Why Women Self-Isolate (And When It Becomes Unhealthy)
Rated Mom Podcast
Self-isolation is a common coping mechanism for many women — but when does it help, and when does it quietly turn into emotional withdrawal? In this episode of Rated Mom, Heather, Dena, and Jessica talk honestly about why women self-isolate, how overwhelm and overstimulation trigger it, and how to recognize when alone time stops being restorative and starts becoming harmful. We share personal experiences, unpack the shame and self-judgment that often follow isolation, and talk about the pressure women feel to “perform” socially even when they’re depleted. You’ll hear how to reframe...
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The Seasons That Changed Us (Money, Addiction, Loss, and Healing)
Rated Mom Podcast
Hard seasons don’t look the same for everyone — and they don’t arrive on the same timeline. In this episode of Rated Mom, Heather, Dena, and Jessica share personal stories from different difficult seasons of their lives: financial uncertainty, addiction and recovery, caregiving through terminal illness, panic attacks, grief, and the work of healing afterward. We talk about how these experiences shaped our boundaries, challenged our faith, forced self-reflection, and changed how we show up for ourselves and others. This isn’t a comparison of pain or a dramatic collapse — it’s an...
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Progress Over Perfection: A Journey Through Motherhood and Mental Health
Rated Mom Podcast
In this episode of "Rated Mom," Heather, Dena, and Jessica have an honest, humorous discussion about New Year’s resolutions, self-care, and mental health as women navigating motherhood and aging. They share personal stories about the challenges of goal-setting, body image, hormonal changes, and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of therapy, realistic intentions, and self-compassion. The hosts offer practical tips for meal planning and managing daily stress, encouraging listeners to embrace progress over perfection and to seek support when needed. The episode blends laughter, vulnerability,...
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Mom Life, Glitter & the Magical Mess of Christmas
Rated Mom Podcast
In this heartfelt podcast episode, Heather, Dena, & Jessica share candid stories about the joys and stresses of Christmas. They discuss the emotional labor of holiday preparations, the pressure to create magical moments, and the evolving nature of gift-giving as children grow. The conversation touches on family dynamics, loss, and setting boundaries to protect well-being. Emphasizing simplicity, gratitude, and meaningful connection, the women encourage listeners to let go of unnecessary obligations and focus on what truly matters, making space for authentic joy and self-care during the...
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Balancing Act: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood and Homeownership
Rated Mom Podcast
In part two of the "Rated Mom" podcast, Heather, Dena, Jessica, and guests continue their candid conversation about motherhood, homeownership, and personal growth. They share heartfelt stories about raising children at different ages, overcoming guilt, and learning to set boundaries. The episode explores the emotional challenges of buying and selling homes, the importance of support systems, and the impact of addiction and recovery on families. Through honest reflections, the hosts highlight the value of presence, self-awareness, and open communication, offering encouragement and solidarity to...
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From Perfection to Progress: How Three Moms Are Redefining Success
Rated Mom Podcast
👉 New here? This is the debut episode of Rated MOM and the first part of our opening conversation — start here. In this episode, Heather, Dena, and Jessica introduce Rated MOM and share how this podcast came to life. They talk openly about perfectionism, losing yourself in motherhood, redefining success, and the pressure women carry to appear like they have it all together. What began as years of conversations between friends turned into a space for honesty, humor, vulnerability, and healing. This episode sets the foundation for Rated MOM — real stories, real growth, and permission to...
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Rated Mom: Real Stories, Real Moms
Rated Mom Podcast
In this episode of Rated Mom, Heather, Dena, and Jessica introduce themselves and set the stage for honest conversations about the experiences that shape women’s lives. They discuss the stories—spoken and unspoken—that define, challenge, and empower women, emphasizing resilience, growth, and the importance of community. The hosts invite listeners to join a supportive space where both struggles and triumphs are shared, highlighting that every woman’s journey is unique and worthy of being heard. This episode celebrates the strength and authenticity of women, especially mothers,...
info_outlineSelf-isolation is a common coping mechanism for many women — but when does it help, and when does it quietly turn into emotional withdrawal?
In this episode of Rated Mom, Heather, Dena, and Jessica talk honestly about why women self-isolate, how overwhelm and overstimulation trigger it, and how to recognize when alone time stops being restorative and starts becoming harmful.
We share personal experiences, unpack the shame and self-judgment that often follow isolation, and talk about the pressure women feel to “perform” socially even when they’re depleted. You’ll hear how to reframe solitude as intentional self-care, how to set boundaries without guilt, and how to reconnect with others in small, realistic ways.
This conversation isn’t about fixing yourself or forcing connection. It’s about awareness, compassion, and learning how to create space without disappearing.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s wrong with me?” — you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.
Timestamps:
00:00 Why this topic resonates with so many women
01:05 What self-isolation actually looks like
01:27 Healthy solitude vs emotional withdrawal
03:15 Overwhelm, overstimulation, and shutting down
04:22 Shame, judgment, and self-awareness
06:03 Recognizing patterns and triggers
07:54 The pressure to perform socially
11:05 Why staying busy doesn’t mean you’re okay
13:42 Reframing self-isolation as self-care
15:21 How to isolate intentionally (without disappearing)
17:30 Communicating your needs to partners
20:22 How to support someone who self-isolates
23:16 When self-isolation becomes depression
27:11 Tools that help break the cycle
30:03 Small steps back to connection
31:42 Final thoughts: it’s safe to be seen
If this conversation resonated with you, follow Rated Mom and save this episode so you can come back to it when you need it. Sharing it with another woman who might feel seen by this episode makes a bigger impact than you know.
Powerful Moments from the Episode
Heather:
“Sometimes disappearing feels easier than explaining how overwhelmed you are.”
Dena:
“I thought something was wrong with me — like, why do I do this?”
Dena:
“When I’m doing everything but nothing well, that’s when I shut down.”
Connect with Rated Mom:
🌐 Website: https://www.ratedmom.com
🔗 Links: https://linktr.ee/ratedmom
Follow the hosts:
• Dena: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YYxWExz9R/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Heather: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSnFyt4Gk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Jessica: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1f3e9iKD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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🎙️ Produced and edited by resilientvoicemedia.com