particularly focusing on family dynamics and the emotional challenges that arise. They discuss the importance of recognizing draining relationships, the cultural influences that shape our boundary-setting behaviors, and practical steps to establish healthier interactions. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the courage to prioritize one's own needs while navigating the guilt that often accompanies boundary setting. In this conversation, Nina and Emily delve into the complexities of setting boundaries, particularly in female friendships and family dynamics. They explore the feelings of guilt that often accompany boundary setting and provide strategies for effective communication. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and the need to manage one's emotional responses after asserting boundaries. Emily shares practical scripts and techniques for navigating difficult conversations, highlighting the significance of understanding personal values and the impact of emotional maturity in relationships. 00:00: Understanding the Roots of Boundary Issues 02:48: The Importance of Boundary Setting in Relationships 05:58: Identifying Draining Relationships 08:59: Navigating Family Dynamics and Boundaries 12:06: Cultural Influences on Boundary Setting 15:01: Overcoming Guilt in Boundary Setting 18:03: Practical Steps for Setting Boundaries 21:01: Scripts for Boundary Setting in Real Life 22:38: Navigating Guilt in Boundary Setting 26:12: Effective Communication Strategies for Boundaries 29:34: Setting Boundaries with Family Dynamics 37:07: Calming the Nervous System After Setting Boundaries Emily Sanders received her Bachelor’s degree from Life Pacific College in counseling ministry, and received her Master’s of Science degree from Vanguard University of Southern California. In addition to her practice, Emily is also an adjunct professor in the Human Development and Psychology department at Life Pacific College. Emily has been practicing for over 13 years, and knows from personal experience the courage it takes to walk on the road to healing and self-discovery; she works with compassion to support others on their path to restoration, empowerment, and fulfillment. You can find Emily at emilysanders.com or emily.sanders.therapy on Instagram In her free time Emily can usually be found outside running, hiking, or riding her bicycle along Pacific Coast Highway. She also enjoys browsing Pinterest for new dinner recipes, chatting with her girlfriends, and spending quality time with her family. Episode Sponsor: Build the best summer ever with KiwiCo! Get $15 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/mamaknows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Why am I over eating, weight loss without dieting w/ Maggie Sterling

    Why am I over eating, weight loss without dieting w/ Maggie Sterling
    Apr 29 2025
    In this conversation, Nina and Maggie delve into the complexities of binge eating disorder, emotional eating, and the journey towards healing and self-acceptance. They discuss the impact of upbringing on eating habits, the emotional triggers behind overeating, and the importance of reframing beliefs about food. Maggie shares her personal journey and coaching philosophy, emphasizing the need for self-love and understanding in overcoming disordered eating patterns. In this conversation, Maggie and Nina explore the complexities of parenting around food, particularly regarding sugar and treats. They discuss the challenges of instilling healthy eating habits in children while avoiding negative associations with food. Maggie shares practical tips for creating a healthier relationship with food, emphasizing the importance of planning meals and understanding emotional eating. The discussion also touches on the significance of body awareness and the impact of emotional factors on eating behaviors. Finally, Maggie provides resources for listeners seeking further support in their journey towards healthier eating habits. 00:00: Understanding Binge Eating Disorder02:52: Maggie's Journey and Coaching Philosophy06:06: Healing from Disordered Eating08:45: The Emotional Aspects of Overeating11:47: Indulgence vs. Overeating14:52: Guilt and Food Perception17:59: Reframing Beliefs Around Food25:12: Navigating Food Choices with Kids31:34: Practical Tips for a Healthier Relationship with Food39:25: Understanding Emotional Eating and Body Awareness46:14: Resources for Further Support As the host of the Why we Over eat podcast and founder of Vibe Club, I've spent the last 5 years helping women transform their relationship with food and their bodies. My approach combines neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and practical tools to create sustainable weight loss without restrictive dieting. Through my podcast and coaching program, I teach women how to tune into their bodies' natural hunger and fullness signals, process emotions without using food, and help women break free from diet mentality so they can develop a peaceful, intuitive approach to eating that works with their lifestyle. Episode Sponsor: Visit activeskinrepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code: MAMAKNOWS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Teenagers w/ Dr. Melanie McNally

    Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Teenagers w/ Dr. Melanie McNally
    Apr 22 2025
    In this conversation, Nina and Dr. Melanie McNally discuss the complexities of adolescence, focusing on emotional regulation, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of fostering independence in teens. They explore how early communication about emotions can shape a child's ability to cope as they grow, and provide practical advice for parents on how to support their children through these critical developmental stages. In this conversation, Dr. Melanie McNally discusses the challenges of parenting teens, focusing on the balance between granting independence and maintaining boundaries. She emphasizes the importance of logical consequences, scaffolding, and emotional awareness in helping teens navigate social pressures and develop resilience. The discussion also highlights the significance of open communication and creating a safe space for teens to express their feelings, especially regarding peer influence and emotional health. 00:00: Navigating Troubled Teen Years 02:02: Understanding Adolescent Psychology 04:24: The Impact of Childhood on Teen Emotions 09:29: Building Emotional Awareness in Children 16:55: Fostering Independence and Critical Thinking in Teens 22:25: Navigating Teen Independence and Boundaries 28:56: Coping with Social Pressures and Expectations 33:19: Understanding Emotional Contagion and Peer Influence 38:51: Processing Emotions and Building Resilience Dr. Melanie McNally is a licensed clinical psychologist and brain coach who helps people maximize their potential so they get the most out of life. From adolescents struggling with motivation to executives seeking direction, she helps people feel less overwhelmed, figure out their next steps, and reach meaningful goals. Dr. Melanie has worked in the field of psychology since 2005 and has written two books, The Emotionally Intelligent Teen and Helping Your Unmotivated Teen. Recognized nationally for her expertise, Dr. Melanie has been invited to the White House to discuss the paramount importance of teen mental health. She's appeared in The Huffington Post, Parents Magazine, Business Insider, Fast Company, and more. Episode Sponsor: Visit activeskinrepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code: MAMAKNOWS New customers can enjoy this special offer of only $1.99 a meal. Go to everyplate.com/podcast and use code mamaknows199 to get started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Decoding the People Pleaser w/ Caroline Middelsdorf

    Decoding the People Pleaser w/ Caroline Middelsdorf
    Apr 15 2025
    In this conversation, Nina and Caroline delve into the complexities of people pleasing, exploring its roots in childhood trauma and its impact on identity and self-esteem. They discuss how people pleasing manifests in various areas of life, including work and family, and the importance of setting boundaries. Caroline shares practical steps for overcoming people pleasing tendencies, emphasizing self-love and emotional regulation. The discussion also highlights the significance of parenting in shaping children's emotional health and the journey towards finding one's true self. 00:00: Understanding People Pleasing 03:50: The Roots of People Pleasing 10:08: Manifestations of People Pleasing 14:10: Impact of Childhood on People Pleasing 22:47: People Pleasing and Identity Crisis 29:04: Overcoming People Pleasing 36:30: Finding Your True Self Caroline is a German-born international psychologist, trauma expert, and devoted single mom, currently based in Amsterdam. Known for her warm, authentic approach and deep commitment to mental health awareness, Caroline has become a trusted guide for celebrities, athletes, coaches, and individuals from all walks of life. Her own healing journey fuels her passion, making her work deeply relatable, authentic and impactful. Caroline has dedicated her life to helping others navigate their healing paths. She’s the creator of a transformative trauma healing program Phoenix—rooted in her personal experiences—that has already helped countless people around the world break free from pain and step into their true selves. As the host of her own inspiring podcast (the Caroline Middelsdorf podcast). Caroline travels the globe, sitting down with experts, thought leaders, and public figures to share real, raw stories that remind us all: we each have a story worth telling. Her mission? To help 1 million people heal and create a ripple effect of awareness, compassion, and growth. Caroline leads with heart and soul, offering a guiding light for those who feel stuck in the dark. Her work is more than a profession—it’s a calling to make healing accessible, authentic, and to bring back connection, kindness, and care into the world. Above all, she strives to bring people closer together, reminding them that they are never alone in their struggles Episode Sponsors: Get started at factormeals.com/mamaknows50off and use code mamaknows50off to get 50% off plus FREE shipping on your first box. Visit activeskinrepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code: MAMAKNOWS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
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