loader from loading.io

The Journey of Motherhood & Identity with Jessie Harrold

The Mom Existence

Release Date: 01/30/2025

Rewriting the Rules: Emily Bishop on Motherhood, Identity, and Career Reinvention show art Rewriting the Rules: Emily Bishop on Motherhood, Identity, and Career Reinvention

The Mom Existence

In this conversation, I chat with Emily Bishop about her powerful career pivot—from a decade-long career in biomedical engineering to becoming a transformational coach for ambitious moms. We explore the multifaceted journey of motherhood, the challenges of returning to work, and the importance of self-discovery and personal growth. Emily shares her experiences as a mother of two boys, how she found purpose beyond the corporate world, and the impact of social media on modern motherhood. We also dive into the concept of human design and how it can help individuals better understand their...

info_outline
My Birth Story: Becoming a Mom at 35 show art My Birth Story: Becoming a Mom at 35

The Mom Existence

In this episode, I’m sharing the real, raw, and surprisingly beautiful story of how I became a mom. From the final stretch of pregnancy to meeting my son for the first time, I walk you through what it was like becoming a first-time mom at 35. I talk about everything from IVF, being labeled "geriatric," and that lovely thing called Group B Strep, to what it actually feels like when your water breaks, the induction process, and how a doula helped me stay grounded through it all. This is the kind of birth story I wish I’d heard before giving birth—honest but encouraging. Because birth...

info_outline
Jeff & Ashley: What Are We Actually Doing? show art Jeff & Ashley: What Are We Actually Doing?

The Mom Existence

In this episode of the Mom Existence podcast, Ashley and her husband Jeff share their candid experiences of becoming parents. They discuss the challenges and unexpected realities of parenthood, the mental load often carried by mothers, and the importance of structure and routine in managing daily life with children. The couple reflects on their parenting styles, the impact of age on their perspectives, and the joys and struggles of raising a child. Their conversation is filled with humor, honesty, and relatable insights for anyone navigating the journey of parenthood. In this engaging...

info_outline
Kayla Davis: Routines, Identity Shifts & Raising Kids Online show art Kayla Davis: Routines, Identity Shifts & Raising Kids Online

The Mom Existence

Kayla Davis—known as @kdavis_fitness on Instagram—is a Halifax-based kinesiologist, personal trainer, and mother of three who inspires her audience by balancing fitness and motherhood. With over 28,000 followers, she shares workouts, family life, and motivational content that resonates with busy moms and fitness enthusiasts alike. In this conversation, we discuss the journey of motherhood, the challenges of building an online presence, and the importance of staying true to oneself while navigating the complexities of parenting. Kayla shares her experiences with fitness, managing daily...

info_outline
Postpartum Reality Check: Beyond the Baby Blues & Motherhood Truths show art Postpartum Reality Check: Beyond the Baby Blues & Motherhood Truths

The Mom Existence

Today on The Mom Existence, we're joined by the incredibly compassionate and knowledgeable Lauren Mackintosh—a fierce advocate for maternal mental health and a guiding light for women navigating pregnancy and postpartum. Lauren helps us unpack what so many moms experience but don’t always talk about like delayed postpartum depression and how it differs from the early baby blues. We dive into the emotional rollercoaster that can come with everyday struggles, mom guilt, and when things just don’t go according to plan. She’s made it her mission to support women through the messy,...

info_outline
Solo: Overwhelmed, Anxious & Figuring It Out show art Solo: Overwhelmed, Anxious & Figuring It Out

The Mom Existence

I’m getting real and opening up about my own experience with overwhelm and anxiety. Because let’s be honest, parenthood can flip your world upside down fast, and it’s not always easy to keep up. Sometimes, we need support, and for me, that means getting professional help. In this episode, we’re diving into how disconnected and siloed the info is for new moms, how raising kids today is nothing like it was 30–40 years ago, and why setting boundaries with your partner before baby arrives is a game-changer. You’ll thank me later. Let’s normalize the chaos of early motherhood and...

info_outline
YouTuber, The MMandL Show to Motherhood: Laura’s Unfiltered Journey Through IVF & Surrogacy show art YouTuber, The MMandL Show to Motherhood: Laura’s Unfiltered Journey Through IVF & Surrogacy

The Mom Existence

If you know, you know — MM&L was the YouTube duo that got us through our 20s with beauty tips, dry shampoo recs, and big bouncy curls. And yes, that Laura is here! In this episode, I sit down with the always-honest Laura Armstrong — beauty guru, mom, and co-founder of Beauty Destination — to talk about the journey from viral content creator to motherhood, IVF, and surrogacy. We go deep on staying ambitious when life pulls you in every direction, what it’s like to rediscover your identity as a mom, and why she’s never stopped being real online. We talk: The MM&L origin story...

info_outline
Mother’s Day, Style & Motherhood at Every Age show art Mother’s Day, Style & Motherhood at Every Age

The Mom Existence

In this special Mother’s Day episode, we’re teaming up with Halifax Shopping Centre and sitting down with our favourite mother-daughter duo—Vicky Mina and Amanda Nahas. We’re talking all things motherhood, how it’s shaped them both at different stages of life, and of course, their take on effortless style. From go-to shops at HSC to personal stories and laughs, this episode is full of heart, fashion inspo, and real mom moments. Don’t miss it!

info_outline
Social Media, Skincare Musts, Ruby Franke Documentary, and Managing Mental Health show art Social Media, Skincare Musts, Ruby Franke Documentary, and Managing Mental Health

The Mom Existence

This week, I’m flying solo and covering a lot. Inspired by Oprah’s chat with Jonathan Haidt, I reflect on the early days of social media (anyone remember ICQ and MSN Messenger?) and how different the digital world feels now—especially for our kids. I also touch on mental health, anxiety, toddler emotions (a rollercoaster), and why managing it all can feel like a full-time job. Plus, a peek into my skincare routine, thoughts on the Ruby Franke documentary, and microneedling updates. Grateful for this community—thanks for being here. If you can, please rate this episode and leave a...

info_outline
Social Media, Skincare Musts, Ruby Franke Documentary, and Managing Mental Health show art Social Media, Skincare Musts, Ruby Franke Documentary, and Managing Mental Health

The Mom Existence

This week, I’m flying solo and covering a lot. Inspired by Oprah’s chat with Jonathan Haidt, I reflect on the early days of social media (anyone remember ICQ and MSN Messenger?) and how different the digital world feels now—especially for our kids. I also touch on mental health, anxiety, toddler emotions (a rollercoaster), and why managing it all can feel like a full-time job. Plus, a peek into my skincare routine, thoughts on the Ruby Franke documentary, and microneedling updates. Grateful for this community—thanks for being here. If you can, please rate this episode and leave a...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Motherhood is one of the most profound transformations a woman can experience—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But why is this transition so challenging in today’s world? In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Harrold, a coach, doula, and author who specializes in guiding women through major life transitions, including the shift into motherhood.

Jessie shares her personal experience with motherhood, the struggles of identity shifts, and the concept of matrescence—the process of becoming a mother that reshapes every aspect of a woman's life. We dive into the common challenges mothers face, why this transition feels harder than ever in 2025, and how societal shifts have changed the support systems available to new parents.

We also explore the power of rituals in grounding and guiding women through change, as well as Jessie’s insights from her work and her book, Mothershift. If you're feeling lost in the transition to motherhood or struggling to reconnect with your identity, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Why the transition into motherhood is so difficult

  • The concept of matrescence and how it shapes a woman’s life

  • How long it really takes to "step into" motherhood

  • The pressures of modern motherhood—financial, societal, and personal

  • The role of rituals in navigating life’s biggest transitions

  • Practical advice for mothers feeling disconnected from themselves

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a fellow mom who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Mom Existence for more real, raw conversations about motherhood.

About: https://www.jessieharrold.com/

Follow: @jessie.es.harrold

Book: https://amzn.to/42uRdx5