Mum Mind Unpacked

Gia and Bree sit down with the incredible Dr Kristy Goodwin — neuro-performance scientist, author, speaker, and one of Australia’s leading digital wellbeing experts — for a conversation every modern mum needs to hear.Together, they unpack why so many of us feel constantly overwhelmed by the relentless pings, dings, and demands of digital life, and why it’s not a personal failing. Our brains simply weren’t built for this level of connection, comparison, and communication.Kristy explains the unique pressures mothers face when juggling communication overload, mental load, emotional labour, social comparison, and the expectation to be endlessly available. She also shares practical, realistic strategies to help mums reclaim control — from setting healthier tech boundaries to designing our days around true rest and recovery.This episode is equal parts validating and actionable — a must-listen if you ever feel like you’re drowning in your devices.​Why mothers are uniquely overwhelmed by digital communication​The science behind why our brains struggle in a hyper-connected world​How constant notifications dysregulate our nervous system​Simple, realistic ways to set digital boundaries​How to create rest and recovery rituals that actually fit into a mum’s life​Kristy’s personal experience with burnout — and what she changed​How to be intentional digital role models for our kidsPlease follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen.📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com🌐 Website: https://drkristygoodwin.com/ & Spacious Success📸 Instagram: @drkristyMum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.If you’re struggling, please reach out to:• Lifeline: 13 11 14• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or someone who might need it.And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛Tags: digital overwhelm, mothers, mums, moms, motherhood, technology, notifications, boundaries, digital detox, mental health, productivity, sleep, digital guardrails, digital communication, burnout, recovery, wellbeing, work-life balance, phone addiction, dr kristy goodwin, spacious success, phone addiction

In this honest and practical episode, Bree and Gia are joined by Relationship Psychologist Dr Stuart Naughten, who Bree credits with helping save her marriage! Together, they unpack what really happens to romantic relationships after kids arrive and how to weather the inevitable “cyclone” of change that parenthood brings. With warmth, humour, and honesty, Dr Naughten offers practical tools to help couples reconnect, communicate, and stay close, even when the wheels fall off.Whether you’re knee-deep in nappies, raising temperamental teens, or just juggling the chaos of family life, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s trying to stay in love while raising little humans.🎧 What You’ll Hear• Why parenthood shakes up even the strongest relationships• The common “wobbles” couples experience after kids• How to stay emotionally connected when time and energy are in short supply• Communication traps (and how to avoid them)• Why love languages really matterYou’ll laugh, nod in recognition, and walk away with fresh insight into your own relationship dynamics.🗓 New Episodes WednesdaysPlease follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums find the show and feel seen.🔗 Connect With Us📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com🔗 Connect With Dr Stuart Naughten🌐 Website: drstuartnaughtenpsychology.com⚠️ A Gentle ReminderMum Mind Unpacked is here to inform, connect, and support, but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.If you’re struggling, please reach out to:• Lifeline 13 11 14• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) 1300 726 306🙏 Thanks for ListeningIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or someone who needs to hear it.And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you. 💛🔍 KeywordsDr Stuart Naughten, Relationship Psychologist, Marriage Counsellor, Couples Therapy, Communication, Parenting, Intimacy, Connectedness, Love Languages, Parenthood, Relationship Advice, Surviving Parenthood Together

Perimenopause: it’s the phase of life no one really talks about... until you’re in it and wondering what on earth is going on with your body and mind.In this episode of Mum Mind Unpacked, we’re joined by Nat Kringoudis—Doctor of Chinese Medicine, acupuncturist, author, speaker, mum, and self-confessed Hormone Revolutionist—for a no-fluff, super practical, and refreshingly honest conversation about what’s really happening when your hormones start shifting.💡 Think perimenopause is something for “later”? Nat breaks down why that’s a myth—and why your 30s and 40s are prime time for hormone changes that can impact everything from your mood and sleep to your cycle and mental clarity.We chat with Nat about:• What actually happens during perimenopause (and when it starts)• The early signs of perimenopause• What to rule out before blaming your hormones• How to better support your body through this transition• Why understanding your hormones is an act of empowerment, not fearNat brings the kind of wisdom and real talk we all need delivered with warmth, clarity, humour and zero judgment. Whether you're already noticing changes or just want to be better prepared, this episode is your permission slip to stop guessing and start understanding your body better.🎧 Hit play. Your future self will thank you!🗓 New Episodes on WednesdaysDon’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums discover the podcast!🔗 Connect with us:📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com 🔗 Connect with Nat Kringroudis:📸 Instagram: @natkringoudis 📧 Website: natkringoudis.com🔔 A Gentle ReminderOur conversations are here to inform and support—not to replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to one of these support services:PANDA: 1300 726 306Lifeline: 13 11 14🙏 Thanks for Listening!If this episode touched you, please share it with a friend or fellow mum. And if you're feeling generous, we’d love a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on your favourite podcast app!Until next time — motherhood is hard but you’re not alone. We see you. 🔍 KeywordsPerimenopause, menopause, hormones, thyroid, mood swings, night sweats, hot flush, Nat Kringoudis

In this raw and relatable episode, Bree and Gia unpack the heavy, often unspoken burden of mum guilt. From breastfeeding struggles to battling unrealistic expectations to be the “perfect mum” and feeling bad for wanting more than motherhood, they get candid about the moments that make mothers feel like they're not enough — and why that's just not true.✨ What You’ll Hear:• The daily toll of mum guilt and where it stems from• Bree & Gia’s personal stories about the pressure to be the “perfect mum”• The impact of societal norms, generational views, and social media comparisons• Helpful coping tools: therapy, reframing guilt, and embracing “good enough”• Honest encouragement for mums to let go of guilt, perfection and embrace compassion💬 Notable Quotes:• “Reframe guilt as a sign of caring, not failing.”• “Let your kids see your imperfections — it helps them learn resilience.”• “We have to be okay with not doing it all. We are doing the best that we can.”If you've ever felt the weight of not being "enough" — this one’s for you. 💛🗓 New Episodes on WednesdaysDon’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums discover the podcast!🔗 Connect with us:📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com🤝 Thanks to Our Sponsors🌿 KineNatural, flushable, plastic-free body cloths for the whole family. Gentle on skin, tough on mess, kind to the planet.💸 Use code Mum10 for 10% off at kine.com.au📱 @kineaustralia🥗 JNR Food CoReady-made, dietitian-approved kids’ meals that are high in protein, low in sodium, preservative-free — and loved by kids!📱 @jnrfoodco👀 Explore the full range: jnrfoodco.au🔔 A Gentle ReminderOur conversations are here to inform and support — not to replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to one of these support services:PANDA: 1300 726 306Lifeline: 13 11 14🙏 Thanks for Listening!If this episode touched you, please share it with a friend or fellow mum.And if you're feeling generous, we’d love a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on your favourite podcast app!Until next time — motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. We see you.🔍 KeywordsMum guilt, mom guilt, motherhood guilt, parenting guilt, the perfect mother myth, letting go of perfection, feeling not good enough, craving more than motherhood

🎧 Episode SummaryIn this raw and heartfelt episode of Mum Mind. Unpacked, we sit down with the incredible Lauren Smedley — mum of two, founder of Bronte Co, and one of the strongest, most grounded women we know. Lauren shares her powerful story of navigating early motherhood while launching a successful kids' swimwear label, all while facing the unimaginable: the diagnosis of her youngest son, Logan, with congenital CMV — a virus that left him profoundly deaf.From sleepless nights and therapy appointments to late-night order packing and building a family-run business from the ground up, Lauren’s story is one of resilience, love, vulnerability, and doing what needs to be done — no matter how hard. This one will move you, inform you, and stay with you long after the episode ends.👩‍👦 About Our GuestLauren Smedley is a mum of two boys — Reid and Logan — and the founder of Bronte Co, a swimwear label designed with heart and purpose. She’s also a former PA who transitioned into entrepreneurship with the support of her husband and parents. Lauren brings candid reflections on motherhood, raising a child with special needs, and keeping a business — and her spirit — afloat during life’s toughest seasons.🗓 New Episodes on WednesdaysDon’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums discover the podcast!🔗 Connect with us📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com🛍 Get in touch with Lauren or shop Bronte Co’s awesome rangeSupport Lauren’s amazing swimwear label created for everyday families:🌐 www.bronteco.com📸 Instagram: @bronte_co💬 If you or someone you know is navigating a diagnosis like CMV or raising a child with hearing loss, this episode may offer comfort, connection, and understanding.📚 For more information about CMV• CMV Awareness: cmv.org.au🤝 Thanks to Our Sponsors🌿 KineNatural, flushable, plastic-free body cloths for the whole family. Gentle on skin, tough on mess, kind to the planet.💸 Use code Mum10 for 10% off at kine.com.au📱 @kineaustralia🥗 JNR Food CoReady-made, dietitian-approved kids’ meals that are high in protein, low in sodium, preservative-free — and loved by kids!👀 Explore the full range: jnrfoodco.au🔔 A Gentle ReminderOur conversations are here to inform and support — not to replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to one of these support services:• PANDA: 1300 726 306• Lifeline: 13 11 14🔍 KeywordsMotherhood, mums, special needs, CMV, diagnosis, NDIS, resilience, Bronte Co🙏 Thanks for ListeningIf this episode touched you, please share it with a friend or fellow mum. And if you're feeling generous, we’d love a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on your favourite podcast app!Until next time — motherhood is hard but you’re not alone. We see you.

Returning to work after becoming a mum can feel overwhelming — not just practically, but emotionally too. In this episode, we’re unpacking the identity shifts, the pressure to “do it all,” and how to find a work-life family balance that actually works for you. We’re joined by career counsellor and mum of four, Vicki Clothier, who shares practical tips on – Advocating for flexible, family-friendly work – Why you shouldn’t settle for “just any” job – Letting go of the idea that your current role has to be forever. We also share our own return-to-work stories — including how we felt judged as stay-at-home mums, and the unexpected emotions that came with trying to “find ourselves” again. Whether you’re thinking about a career change, re-entering the workforce, or just figuring out what’s next — this one’s for you📲 Connect with UsInstagram & Facebook: @mummindunpackedTag us or send a DM: Use #MumMindUnpackedEmail: mummindunpacked@gmail.com🗓 New Episodes Every WednesdayDon’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review to help more mums discover the podcast! 🤝 Thanks to Our Sponsors🌿 KineNatural, flushable, plastic-free body cloths for the wholefamily. Gentle on skin, tough on mess, kind to the planet.💸 Use code Mum10 for 10% off at kine.com.au📱 @kineaustralia 🥗 JNR Food CoReady-made, dietitian-approved kids’ meals that are high in protein, low in sodium, preservative-free — and loved by kids!🎁 Giveaway Alert!Follow us on Instagram @mummindunpacked and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to go in the draw to win a week of JNR Food Co meals! Full details on our socials.👀 Explore the full range: jnrfoodco.au 📲 Podcast Guest - Vicki Clothier, Career CounsellorConnect with Vicki - LinkedIn🔔 A Gentle ReminderOur conversations are here to inform and support—not to replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to one of these support services: PANDA: 1300 726 306 Lifeline: 13 11 14 🔍 Keywordsmotherhood, career after kids, working mums, working moms, identity shift, flexible work, mum guilt, mom guilt, return to work, career change, stay-at-home mum, mum life balance, women and work, career counselling, motherhood and identity, re-entering the workforce, parenting and career, Vicki Clothier, mums in transition, self-discovery, work-life balance, motherhood podcast

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we’re diving into a condition that affects millions of women but often goes unrecognised: Postnatal Depletion. If you've ever felt like you're running on fumes long after giving birth, you're not alone—and you're not imagining it. We unpack what postnatal depletion really is, how it differs from postnatal depression, and why so many mothers silently suffer in today’s fast-paced world. We interview Jo Atkinson, Clinical Nutritionist and Provisional Psychologist, to explore how physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion can persist for months—or even years—after childbirth, and what can be done to support genuine recovery.🔍 What We Cover:​ What is postnatal depletion?• The difference between postnatal depletion and postnatal depression• Why recovery can take years (and why many women never fully bounce back)• Common symptoms: fatigue, brain fog, irritability, low libido, anxiety, and more• How modern motherhood leaves little room for real rest or healing• The vital role of nutrition, sleep, and emotional support• Steps to begin your recovery journey• How partners, families, and communities can offer better support🎙️ Special Guest: Jo Atkinson from Mother NurtureIn this episode, we speak with Jo Atkinson, a Clinical Nutritionist and Provisional Psychologist who specialises in maternal well-being. Jo is the founder of Mother Nurture, where she supports women navigating the physical and emotional challenges of motherhood with compassion, education, and evidence-based care.🔗 Website: joatkinson.com.auInstagram: @joatkinson.mothernurture👩‍⚕️ For Mums Who Feel:​ "I’m exhausted all the time—and no one gets it"• "I don’t feel like myself anymore"• "Everything is overwhelming and I feel like I’m failing"• "Everyone tells me this is just motherhood, but it doesn’t feel right"You are not alone—and you deserve support.📲 Connect with us:Instagram: @mummindunpacked Tag us or DM with #MumMindUnpacked🗓 New episodes every Wednesday!Hit Follow, share with a friend, and please leave a review to help other mums discover the podcast.🌿 Sponsored by KinePure, plastic-free, flushable body cloths for everyday use — because caring for yourself and your family shouldn’t come at a cost to the planet.@kineaustralia | www.kine.com.au🔔 A gentle reminder:We’re here to share stories—not to provide medical or psychological advice.If you’re struggling, reach out for support:PANDA: 1300 726 306Lifeline: 13 11 14🔑 Episode Keywords:Postnatal depletion, postnatal recovery, maternal health, postpartum fatigue, motherhood burnout, postnatal nutrition, postnatal mental health, new mum support, fourth trimester, postpartum care, brain fog after birth, hormonal imbalance, motherhood identity, Jo Atkinson, Mother Nurture, clinical nutritionist, provisional psychologist, mum exhaustion, mental load of motherhood, maternal wellbeing, support for mums

This week, we’re taking you behind the scenes of Mum Mind Unpacked — and telling the truth about how it almost didn’t happen.From recording marathons and blooper reels to trailer edits and Insta post drama, we unpack the perfectionism, people-pleasing, and real moments that almost derailed the pod —and how we worked through it.Whether you're launching something new or just trying to survive the week, this one’s full of honesty, laughs, and lessons in letting go.In this episode:• Why the trailer took 50+ takes 😅• The mini blow-up over an Instagram reel• How perfectionism & people-pleasing show up in mum life & friendship• What we’re learning about honest convos & creative collaboration• 🎧 Plus: outtakes, cringe moments, and lots ofLOLs💛 Sponsored by Bronte Co.Aussie-made matching outfits for cool, comfy, chaos-proof family life.👕 @bronte_co🌐 www.bronteco.com🎁 Win a $200 Bronte Co voucher!1. Follow us on Insta: @mummindunpacked2. Leave us a quick review on Spotify or Apple PodcastsFull details on our IG & in the show notes.💬 Connect with us:📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked📩 DM us or tag us with #MumMindUnpacked📅 New episodes every Wednesday — hit follow, share with a mate, and leave a review so more mums can find us.🧠 Reminder:We’re here to share stories, not offer professional advice.If you're struggling, please reach out to:📞 PANDA: 1300 726 306📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14You matter — and you're never alone 💛

Hey there, fellow mums 👋 We're Bree (mum to three girls) and Gia (mum to three boys), and this is Mum Mind Unpacked — a podcast that puts the spotlight back on us: the mums.We’re diving deep into the messy, emotional, and totally normal rollercoaster of motherhood — the rage, the guilt, the identity crises — and we’re not holding back.If you've ever felt like you're the only one struggling, you're so not alone. This is the podcast where you’ll feel seen, heard, and maybe even have a laugh (and probably a cry).We're figuring it out as we go, and we’re stoked to have you come along for the ride. Let’s start unpacking.