Motherhood Unstressed

How much do the places around us shape the way we think, behave, and connect with others? In this episode of Motherhood Unstressed, I sit down with behavioral scientist and author Leidy Klotz to explore the hidden influence of our environments. Drawing from his new book In a Good Place: How the Places Where We Live, Work, and Play Can Help Us Thrive, Klotz explains how homes, workplaces, schools, and cities quietly shape our habits, relationships, and overall well-being. The conversation explores how thoughtful design can encourage creativity, connection, and healthier routines and how small changes to our surroundings can dramatically shift the way we experience daily life. For parents, entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone interested in building a life that feels more intentional, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the environments that shape us. In this episode we discuss: Why the environments around us influence behavior more than we realize How the design of homes and workplaces affects stress, creativity, and connection Small environmental changes that can improve family life Why certain places foster friendships and community How changing environments can spark new thinking and habits The psychology behind why some spaces help us thrive while others drain us About the Guest Leidy Klotz is a behavioral scientist, University of Virginia professor, and author whose research focuses on how design and environment shape human behavior. His work examines how small changes to the spaces around us can improve well-being, relationships, and decision-making. His latest book, In a Good Place, explores how the environments where we live, work, and play influence our ability to flourish. Connect with Leidy at https://leidyklotz.com Get the book In a Good Place: How the Places Where We Live, Work, and Play Can Help Us Thrive Connect with Motherhood Unstressed Instagram: @elizabeth_carlile

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with MedMaps Executive Director Honey Rinicella to discuss her family's journey through autism, biomedical healing, and the breakthrough communication method featured in the documentary Spellers. Honey shares how addressing underlying medical issues transformed her twins' health, why MedMaps is leading the way in root-cause pediatric medicine, and how her once non-speaking son is now attending college and advocating for others. This episode is a powerful reminder that there is always hope, and that healing can come from directions you never expected. About Honey Resources Mentioned: MedMaps: https://medmaps.org Spellers Documentary / Underestimated by JB & Jamie Handley Vincent's Blog: https://theunfilteredmindofvincent.wordpress.com Follow Motherhood Unstressed: Instagram: @elizabeth_carlile Podcast + Blog: www.motherhoodunstressed.com

In this special guided meditation, inspired by Itzhak Bentov's groundbreaking book, Stalking the Wild Pendulum, you'll be led through a journey of vibration, stillness, and expansion. Together, we'll explore the rhythm of the universe and the quiet "still point" at the center of all motion, an opening into higher consciousness and connection with the Divine. This meditation is designed not only to bring you calm and clarity, but also to awaken your creative power. As you rest in universal resonance, you'll be guided to extend peace, compassion, and healing vibrations outward, helping to create harmony within yourself, your community, and the wider world. In the wake of recent tragic events, this practice offers a way to process grief, release tension, and send light into spaces of pain and division. Whether you are new to meditation or experienced, this practice invites you to embody the truth that you are both an individual and part of the whole, capable of shaping the world through your consciousness. What You'll Experience: • Breathing and relaxation to settle the body and mind • A visualization of Bentov's pendulum and the universal pulse • Accessing the "still point" of infinite presence • Sending healing light to yourself and to the world • Affirmations for peace, compassion, and conscious creation Thank you for taking this time to realign, expand your awareness, and become a source of harmony and healing. Connect on IG @motherhoodunstressed or at motherhoodunstressed.com

In tonight's calming bedtime meditation, your child is gently guided into a state of deep relaxation using peaceful breathing and soothing imagery. This visualization is designed to ease tension, quiet busy minds, and create a soft landing space for sleep to arrive naturally. With each slow breath and gentle cue, children are invited to float effortlessly through calming scenes that inspire a sense of safety, peace, and serenity. There's no rush, just stillness, softness, and the comforting presence of your own imagination. Whether your child is feeling wired, worried, or just not ready to sleep, this audio will help transition them into a restful state using evidence-based relaxation techniques and nurturing language. Perfect for: ✨ Bedtime wind-down ✨ Naptime quiet time ✨ Anxiety support before sleep ✨ Ages 4–10 (or anyone young at heart) What to expect: – Gentle body relaxation – Soft breathwork – Peaceful visualization to promote calm and safety – A slow-paced rhythm to support the body Connect with me on Instagram @motherhoodunstressed or at www.motherhoodunstressed.com and please leave a review!

Today's episode is your gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and reset. In just 10 minutes, this guided meditation will help you release built-up tension, return to your body, and reconnect with your inner calm. Whether you're navigating a busy workday, recovering from a tough moment, or simply needing to catch your breath—this space is for you. No pressure, no expectations—just an opportunity to feel a little more grounded, a little more clear, and a lot more you. What you'll experience in this meditation: calming breathwork to regulate the nervous system, simple body scanning for deep physical relaxation, gentle affirmations to quiet the mind and open the heart, and a moment of stillness to return to center. How to prepare: find a quiet space where you can be uninterrupted for 10 minutes, sit or lie down comfortably, close your eyes or soften your gaze, and allow yourself to fully arrive in this moment. Affirmations from today's practice: "With each breath, I soften and release." "It's safe to let go. I am present and at ease." "Peace lives within me—I choose to return to it now." Why it matters: This practice is a reminder that peace isn't something you have to chase—it's something you can choose, even in just a few minutes. And when you give yourself this space, even briefly, the rest of life meets you with a little more grace. Stress doesn't get the final word. You do. Loved the episode? If this meditation supported you, please share it with someone who might need it too. And if you feel called, leave a review—it helps the show grow and bring calm to more people around the world. Follow us on Instagram @motherhoodunstressed for more wellness tools and mindful inspiration. 💛

Have you ever cried out to God in life's darkest moments, wondering if He's truly listening? You're not alone. In this episode of Motherhood Unstressed, I sit down with author Rachel Wojo to discuss her powerful new book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments. Rachel takes us on a deeply personal journey, sharing her own heartbreaking experiences of loss and the desperate prayers that carried her through. Together, we explore the lives of struggling Bible characters like Hagar, Hannah, and David—people who faced unimaginable challenges yet found strength through their cries to God. Rachel's insights reveal simple yet profound truths: your prayers don't have to be perfect; they just have to be honest. With her three-word prayer focus and relatable storytelling, Rachel inspires us to shift from frantic desperation to a dependent, peaceful faith. Whether your prayers feel more like last-minute cries or heartfelt conversations, this episode is a must-listen. You'll leave feeling encouraged, equipped, and reassured that your voice is heard—even in life's pitch-black moments. 🔗 Listen now and discover the transforming power of prayer in life's toughest seasons. Connect with Rachel Wojo https://rachelwojo.com/desperateprayers/ Instagram @rachelwojo X @rachelwojo Facebook @rachelwojoauthor Connect with Liz Web: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed

This week on Motherhood Unstressed, I sit down with the inspiring and candid Kristina Kuzmic to talk about her new book, I Can Fix This. In this raw and heart-opening conversation, Kristina shares the deeply personal story of supporting her son through his struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. As a mother navigating these challenges, she reveals the critical role that curiosity, self-awareness, and self-compassion played in helping her connect with her children on a deeper level. Kristina and I also dive into the complex balance between control and connection, the importance of self-care, and the power of seeking help when parenting feels overwhelming. Together, we explore how embracing discomfort and personal growth can lead to more authentic relationships with our children, and how self-reflection and vulnerability can transform the way we approach parenting. If you've ever felt the weight of parenting, questioned your instincts, or needed reassurance that you're not alone, this episode is for you. You'll walk away with a fresh perspective on parenting, mental health, and the power of self-awareness. Don't miss Kristina's deeply honest reflections and actionable insights on building a stronger bond with your kids—while learning to be kinder to yourself in the process. Connect with Kristina Web: https://kristinakuzmic.com Instagram @kristinakuzmic TikTok @iamkristinakuzmic Facebook @KristinaKuzmic Connect with Liz Web: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed

In this episode of Motherhood Unstressed, I'm joined by Lunden Roberts to discuss her new memoir, Out of the Shadows: My Life Inside the Wild World of Hunter Biden. While the book does touch on her experiences related to the Biden family, it's primarily a heartfelt account of her journey as a single mother. Lunden opens up about the challenges she faced during pregnancy, sleepless nights, and the profound love she has for her daughter. Her memoir is a source of inspiration for other parents, particularly single mothers, and offers valuable insights into navigating unplanned pregnancies, fighting for your child's rights, and managing the ups and downs of raising a child alone. She also shares practical advice on leaning on family, having a strong faith, and building a support system. If you're looking for an honest and relatable conversation about motherhood and personal resilience, don't miss this episode with Lunden Roberts. Connect with Lunden Get an autographed book here Instagram @lundentownn_ Connect with Liz www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed

This week I sit down with the incredible actress Katee Sackhoff, best known for her iconic roles as Lieutenant Kara "Starbuck" Thrace on Sci-Fi's Battlestar Galactica, Bo-Katan Kryze on Disney+'s The Mandalorian, and as the voice of Silk Spectre in the upcoming animated Watchmen feature. Katee opens up about her personal journey as a mother of two, sharing the challenges and triumphs of balancing a successful acting career with the intense demands of motherhood. During our heartfelt discussion, Katee shares her family's quiet struggle with her young daughter's cancer diagnosis and treatment, and how this experience has reshaped her perspective on life and legacy. Join us as we explore the themes of resilience, appreciating every day, and living life to the fullest. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of adversity. Connect with Katee Facebook @officialkateesackhoff Instagram @therealkateesackhoff TikTok @therealkateesackhoff X @Kateesackhoff Youtube @kateesackoffofficial Listen to Katee's podcast The Sackoff Show Connect with Liz Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Youtube Motherhood Unstressed https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com

I had the honor of chatting with the phenomenal Stephanie Land, an author and activist whose voice resonates deeply with so many of us. Stephanie's work sheds light on the crucial issues of social and economic justice, all while sharing her powerful journey of parenting under the harsh reality of poverty. You might know Stephanie from her debut book, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive. This raw, unfiltered look at her struggles became a #2 New York Times bestseller and captivated millions as a hit Netflix series. The Netflix adaptation of Maid wasn't just popular; it was transformative. Reaching 67 million households in its first four weeks, it became Netflix's fourth most-watched show of 2021. The series' impact was so profound that it led to a record number of calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, showcasing the real-world change that powerful storytelling can spark. With over 60 million hours of viewing in the first half of 2023 alone, Maid continues to inspire and resonate across platforms like TikTok. But Stephanie's journey didn't stop there. Her second book, Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education, debuted in November 2023 as Good Morning America's Book of the Month and was hailed as one of the best books of the year by Amazon. It even garnered a nomination for the Reading the West award in Biography/Memoir. Publishers Weekly gave it a starred review, calling it "eye-opening and heartrending." Class takes us through Stephanie's senior year in college and her daughter's first year of kindergarten, highlighting the challenges they faced and the socioeconomic barriers they overcame together. Beyond her books and speaking engagements, Stephanie is an arts and entertainment ambassador for the National Domestic Workers Alliance, championing the rights and recognition of over 2.2 million essential workers in the US. Her advocacy ensures that nannies, housecleaners, and home care workers receive the respect and rights they so richly deserve. Our conversation was filled with raw honesty, heartfelt moments, and a profound understanding of the struggles many face. Stephanie's story is not just one of survival but of relentless hope and unyielding strength. Tune in to this episode to hear Stephanie's inspiring journey firsthand. Connect with Stephanie Web: https://stepville.com TikTok @stepville Get the Book: Class Connect with Liz Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Youtube Motherhood Unstressed https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com

Welcome to my 10-minute guided meditation designed to help you find clarity and calm. Perfect for a quick reset during your busy day, this meditation will leave you feeling refreshed and focused. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, or simply take a break, this short meditation is ideal for you. In this session, we'll guide you through: Finding a Comfortable Position: Relax and settle into a space where you can fully unwind. Deep Breathing Techniques: Use controlled breathing to center your mind and body. Body Scan Meditation: Release tension and promote relaxation from head to toe. Peaceful Visualization: Escape to a tranquil place in your mind for ultimate peace. Positive Affirmations: Reinforce calmness, clarity, and focus with powerful affirmations. Returning to the Present: Gently reawaken, feeling recharged and ready to take on the rest of your day. This meditation is perfect for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Use it at any time of day when you need a mental break or a quick recharge. Experience the benefits of mindfulness and stress relief in just a few minutes! If you enjoy this meditation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with others who might benefit from a moment of calm and clarity. Tune in and transform your day with just a few minutes of mindfulness.

Heidi Reimer's journey into motherhood sparked the inspiration for her latest work, "The Mother Act," a poignant exploration of the intricate dance between maternal devotion and personal fulfillment. As a stay-at-home mother juggling the demands of caring for a baby and a toddler while her actor husband traveled for work, Heidi found herself at a crossroads. In a moment of quiet desperation, she contemplated the unthinkable: walking away from it all. Yet, instead of succumbing to her fleeting thoughts, Heidi channeled her emotions into a feverish burst of creativity, weaving her experiences into a literary tapestry that captures the essence of modern motherhood. "The Mother Act" delves deep into the trials, triumphs, and sacrifices of motherhood, offering a bold perspective on the thin line between self-prioritization and self-centeredness. Through the lens of a mother and daughter duo, Heidi explores themes of identity, ambition, and the profound impact of our choices on those we love. Tune in as we dissect the greater themes within "The Mother Act," from its feminist undertones to its exploration of the complexities of womanhood. Join us as we unravel the layers of this compelling narrative, exploring how Heidi's personal journey informed her storytelling and the universal truths it unveils about the human experience. Whether you're a parent grappling with the challenges of balancing family and personal aspirations or simply a lover of thought-provoking literature, this conversation promises to enlighten and inspire. Connect with Heidi Web: https://www.heidireimer.com Instagram @heidi.c.reimer Get the Book: The Mother Act Connect with Liz Web: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed About Heidi Heidi Reimer is a novelist and writing coach. Her debut novel, The Mother Act, is coming from Penguin Random House in April 2024. Her writing interrogates the lives of women, usually those bent on breaking free of what they're given to create what they yearn for. Her front row seat to The Mother Act's theatrical world began two decades ago when she met and married an actor, and her immersion in motherhood began when she adopted a toddler and discovered she was pregnant on the same day. She has published in Chatelaine, The New Quarterly, Literary Mama, and the anthologies The M Word: Conversations About Motherhood and Body & Soul: Stories for Skeptics and Seekers. About the Book Set against the sparkling backdrop of the theater world, this propulsive debut follows the complicated relationship between an actress who refuses to abandon her career and the daughter she chooses to abandon instead. Sadie Jones, a larger-than-life actress and controversial feminist, never wanted to be a mother. No one feels this more deeply than Jude, the daughter Sadie left behind. While Jude spent her childhood touring with her father's Shakespearian theater company, desperate for validation from the mother she barely knew, Sadie catapulted to fame on the wings of The Mother Act—a scathing one-woman show depicting her maternal rage. Two decades later, Jude is a talented actress in her own right, and her fraught relationship with Sadie has come to a head—bitterly and publicly. On a December evening in New York City, at the packed premiere of Sadie's latest play, the two come face-to-face and the intertwined stories of their lives unravel. With years of love, resentment, and misunderstanding laid bare, the questions loom: What are the costs of being a devoted mother and a devoted artist, and who gets to decide if the collateral damage is justified? Compelling, insightful, and cleverly conveyed as a play in six acts, The Mother Act is equal parts stylish page-turner and provocative exploration of womanhood. Coming April 30, 2024 from Dutton and Random House Canada. Pre-Order here: https://www.heidireimer.com/preorder

Stephen Johnston is a father, radiologist, nonprofit founder, and Ironman athlete, who faced his son Luke's life-altering diagnosis with resilience and determination. At just seven years old, Luke was diagnosed with a rare disease: retinitis pigmentosa and Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS). With no medical intervention available for BBS-related retinitis pigmentosa, Luke faced the prospect of slowly losing his vision, eventually leading to blindness in his teenage years. Undeterred by the daunting prognosis, Stephen embarked on a mission to save his son's sight. Connecting with a UK-based researcher on the cusp of human clinical trials for a potential treatment, Stephen founded A Race Against Blindness to raise $1 million for sight-saving research. Through his relentless efforts, Stephen has raised over six figures, garnering attention from major media outlets like GoodMorningAmerica.com and various TV news stations. His story is not just about fundraising; it's about finding purpose in adversity and redefining resilience as a parent. In this episode, Stephen shares invaluable insights on parenting through tough situations, setting a strong example for your children, and navigating co-parenting post-divorce, especially when faced with unexpected challenges like a serious medical condition. In this episode we discuss: Finding Your Purpose Amidst Adversity and Channeling Change: Stephen discusses discovering his passion amidst his son's diagnosis and the complex emotions that accompany finding purpose in difficult situations. Making a Safe Space for Your Children Through Effective Co-Parenting Post-Divorce: Stephen offers practical tips on co-parenting through adversity, drawing from his experience of re-evaluating priorities and fostering family unity post-diagnosis. Setting a Strong Example: Modeling a Balance of Strength and Vulnerability for Your Children: Stephen shares how he redefined resilience and vulnerability to become a better parent, inspiring listeners to shift their mindset and embrace challenges. Parenting a Child Through Tough News: Stephen reflects on communicating difficult diagnoses to children, offering coping strategies and parenting tools to support children through challenging times. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Stephen's journey and learn how to navigate parenthood with resilience and grace. Connect with Stephen Web: https://araceagainstblindness.org Instagram: dad.vs.blindness and a.race.against.blindness Youtube: A.Race.Against.Blindness Connect with Liz Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Youtube Motherhood Unstressed https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com