Season 1
Episode Overview In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Melyse for an honest conversation about burnout, what it really looks like, and how it can quietly build up until you feel like you are running on empty. Melyse shares the signs she experienced firsthand, including emotional exhaustion, feeling disconnected from her work, and losing that sense of accomplishment that once motivated her. We talk about the reality of leaving a stable corporate job when you are already overwhelmed, and how scary that transition can feel, especially when finances and responsibility are weighing on you. Melyse opens up about how she shifted into a more fulfilling, multi layered career path and why building a portfolio career can create flexibility, freedom, and multiple income streams. This episode is a reminder that healing does not always start with big changes. Sometimes it starts with acknowledging that you are struggling, giving yourself permission to rest, and finding community support that actually understands what caregivers carry every day. If you have been feeling burnt out, stuck, or like you have lost yourself in survival mode, this conversation will help you feel seen and give you practical mindset shifts to start moving forward again. Key Takeaways from This Episode Burnout can show up as emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and feeling like nothing you do is enough Recognizing the signs early is a major step toward recovery Leaving stability for something new can be scary, but it can also be life changing A portfolio career can create flexibility and more financial security over time Community support matters more than most people realize Small lifestyle adjustments can ease financial stress during transition seasons Rest is not laziness, it is part of healing Reframing your relationship with work can help you feel fulfilled again Coaching can help you navigate burnout and rebuild confidence Naming what you are carrying is often the first step to getting betterIf you have been running on empty, I hope this episode reminds you that you are allowed to pause, reset, and choose yourself again. Thank you for being here, and for trusting this space.Follow me on Instagram and Facebook: @busymomtalk And follow Melyse for more on healing, growth, and finding your way forward: @vibewithmelyse
Episode Summary In this episode, Kianna sits down with mom therapist and coach Kristin Cogan to talk about the real mental load of motherhood, why so many moms wait to ask for help, and how trauma can show up in parenting triggers. Kristin shares practical, realistic tools for “emotional hygiene,” nervous system regulation, and repair after conflict with your kids, plus a powerful framework she calls the Ripple Effect Method (physical, social, emotional, spiritual). They also explore inner child work, birth trauma triggers, and therapy modalities like EMDR and brainspotting. Key Topics Covered Why motherhood feels so judged (and why community changes everything) When moms tend to seek help: “drowning” vs “preventative” support Repairing after yelling: what to say to toddlers/preschoolers Emotional hygiene: caring for your mental health like you care for your body Kristin’s “Ripple Effect Method”: physical, social, emotional, spiritual pillars Introvert vs extrovert needs and “people in doses” Glimmers, window of tolerance, and regulating your nervous system Inner child work and re-parenting yourself while parenting your child Birth trauma and why kids’ crying can feel like your body is on fire EMDR vs brainspotting (what they are + how they help) “Date your therapist” and why fit matters Why therapy can be lifelong support, not a one-time fix Guest Info Kristin Cogan Therapist & Coach for Moms (specializing in trauma and nervous system regulation) Book in with Kirstin Here: https://calendly.com/imperfectlywonderful/15-minute-phone-consultation?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnG0oF_p2HY_pzGKweKd8I4WFjpHgTzElfNq7beZvizGP3aaCkY9C4ij_VOn8_aem_Sdva_swtwbZ6cvssIp978Q Instagram: @ImperfectlyWonderfulMotherhood
Episode Overview In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, host discusses the complexities of motherhood with guest Krissy Bold, a podcast host and mom advocate. They explore the challenges of maintaining identity as a mother, the realities of parenting, and the importance of community and friendships among moms. Krissy shares her journey of starting a podcast, the struggles of monetizing content, and the significance of setting achievable goals through 10-day challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, personal growth, and the freedom to pivot in life. Key Take Aways Motherhood can lead to a loss of personal identity. It's important to express the challenges of being a mom. Friendships can change significantly after becoming a parent. Playdates often don't provide the connection we expect. Starting a podcast can be a fulfilling but challenging journey. Monetizing a podcast is often more difficult than anticipated. Setting small, achievable goals can lead to personal growth. The 10-day challenge is a practical way to explore new habits. Self-care is essential for maintaining happiness as a mom. It's okay to pivot and change your path in life.
Episode Overview Am I the Drama… or Is This Actually Wild? This week on Busy Mom Talk, Kianna goes solo for a much-requested episode of “Am I the Drama?” — diving into real stories submitted by listeners who are deep in the messiness of motherhood, family dynamics, and public judgment. From overstepping mothers-in-law to partners who won’t set boundaries, this episode pulls back the curtain on situations so many parents quietly deal with. When Mothers-in-Law Overstep Kianna reads listener stories about mothers-in-law who push limits, ignore parenting choices, and insert themselves where they’re not invited. She shares her honest take on why these dynamics are so triggering, how generational expectations play a role, and why protecting your role as a parent doesn’t make you disrespectful — it makes you intentional. When Your Partner Doesn’t Hold the Line One of the biggest themes in this episode is what happens when a husband or partner doesn’t stand their ground. Kianna unpacks the emotional toll of feeling unsupported, why this issue is about more than just in-laws, and how partnership, communication, and shared boundaries are essential for a healthy family unit. Public Parenting Shaming & Why It Hits So Hard From unsolicited comments in grocery stores to judgmental looks at the park, Kianna reacts to stories of parents being shamed in public. She shares why these moments stick with us, how they can shake confidence, and why parenting already feels vulnerable enough without strangers weighing in. Real Opinions, No Sugarcoating This solo episode blends humor, honesty, and straight-up truth. Kianna shares her personal opinions on each scenario — when to speak up, when to let it go, and when it’s okay to say “no more.” It’s validating, relatable, and meant to remind parents that they’re not alone in navigating these uncomfortable situations. Want Your Story Read on the Podcast? Kianna closes the episode by inviting listeners to submit their own “Am I the Drama?” stories. If you’re dealing with family drama, partner tension, or parenting judgment and want a space to be heard, you can send your story to kianna@busymomtalk.ca to be featured in a future episode.
Building What Didn’t Exist: A Mother’s Vision This week on Busy Mom Talk, Kianna sits down with Julia Reid, co-owner of Play On Paediatrics Therapy in Ottawa. Julia shares how her background as an athletic therapist and her lived experience as a mom to a neurodivergent childled her to build something that didn’t exist when she needed it most. What began as a personal gap in care became a clinic rooted in empathy, access, and true family-centred support. Motherhood in Real Time: Lived Experience Matters As a mom of four, Julia brings a deeply human perspective to parenting. She speaks openly about always putting her children first, navigating different needs, personalities, and challenges, and how becoming a parent reshaped both her career and her purpose. This conversation highlights the power of lived experience — how parenting through real moments, not textbooks, informs how we show up for our kids and for other families. A One-Stop Space for Every Child Play On Paediatrics Therapy was built to be the place every parent wishes existed: a one-stop shop where children and families can access physiotherapy, psychology, speech therapy, and a wide range of supports under one roof. Julia explains why integrated care matters, how it reduces stress for families, and why children thrive when services communicate and collaborate instead of operating in silos. Connection Over Perfection One of the most powerful themes in this episode is connection. Julia shares how maintaining strong relationships with her kids has always been her anchor — especially through chaos, exhaustion, and uncertainty. She and Kianna talk about how children are all different, how there is no single “right” way to parent, and why tuning into who your child is matters more than any strategy or trend. Building Through COVID and Choosing Courage Julia reflects on starting her clinic 3.5 years ago, during the uncertainty of COVID, while parenting young children and navigating neurodivergence at home. She talks about fear, resilience, and choosing to move forward even when the future felt unclear. Today, Play On remains a place her own children still attend — a full-circle moment that reinforces the intention behind everything she built. For Parents in the Thick of It — and Those Finding Their Rhythm This episode is for parents who are overwhelmed, exhausted, learning, adapting, or finally finding their footing. Julia’s honesty, warmth, and wisdom remind listeners that support looks different for every family — and that parenting isn’t about doing it perfectly, but about doing it together. Follow Busy Mom Talk on Instagram for more conversations rooted in honesty, healing, and real-life parenting. Share this episode with a parent who needs reassurance that they’re not alone — whether they’re in survival mode or steadily cruising.
Episode Overview The Uncommon Path: Specializing in Pediatric Osteopathy This week, Kianna sits down with Megan Palmer, a highly trained osteopath from Mulberry Wellness and Mulberry Minis, whose extensive focus in pediatrics sets her apart in a field where infant-specific training is still uncommon. Megan shares what led her to pursue this path, the depth of education required, and why she is so passionate about supporting babies and families through gentle, evidence-informed manual therapy. Understanding Fascia and Infant Movement Kianna and Megan dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of infant well-being: fascia. Megan explains how tightness, tension, and restrictions in the fascial system can influence a baby’s feeding, digestion, sleep, comfort, and overall movement. She breaks down what parents often notice at home—arching, stiffness, difficulty settling, feeding challenges—and how osteopathic care assesses the whole body to understand why those patterns are happening. Tongue & Lip Ties: Before and After Care One of the most requested topics for new parents is the impact of tongue and lip ties. Megan discusses how fascial tension influences breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch issues, and oral function. She explains what osteopathic treatment can do before a release to prepare the tissues, and how aftercare supports healing, mobility, and successful feeding outcomes. This segment is full of practical guidance for parents feeling overwhelmed by tie-related challenges. Torticollis, Head Shape & Newborn Tightness The conversation moves into common concerns Megan sees in babies: • Torticollis • Flat head shape / plagiocephaly • Preference to look one direction • Body tightness from birth or pregnancy positioning • Discomfort when lying on their back Megan explains how these patterns develop, what parents can look for, and how osteopathic techniques work to gently release restrictions and restore balanced movement. Her explanations help parents understand that babies’ bodies tell a story — and with the right approach, those stories can be supported with comfort and ease. Individualized Care Through Gentle Manual Treatment Throughout the episode, Megan emphasizes that osteopathic care is never one-size-fits-all. Each baby receives a full assessment that guides a tailored plan based on their unique needs, birth history, feeding experience, and body tension patterns. Using a variety of gentle manual therapies, osteopaths aim to support the body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally. Megan’s perspective is empowering for any parent navigating feeding concerns, tension, digestive issues, or simply wanting to understand their baby’s body better. Follow Busy Mom Talk on Instagram for more episodes and expert conversations. Share this episode with a parent who’s navigating feeding challenges, newborn tightness, or is curious about osteopathic care.
From Corporate Life to Full-Time Creator This week on Busy Mom Talk, Kianna sits down with Leanne Lee, the creator behind Life With Leanne Lee - a highly influential digital storyteller across YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. Leanne opens up about the moment she realized her corporate job was no longer aligned with her values or mental health, and how she made the bold jump into full-time content creation. She shares what it really looked like behind the scenes to walk away from stability and choose a path that felt more honest, creative, and deeply fulfilling. When Friends Don’t Get It Leanne and Kianna dive into one of the most unspoken parts of being an online creator: how people in your “real life” respond. Leanne talks about the sting of friends not supporting her the way they might celebrate a more “traditional” career path, and how becoming visible online can make people see you differently. This conversation explores identity, judgment, and what it means when your life becomes content in the eyes of others — even when you’re still the same person at your core. Going Viral in the COVID Era Leanne reflects on how the early COVID era and shifting algorithms helped skyrocket her visibility. She explains what it was like creating wholesome, relatable content at a time when people craved connection more than ever — and how that season changed everything for her platforms. From short-form video booms to algorithm experiments, she shares what worked, what didn’t, and how she learned to lean into authenticity over trends. Wholesome Content, Real Impact At the heart of Leanne’s brand is content that feels like a warm hug: cozy routines, family moments, real-life struggles, and slices of everyday joy. She and Kianna discuss why wholesome content resonates so deeply right now, especially for moms and women who feel tired of comparison and perfection. Leanne explains how she stays grounded while being highly visible, and how she chooses what to share versus what stays private. Kids, Boundaries, and Online Safety As a mom and creator, Leanne is intentional about child safety and digital boundaries. She shares why she uses different names for her kids online, how she protects their identities, and how she balances storytelling with safety. This segment is especially powerful for parents who want to share their lives online but feel uneasy about how much is “too much.” Tips, Tricks, and The Unknown Future The episode wraps with Leanne offering insider tips and practical advice for anyone wanting to start (or grow) as a content creator — from mindset shifts and consistency to understanding platforms and staying true to yourself. She also talks honestly about the uncertainty of this career path, how she makes peace with the unknown, and why trusting herself has been the best decision she’s ever made. Connect with Leanne Lee – Life With Leanne Lee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithleannelee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithleannelee YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithleannelee Don’t forget to follow Busy Mom Talk on Instagram and let us know your favorite takeaway from this episode.
A Pediatrician Who Became a Guide for Parents In this episode, Kianna sits down with Dr. Mona Amin, board-certified pediatrician and founder of PedsDocTalk, to talk about what happens when medicine, motherhood, and the online world collide. Dr. Mona shares how burnout in traditional pediatrics and a desire to give parents more time, context, and compassion pushed her to start creating content online—long before Reels and TikTok. What began as answering questions in her car on lunch breaks has become a global platform giving millions of parents more confidence, clarity, and calm. Humanizing Doctors and Letting Go of Perfection Kianna and Dr. Mona dive into the pressure we put on doctors to be “all-knowing” and available 24/7—and how that mindset hurts both families and physicians. Dr. Mona talks openly about sharing her own birth trauma, her child’s illnesses, and her personal struggles, not for drama, but so parents remember that doctors are human too. She reminds listeners that no parent is meant to know everything from day one, and that “imperfect parenting” with reflection and repair is not only normal—it’s healthy. Sleep Training, Attachment, and Why Tears ≠ Trauma The conversation gets real when Kianna brings up the comment that parents who sleep train are “horrible.” Dr. Mona breaks down the science and developmental reality behind sleep training, explaining why it does not destroy attachment. She uses practical examples and her own experience using “cry” methods with her children, emphasizing structure, check-ins, and responsiveness. She explains how setting boundaries around sleep can coexist with secure attachment, and why tears during learning are not the same as trauma. Neurodiversity, Labels, and Getting Kids Help Without Shame From ADHD to autism and speech delays, Dr. Mona walks through what happens when a teacher flags a concern and how she approaches those conversations in clinic. She talks about the fear and stigma parents feel around labels, and reframes diagnosis as a tool for getting support—not a life sentence or a reflection of “bad parenting.” She shares her belief that far more of the world is neurodivergent than we realize, and encourages parents to be curious about how their child’s brain works instead of trying to force them into a narrow mold. Sick Season, Immunity, and What Actually Helps In the thick of endless daycare germs, Kianna asks the question every parent is screaming: “What am I doing wrong?” Dr. Mona breaks down what really drives frequent sickness (spoiler: it’s germ exposure, not cupcakes) and what actually helps: handwashing, realistic hygiene, sleep when possible, hydration, balanced nutrition, and simple tools like saline sprays and honey. She explains why the first years of daycare or school are the hardest, why it gets better, and how to model rest and body-listening for kids. A Why Rooted in Purpose, Not Followers The episode closes with Dr. Mona’s “why”—a story about a grandmother who recognized her at a restaurant and shared how PedsDocTalk made her feel like a better caregiver. Dr. Mona reflects on the privilege and responsibility of having a platform, the importance of purpose-driven work, and her commitment to helping parents feel more seen, less scared, and more confident in raising their children—even on the hardest days. Don’t forget to follow Busy Mom Talk on Instagram! Share this episode with a parent friend who needs a little less guilt and a little more grounded guidance.
What This Episode Covers Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection Dr. Storage explains how the gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve, hormones, and the microbiome. She breaks down why stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm can trigger GI symptoms, especially in moms navigating postpartum or high-stress seasons. IBS vs IBD: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment So many people confuse IBS (a functional condition) with IBD (an inflammatory disease like Crohn’s or colitis). Dr. Storage simplifies the differences, the warning signs, and why proper diagnosis is essential for healing. Early Colon Cancer Screening: Why It Matters Dr. Storage discusses current screening guidelines, early testing options, and the red-flag symptoms parents shouldn’t ignore. This segment offers practical, accessible advice for listeners wanting to take control of their long-term health. The Gut Microbiome: What It Is and Why It Matters Learn how your gut bacteria influence digestion, mood, immunity, hormones, and even sleep. Dr. Storage shares what actually helps the microbiome, what harms it, and what not to waste money on. Gut Hypnotherapy: A Science-Backed IBS Treatment One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is gut-directed hypnotherapy, a proven mind-body therapy for IBS. Dr. Storage explains how it works, who it helps, and why it’s becoming one of the most effective treatments for chronic digestive symptoms. Probiotics and Supplements: What Works and What Doesn’t Not all probiotics are created equal. Dr. Storage shares when probiotics are helpful, when they are unnecessary, and what to look for when choosing one. She also discusses foods that support natural probiotic activity. Living With IBS: Real Talk and Real Solutions From bloating to urgency to unpredictable flare-ups, IBS affects daily life. Dr. Storage offers strategies rooted in both traditional and functional medicine to help listeners regain control of their gut health. Holistic Gut Healing: Food, Stress, Hormones, and Daily Habits Listeners will walk away with actionable tools: • Stress-reducing techniques that calm the gut • Foods that support digestion • Habits that improve regularity and reduce flare-ups • Postpartum and mom-life gut support • When to seek a GI specialist Follow Dr. Tina Storage on IG @DrTinaStorage and sign up for her free newsletter https://doctorversus.com/authors Follow along on IG @BusyMomTalk & Don't forget to like, subscribe & comment your thoughts!
Episode Overview In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Sarah Belefontaine of Four Wings Psychology talks about the path of parenthood. She shares how each transition into parenthood—whether it’s welcoming your first baby or your fourth—brings its own identity shift, emotional landscape, and learning curve. Dr. Sarah reflects on the complexity of these seasons and how becoming a mother transformed both her life and her work. Navigating the Shifts of Parenthood Kianna and Dr. Sarah dive into the emotional, physical, and psychological toll parents experience as they enter each new chapter. They explore how no two postpartum experiences look the same, and why giving yourself permission to adapt matters. From preparing for parenthood before your baby arrives to finding support long after, Dr. Sarah outlines realistic tools and compassionate approaches that can help parents feel grounded during massive change. Finding Your People (And Knowing You Can Change Them) The conversation touches on the world of mommy groups, how helpful they can be, how overwhelming they sometimes feel, and why it’s completely okay to “trial” different communities. Dr. Sarah reminds listeners that the right support group can shift depending on the season you’re in, and leaving one that doesn’t serve you is an act of self-care, not failure. Sleep Deprivation, Baby Blues & Postpartum Mental Health With honesty and clarity, Dr. Sarah discusses the realities of sleep deprivation and how it intensifies feelings of anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, and irritability. She breaks down the difference between baby blues—a common, temporary postpartum phase—and conditions like postpartum anxiety (PPA) and postpartum depression (PPD), which require deeper support. She also brings to light topics that are rarely talked about openly, including postpartum rage, emphasizing that these experiences are more common than people admit. Breathing Room, Boundaries & “Mom Time-Outs” This segment explores the importance of small, intentional moments of care. Dr. Sarah shares strategies like taking “mommy time-outs,” carving out small pockets of stillness, and noticing your emotional capacity before reaching burnout. She offers practical emotional regulation techniques any parent can use in the moment—whether you’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, or simply running on empty. Building the Support System You Actually Need Kianna and Dr. Sarah highlight how support systems look different for every family, and why comparison only adds pressure. Whether your village is a partner, a friend, an online community, or a paid professional, what matters is that it works for you. They also explore accessible, low- or no-cost resources available in most communities—from recreation centers to public libraries to free virtual tools—that can offer connection, education, and relief. Follow Dr. Sarah online at @fourwingspsychology and @drsarahbellefonatine Links: www.fourwingspsychology.ca Don’t forget to follow BusyMomTalk on Instagram! Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what resonated with you most.