Episodes

  • Breaking the Cycle: How Small Changes Can Lead to Big Transformations for Women

    Breaking the Cycle: How Small Changes Can Lead to Big Transformations for Women
    Feb 11 2026
    In this episode, Heather, Dena, Jessica, and a guest discuss the challenges women—especially moms—face balancing work, family, and self-care. They explore how overwhelm can lead to self-isolation and share practical strategies like meal planning, delegating chores, and setting boundaries. The hosts emphasize the importance of small, intentional steps, self-reflection, and open communication to regain control and improve mental health. They candidly address imposter syndrome, the hidden burdens women carry, and the power of community support, encouraging listeners to be kind to themselves and embrace growth, even when it feels uncomfortable. Timestamps The Myth of Readiness & Taking the First Step (00:00:45) Discussion on not waiting to feel ready, and the importance of starting to move forward even when overwhelmed. Overwhelm and the Mental Load of Women/Moms (00:01:25) Listing the many responsibilities women, especially moms, juggle daily and how it leads to feeling stuck. Mindset Shift: Removing vs. Adding Tasks (00:02:51) Encouragement to take things off the to-do list instead of always adding more, and changing negative self-talk. Meal Planning Tools & Family Involvement (00:06:19) Sharing practical tools (like dry erase boards), involving family in meal planning, and saving money. Getting Back on Track After Disruptions (00:07:46) Strategies for regaining routines after disruptions and giving yourself permission to restart. Practical Steps to Regain Control (00:09:49) Offering actionable steps for listeners to start making progress, like meal planning and identifying stressors. Inventory & Delegation: Managing Stress (00:10:43) Encouraging listeners to inventory stressors, delegate tasks, and communicate needs to partners. Adjusting to Changing Family Roles (00:16:05) Personal stories about shifting family dynamics, especially after returning to work, and the need for shared responsibilities. Setting Boundaries & Saying No (00:17:33) Learning to say no, set boundaries, and avoid unnecessary busyness for better mental health. Breaking Out of Isolation & Taking Action (00:18:43) How taking small steps and getting out of isolation leads to increased productivity and well-being. Self-Care as Internal Work (00:19:16) Redefining self-care as internal work and clarity, not just relaxation or decompression. Applicability Beyond Moms & Internal vs. External Fixes (00:19:56) Noting these strategies apply to everyone, and emphasizing that internal issues can't be fixed with external solutions. Imposter Syndrome & Growth (00:22:17) Discussing imposter syndrome, feeling unworthy, and the value of being in uncomfortable growth situations. Leadership, Growth, and Potential (00:26:00) Reflections on leadership, helping others grow, and recognizing untapped potential in oneself and others. Permission to Ask for Help & Small Steps at Home (00:27:24) Encouragement to stop carrying burdens alone, ask for help, and start making small changes at home. Consistency, Grace, and Letting Go of Perfection (00:30:30) Advice to make small, consistent changes, involve family, and let go of perfectionism for a happier daily life. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Dena, "You have to move forward and do it even when you're still maxed out." Dena, "Ready isn't something you feel. It's something that you build by moving." Heather, "Give yourself permission to stop carrying it quietly." Dena, "Sometimes just saying, "This is hard. I need help," makes a difference." Dena, "Sometimes we feel like we're not worth the things, but we need that and we're worth it." RESOURCES: Connect With Us: https://www.ratedmom.com/ https://linktr.ee/ratedmom Dena: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YYxWExz9R/?mibextid=wwXIfrHeather: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSnFyt4Gk/?mibextid=wwXIfrJessica: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1f3e9iKD/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow the Podcast: Rated Mom on Apple Podcasts and Spotify "Real change doesn't start when life feels calm—it starts when you choose one small step forward, even in the middle of the chaos." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    32 mins
  • Why Women Self-Isolate (And When It Becomes Unhealthy)

    Why Women Self-Isolate (And When It Becomes Unhealthy)
    Jan 28 2026

    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 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

    🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
    🎙️ Produced and edited by resilientvoicemedia.com
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    32 mins
  • The Seasons That Changed Us (Money, Addiction, Loss, and Healing)

    The Seasons That Changed Us (Money, Addiction, Loss, and Healing)
    Jan 13 2026

    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 honest conversation about navigating hardship in our own ways and finding strength through support, accountability, and grace.

    If you're walking through a hard season that doesn't look like anyone else's — this episode is a reminder that there's no "right" way to survive it. And you don't have to do it alone.

    Timestamps

    00:01:04 Financial uncertainty and taking action anyway
    00:01:54 Feeling disconnected from yourself
    00:04:06 Caregiving through terminal illness
    00:08:06 Grief, loss, and emotional aftermath
    00:14:41 How loss reshapes priorities
    00:23:09 Recovery, accountability, and relapse prevention
    00:32:59 Setting boundaries to protect mental health
    00:36:25 Different forms of addiction and hidden struggles
    00:43:17 Shame, stigma, and owning your past
    00:45:24 Why addiction isn't about willpower
    00:47:27 Trauma from overdose experiences
    00:48:32 Spiritual moments in recovery

    If this conversation resonated with you, follow Rated Mom and save this episode so you can come back to it. Sharing it with another woman walking through a hard season could matter more than you realize

    Powerful Quotes from the Episode

    Dena:
    "I was really unhappy. I didn't even recognize myself."

    Heather:
    "My panic attacks were out of control. I couldn't sleep. And then Marty died — and I carried all of that grief."

    Dena:
    "Looking back, I can see where God literally carried me through situations where I should be dead."

    Healing doesn't erase the past, it proves you survived it, and that survival can become someone else's hope

    RESOURCES:

    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

    🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
    🎙️ Podcast produced and edited by ResilientVoiceMedia.com

    Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

    Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    53 mins
  • Progress Over Perfection: A Journey Through Motherhood and Mental Health

    Progress Over Perfection: A Journey Through Motherhood and Mental Health
    Dec 30 2025
    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, and practical advice for women in midlife. Timestamps Resolutions: Why We Stopped (00:00:46) Discussion about giving up traditional New Year's resolutions and struggles with consistency. Small Goals & Habits (00:02:20) Emphasis on setting small, manageable goals instead of overwhelming resolutions. The "One Word" Approach (00:03:34) Sharing experiences with choosing a "word of the year" and its impact (or lack thereof). Meal Prep & Real Life Struggles (00:04:21) Anecdotes about failed meal prep attempts and the realities of busy family life. Post-Holiday Reset & Overwhelm (00:05:21) How the chaos after Christmas leads to a need for a reset, and feeling overwhelmed in January. Progress Over Perfection (00:07:03) Choosing progress and small steps over perfection and rigid goals. Aging, Body Image, and Hormones (00:08:07) Open conversation about perimenopause, body changes, and self-image in their 40s. Therapy & Mental Health Journeys (00:14:44) Personal stories about starting therapy, vulnerability, and the importance of mental health support. Marriage, Therapy, and Communication (00:17:10) How therapy and counseling helped strengthen marriages and communication. Medication, Hormones, and Advocacy (00:23:44) Experiences with hormone therapy, medication side effects, and advocating for proper medical care. Delegation & Household Management (00:33:03) The importance of delegating tasks like cleaning and laundry to reduce stress. Meal Planning & Life Hacks (00:36:00) Tips and tools for meal planning, grocery shopping, and using apps to simplify routines. Self-Care & Personal Needs (00:39:57) Discussion about self-care, therapy, and the challenges of prioritizing personal well-being. Panic Attacks & Anxiety (00:43:07) Describing experiences with panic attacks, anxiety, and the journey to understanding and managing them. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Heather, 'I do love myself. I just don't love what I see when I look in the mirror. I'm like, where did that really hot chick go?' Dena, 'I was suicidal. Very few people know that, but there was a period where I was really suicidal in life.' Heather, 'It feels like internally I'm having a heart attack—heart palpitations, I'm going to pass out, I need to throw up, my heart's racing.' Heather, 'Even knowing it, you just can't control it.' Jessica, 'You get overwhelmed and just shut down. So, you know what? I'm not putting all these hard expectations on my life. I'm just going to make a couple small changes.' RESOURCES: Connect With Us: https://www.ratedmom.com/ https://linktr.ee/ratedmom Dena: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YYxWExz9R/?mibextid=wwXIfrHeather: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSnFyt4Gk/?mibextid=wwXIfrJessica: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1f3e9iKD/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow the Podcast: Rated Mom on Apple Podcasts and Spotify "You don't need a new you for the new year—just a kinder way of showing up for the you that already exists." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    45 mins
  • Mom Life, Glitter & the Magical Mess of Christmas

    Mom Life, Glitter & the Magical Mess of Christmas
    Dec 16 2025

    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 holiday season.

    Timestamps

    Introduction & Setting the Scene (00:00:05) Hosts introduce themselves and the theme of candid conversations about motherhood.

    Gift-Giving and What Kids Remember (00:01:48) Reflecting on how children often forget their gifts and the value of experiences over material things.

    Santa, Fairness, and Financial Realities (00:04:07) How families handle gifts from Santa, financial disparities, and being mindful of other children's experiences.

    Gifting for Adult Children & Extended Family (00:10:23) The complexities of buying for adult children, nieces, and nephews, and questioning ongoing obligations.

    The Meaning and Lessons of Gifting (00:16:49) Teaching kids about the meaning of gifts, transitioning to adult exchanges, and the emotional aspects of giving.

    Therapy, Healing, and Family Boundaries (00:27:19) How therapy and self-reflection help process childhood trauma and set healthy boundaries.

    Last-Minute Holiday Prep & Matching PJs (00:29:43) A lighthearted moment about coordinating matching pajamas and the reality of last-minute holiday planning.

    What Christmas Really Means (00:30:14) Each host reflects on the deeper meaning of Christmas: slowing down, family time, and personal fulfillment.

    Remembering the Reason for the Season (00:33:55) Re-centering on the spiritual meaning of Christmas and challenging listeners to simplify and focus on what matters.

    Final Challenges and Takeaways (00:35:11) Hosts share personal challenges for listeners: self-care, letting go of obligations, and finding joy for themselves.

    Powerful Quotes from the Episode

    Heather, "It feels like I'm laughing with a little extra Christmas added to it."

    Jessica, "I'm 43, and I remember that conversation. I remember the room, my dad's face, every part of it."

    Jessica, "I feel like I grieve my dad at the holidays, even though he's still alive."

    Dena, "Working through that in therapy, I realized I'm a perfectionist probably because of something that happened when I was a kid."

    Jessica, "You deserve just as much joy as everyone you're trying to create it for. Don't let the holidays steal that joy from you."

    RESOURCES:

    Connect With Us:

    https://www.ratedmom.com/

    https://linktr.ee/ratedmom

    • 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

    Follow the Podcast: Rated Mom on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

    "Christmas isn't about doing more—it's about slowing down, letting go, and choosing what truly matters."

    Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

    Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    38 mins
  • Balancing Act: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood and Homeownership

    Balancing Act: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood and Homeownership
    Dec 16 2025
    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 moms navigating life's ups and downs. Timestamps Most Impactful Client Stories (00:00:47) Hosts share memorable stories of helping clients, including military families, single moms, and people overcoming homelessness. The Power of Homeownership (00:01:31) Discussion on how homeownership creates generational wealth and impacts clients' lives beyond just buying a house. Challenges in Buying & Selling Homes (00:04:03) Personal experiences with the stress of buying, selling, and building homes, and how these inform their work with clients. Guiding Clients Through Emotional Journeys (00:05:16) How the hosts support clients emotionally through setbacks and the unpredictability of the home buying process. First-Time Homebuyer Fears & Lessons (00:05:24) Reflections on the fears of first-time buyers, worst-case scenarios, and lessons learned from their own early home purchases. Parenting Through Different Seasons (00:08:48) Balancing work and parenting, changes in parenting style with each child, and involvement in children's activities. Evolution of Motherhood & Mom Guilt (00:10:28) How motherhood changes over time, feelings of guilt, and differences in parenting older versus younger children. Letting Go & Accepting Imperfection (00:14:11) Letting go of guilt, accepting sacrifices, and cherishing fleeting moments as children grow up. Parenting Adult & Young Children Simultaneously (00:15:21) Navigating relationships with adult children while still raising younger kids, and breaking cycles from their own upbringing. Projecting Fears & Open Communication (00:18:01) Discussing fears about children repeating their mistakes, encouraging honesty, and the challenges of letting kids make their own choices. Sibling Dynamics & Changing Family Structures (00:19:44) How age gaps and sibling relationships affect parenting approaches and children's experiences. Delegating & Asking for Help (00:20:52) The struggle to delegate tasks, ask for help, and set realistic expectations for themselves as mothers. Boundaries vs. Balance (00:22:58) Realization that setting boundaries, not seeking perfect balance, is key to managing motherhood and personal commitments. Cherishing Time with Older Children (00:24:43) Enjoying friendships with grown children, special moments, and the nostalgia for earlier parenting years. Being Present & Disconnecting (00:26:59) The challenge of being present with children, reducing phone use, and creating intentional moments together. Impactful Life & Motherhood Moments (00:30:28) Personal turning points, such as health diagnoses and career changes, that shaped their approach to motherhood. Creating Safe Spaces for Kids (00:33:57) The importance of being a safe, nonjudgmental space for children to share struggles and seek help. Honesty About Addiction & Family Struggles (00:35:27) Open conversations about addiction in their families, breaking the stigma, and educating their children about risks. Self-Awareness, Recovery, & Therapy (00:38:43) Recognizing addictive tendencies, reframing behaviors, and the value of therapy for personal growth and parenting. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Dena, "I love this job because the power of homeownership is so much bigger than a home. Heather, "I feel like I blinked and they just grew up. I'd give anything to go back." Jessica, "The part I'm still working on the most is being present, like really being present." RESOURCES: Connect With Us: https://www.ratedmom.com/ https://linktr.ee/ratedmom Dena: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YYxWExz9R/?mibextid=wwXIfrHeather: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSnFyt4Gk/?mibextid=wwXIfrJessica: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1f3e9iKD/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow the Podcast: Rated Mom on Apple Podcasts and Spotify "Motherhood and life's milestones will test you, but growth comes when we embrace the chaos and show up fully." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    41 mins
  • From Perfection to Progress: How Three Moms Are Redefining Success

    From Perfection to Progress: How Three Moms Are Redefining Success
    Dec 16 2025
    👉 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 stop striving for perfection and start choosing progress. If you've ever felt stuck between who you are and who you're "supposed" to be, this conversation is for you. Timestamps Podcast Introduction (00:00:05) Opening statements about women's stories, resilience, and introducing the hosts Heather, Deena, and Jessica. How the Podcast Started (00:00:52) Heather's idea, two years of discussion, and why the three friends decided to do it together. Choosing the Podcast Name (00:02:42) The creative process, brainstorming, and settling on "Rated Mom" after considering other names. Motherhood and Identity (00:04:01) Discussion about motherhood shaping identity, losing oneself, and the desire to share real stories. Personal Introductions & Vulnerability (00:06:16) Hosts reflect on what they want listeners to know about them, struggles with identity, and social media personas. Perfectionism and Self-Expectations (00:09:01) Conversation about perfectionism, internal pressures, and the fear of vulnerability. Fun, Authenticity, and Alter Egos (00:10:45) Sharing sides of themselves not seen on social media, including humor, fun, and alter egos. Defining Ourselves Beyond Roles (00:12:51) Exploring self-definition beyond titles like mom, wife, or entrepreneur, and discussing self-criticism and imposter syndrome. Progress Over Perfection (00:15:01) Emphasizing progress over perfection, being hard on oneself, and striving for self-acceptance. Excitement for the Podcast's Impact (00:16:08) What the hosts hope listeners will gain: open conversations, healing, and breaking self-isolation. Generational Change and Growth (00:20:56) Reflecting on generational silence, embracing change, and encouraging personal growth at any age. Women as Family Stabilizers (00:23:29) Discussing societal expectations for women to be stable and have all the answers in families. Creating a Supportive Work Culture (00:24:45) How past work experiences shaped their approach to leadership, culture, and supporting women in business. Lessons in Leadership and Boundaries (00:25:18) Learning not to be held hostage by high performers, setting standards, and building a healthy team culture. Mentorship and Emotional Support (00:30:46) The importance of mentorship, emotional support, and protecting a positive work environment. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Jessica, "For a long time, people thought I had this perfect little life, but behind the scenes, that's not what it was like." Heather, "What I realized was it was me putting those expectations on myself." Heather, "I want women to know you don't have to suffer in silence. Having the conversations is the pathway to healing." Dena, "It's nice to know that we aren't alone. I think we all think we're in our own little world, but that's not true." Jessica, "You can always be changing. If you wake up at 40 and hate your job, quit and find something else." RESOURCES: Connect With Us: https://www.ratedmom.com/ https://linktr.ee/ratedmom Dena: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YYxWExz9R/?mibextid=wwXIfrHeather: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSnFyt4Gk/?mibextid=wwXIfrJessica: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1f3e9iKD/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow the Podcast: Rated Mom on Apple Podcasts and Spotify "You don't have to be perfect to be enough—every step toward progress counts." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    32 mins