The Mom Mentality Podcast

Episode 26: From Perfection to Connection: Sharing my Motherhood Journey

Welcome to the 26th episode of The Mom Mentality Podcast! In this SOLO episode, I get open and honest about my personal journey through motherhood, highlighting my challenges of pregnancy loss, anxiety, and postpartum mental health. I reflect on my process, from striving for control and for the perfect pregnancy and birth to leaning into vulnerability and connection through my imperfect journey. We also talk about preeclampsia and my experience with my son being in the NICU. 
 
I know so many of you will relate and I can't wait to hear from those of you who will see yourselves in my story and maybe for the first time truly honor yourself for all you have moved through as a mom. 
 
 
Chapters
 
03:43 The Journey of Pregnancy and Loss
07:12 Navigating Complications and Birth Experience
11:08 Postpartum Struggles and Seeking Help
13:23 Reflections on Motherhood and Self-Care
 
I hope you found this episode to be inspiring and transform the way you view yourself and motherhood. I am so grateful to be on this motherhood journey with you! 
 
I know your time is SO precious as a mom! If you enjoyed this episode and it resonated with you it would mean so much for you to share the episode with a fellow mom friend or put it on your social media. 
 
I look forward to seeing you back here next week for a GUEST episode! 
 
Connect on Instagram: @talkingdrtal    
Check out the website: https://www.drnataliarappa.com
Email: drnataliarappa@gmail.com 
 
Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is intended to educate, support, and uplift you on your motherhood journey. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice or services. If you are experiencing any emotional distress, mental health challenges, or medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified professional.

Episode 25: Moving with Motherhood: How to keep showing up for you in this new season with Nicole Garcia

Welcome to the 25th episode of The Mom Mentality Podcast!! This GUEST episode is with Nicole Garcia, mom of three and the founder of Motherhood Moves, a fitness community focused on supporting mothers through their wellness journeys. Nicole shares her personal experiences with motherhood, fitness, and the importance of self-care. We get real on the challenges mothers face, the significance of building a supportive community, and the need for a non-judgmental space where moms can show up as they are. We also talk about breaking generational patterns, finding identity beyond motherhood, and the struggles of balancing life and business. Come on in! 
 
If you love the episode I would so appreciate you sharing/rating/subscribing!! 
 
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction to Motherhood Moves
04:09 The Journey of Health and Wellness
06:30 Navigating Motherhood and Postpartum Challenges
12:56 Building Community Through Fitness
16:04 Creating a Non-Judgmental Space for Moms
22:39 Breaking Generational Patterns in Parenting
28:04 Rediscovering Identity Beyond Motherhood
30:14 Shifting Mindsets and Embracing Change
31:46 The Power of Choice and Control
33:45 The Importance of Support and Community
35:39 Realness in Motherhood: Breaking the Illusion
38:34 Prioritizing Self-Care and Personal Needs
40:52 Navigating Postpartum Realities
44:09 The Challenges of Balancing Motherhood and Career
47:56 Finding Balance in Chaos
52:34 Empowering Moms Through Community
 
Nicole Garcia is the founder of Motherhood Moves, a fitness community dedicated to helping moms prioritize self-care through movement, mindset and community. With a focus on pre and postnatal fitness, my mission is to empower women to feel strong and confident at every stage of motherhood—whether they’re expecting, newly postpartum, or chasing toddlers. Through accessible in person and virtual workouts, local events, and a growing network of mamas. I also work alongside two powerhouse women, Dr. Alexandra Filingeri RDN DCN and Francesca Emma LMHC to offer a well-rounded approach to wellness—supporting moms not just physically, but emotionally and nutritionally through every season of motherhood.
 
Website: www. motherhoodmovesli.com
Instagram handle: @motherhood.moves_
 
I look forward to seeing you back here next week for another episode! Until then, be gentle with yourself!
 
Dr. Natalia Rappa is a holistic psychologist. Her private practice focuses on working with adolescents and adults in transitional life phases dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma. She holds a doctoral degree in school/clinical psychology from Hofstra University. She has specialized  training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). In addition, she pursued further training in EMDR, a evidenced based treatment for trauma.  She integrates these different approaches to meet the unique needs of each of her clients. The belief at the core of her work is that our mind and bodies want to heal and have an innate wisdom to do so. With a non-judgmental environment, strong therapeutic rapport, and supportive coping techniques, clients are able to access this wisdom within them. 
 
Connect on Instagram: @talkingdrtal    
Check out my website: https://www.drnataliarappa.com
Email: drnataliarappa@gmail.com 

Episode 24 : Healing and Revealing yourself in Motherhood: How to Fuse Traditional Therapy and Ancient Healing Practices with Parashakti Alexandra

Welcome to the 24th episode of The Mom Mentality Podcast!! This GUEST episode is with Parashakti Alexandra Spergel, a mother and sacred space holder supporting women through life transitions and rites of passage. We discuss the transformative power of pain, the importance of community support, and the role of therapy and ancient healing practices in personal growth. Alexandra shares her experiences with OCD, trauma, and the significance of creativity during pregnancy. Our conversation also touches on the concept of matrescence, the challenges of postpartum life, and the profound changes that motherhood brings to one's identity and sense of self.
 
If you love the episode I would so appreciate you sharing/rating/subscribing!! 
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Alexandra's Journey
03:28 Embracing Spirituality and Motherhood
06:11 The Role of Pain in Spiritual Awakening
08:35 Therapy and Spiritual Practices: A Dual Approach
11:25 Navigating OCD: A Personal Story
14:14 The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health
16:53 Finding Connection Through Shared Experiences
18:39 Navigating Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsions
22:11 Understanding Matrescence and Identity Transformation
25:57 Creative Preparation for Motherhood
29:34 Facing Fears and Setting Boundaries in Birth
33:07 Spiritual Connections and Intuition in Motherhood
37:38 The Bigger Picture of Parenthood
 
Parashakti Alexandra is a sacred space holder and devoted mother who fuses yoga, ancient wisdom, plant medicine, and ceremonies to support women through life transitions and rites of passage. She hosts yoga classes, leads teacher trainings, and curates retreats around the world. Her holistic, naturalist approach to living has deeply informed her journey into conscious motherhood—from conception and pregnancy to birth and raising her son. 
 
Website: https://www.alexandraspergel.com/
Instagram handle: @parashakti.alexandra
 
I look forward to seeing you back here next week for another episode! Until then, be gentle with yourself!
 
Dr. Natalia Rappa is a holistic psychologist. Her private practice focuses on working with adolescents and adults in transitional life phases dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma. She holds a doctoral degree in school/clinical psychology from Hofstra University. She has specialized  training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). In addition, she pursued further training in EMDR, a evidenced based treatment for trauma.  She integrates these different approaches to meet the unique needs of each of her clients. The belief at the core of her work is that our mind and bodies want to heal and have an innate wisdom to do so. With a non-judgmental environment, strong therapeutic rapport, and supportive coping techniques, clients are able to access this wisdom within them. 
 
Connect on Instagram: @talkingdrtal    
Check out my website: https://www.drnataliarappa.com
Email: drnataliarappa@gmail.com 
 

Episode 23: The Simple Shift that Can Change Everything: How to Create the Motherhood Experience you Deserve

Welcome to the 23rd episode of The Mom Mentality Podcast! This SOLO episode we will have a chat about my reflections and a practical tool to shift your experience as a mom for the better! I explain the importance of prioritizing personal needs over societal expectations. We also get into the common struggle of feeling overwhelmed by 'shoulds' in motherhood and focus on the need for self-care and personal fulfillment to better support both ourselves and our children. It is simple but it is POWERFUL. 
 
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction to the Mom Mentality Podcast
01:57 Reflections on Motherhood and Self-Care
06:53 Shifting from 'Shoulds' to 'Needs' in Parenting
11:08 Listening to Yourself as a Mother
11:39 The Importance of Time for Moms
11:40 Building Community Among Mothers
 
 
I hope you found this episode to be inspiring and transform the way you view yourself and motherhood. I am so grateful to be on this motherhood journey with you! 
 
I know your time is SO precious as a mom! If you enjoyed this episode and it resonated with you it would mean so much for you to share the episode with a fellow mom friend or put it on your social media. 
 
I look forward to seeing you back here next week for a GUEST episode! 
 
Connect on Instagram: @talkingdrtal    
Check out the website: https://www.drnataliarappa.com
Email: drnataliarappa@gmail.com 
 
Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is intended to educate, support, and uplift you on your motherhood journey. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice or services. If you are experiencing any emotional distress, mental health challenges, or medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified professional.
 
motherhood, mental health, self-care, parenting, personal growth, time management, mom community, motherhood journey, holistic psychology, emotional well-being

Episode 22: Holding the Mother: The transformative power of postpartum support with Alex Monahan

Welcome to the 22nd episode of The Mom Mentality Podcast!! This GUEST episode with Alex Monahan, mother and doula, is a heartfelt conversation about the complexities of motherhood, the importance of emotional wellbeing, and the vital role of support during the postpartum period. We discuss our personal experiences with birth trauma, the significance of building a supportive birth team, and the healing power of community. Alex also opens up about her experience with grief as a motherless mother. 
 
If you love the episode I would so appreciate you sharing/rating/subscribing!! 
 
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Motherhood
06:01 Understanding Trauma in Birth Experiences
11:32 Transformative Birth Experiences
17:00 The Need for Permission and Self-Care
22:07 The Role of Intuition in Doula Work
27:33 The Importance of Postpartum Support
36:28 Building a Supportive Birth Team
47:37 Navigating Grief and Motherhood
54:51 Embracing Legacy and Intuition in Parenting
 
Alex is a birth and postpartum doula whose work is deeply rooted in intuition, empathy, and presence. She is an energy worker who brings this into work and her everyday life. A mother of two—Brian (6) and Isla (almost 4)—everything she does is guided by love for her children and a deep desire to nurture and support others through the journey of motherhood. As a motherless mother, Alex brings a unique depth and softness to her care, holding space with tenderness, strength, and unwavering compassion. You can often find her on afternoon walks or at the park with her little ones (and usually a few extras in tow!), soaking in nature and connection.
 
Website: www.moonandsundoulacare.com
Instagram handle: @moonandsundoula
 
I look forward to seeing you back here next week for another episode! Until then, be gentle with yourself!
Connect on Instagram: @talkingdrtal    
Check out my website: https://www.drnataliarappa.com
Email: drnataliarappa@gmail.com

Episode 21: Redefining Your Worth: Body Image and Identity Shifts in Motherhood with Francesca Emma

Welcome to the 21st episode of The Mom Mentality Podcast!! This GUEST episode with Francesca Emma, mother and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, is all about body image and identity changes in motherhood! She shares her insights on motherhood, body image, and emotional eating. We  discuss the importance of modeling healthy relationships with food for children, understanding the impact of pregnancy on body image, and navigating the challenges of emotional eating and shame. We also get into social media’s influence on our body image and how to build a community around you that is supportive. 
 
If you love the episode I would so appreciate you sharing/rating/subscribing!! 
 
 
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Family Meals
03:38 Modeling Healthy Relationships with Food
05:59 The Journey to Becoming a Mental Health Counselor
08:44 Understanding Eating Disorders
11:18 Navigating Body Image During Pregnancy
13:59 The Impact of Language on Body Image
16:50 Shifting the Dialogue Around Food and Body
19:48 Emotional Eating and Its Triggers
22:33 Prioritizing Self-Care as a Parent
26:16 Encouraging Healthy Relationships with Food
28:49 Practicing Body Gratitude
30:34 Navigating Identity Grief in Motherhood
31:30 The Importance of Self-Care
33:14 Building a Supportive Community
35:45 Understanding Emotions in Motherhood
37:41 Curating Positive Social Media Experiences
39:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery
42:21 Communicating with Children
45:03 The Importance of Self-Regulation
48:31 Finding Community and Support
 
Francesca Emma, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in body image, anxiety, and maternal mental health. She works with women through all stages of life—but especially during transitions like fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum—helping them feel grounded, supported, and more connected to themselves. Her work blends clinical therapy with real-life tools to support emotional wellness in a sustainable, compassionate way.
 
Website: https://www.francescaemmalmhc.com/
Instagram handle: @francescaemmalmhc
 
I look forward to seeing you back here next week for another episode! Until then, be gentle with yourself!
Connect on Instagram: @talkingdrtal    
Check out my website: https://www.drnataliarappa.com
Email: drnataliarappa@gmail.com 
 
motherhood, body image, emotional eating, self-care, parenting, mental health, community support, mindfulness, self-acceptance, transformation
 

Episode 20: Healing the Mother Wound with Marci Baron

Welcome to the 20th episode of The Mom Mentality Podcast!! This GUEST episode with Marci Baron, intuitive guide, energy alchemist, author and mom, gets into the topic of the Mother Wound! She helps us understand how to identify the Mother Wound within ourselves and how she helps her clients to heal in order to improve their motherhood journeys and relationship to themselves and other women. 
 
If you love the episode I would so appreciate you sharing/rating/subscribing!! 
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Marci Barron
03:28 Marci's Journey into Motherhood and Healing
07:10 The Impact of Loss on Personal Growth
10:32 The Shift from Trauma to Healing
14:05 Healing the Mother Wound
18:00 The Feminine Essence in Motherhood
21:08 Abandonment and Betrayal in Fertility
24:12 Personalized Healing Journeys
26:01 Understanding the Mother Wound
29:44 Generational Trauma and Healing
31:57 The Impact of Motherhood on Identity
36:38 The Ripple Effect of Healing
38:26 Self-Care and Motherhood
46:25 Navigating Fertility Challenges
47:38 The Power of Perspective in Healing
 
Marci Baron is an intuitive guide and energy alchemist who offers her clients a highly personalized and luxurious experience to regulate, clear, heal + ignite the next level of their lives. She is the author of ‘Clear Your Way Home: Stories, Reflections, and Tools to Guide You Back to the Life You’ve Always Wanted.’ Marci's expertise includes Integrated Energy Therapy, Reiki, Past Life Regression, Rapid Rewire Coaching, The Body Code, Breath Work, and Discovery Sessions.
 
Website: https://marcibaronclears.com/
Instagram handle: @marcibaron
 
I look forward to seeing you back here next week for another episode!  Until then, be gentle with yourself!
 
Connect on Instagram: @talkingdrtal    
Check out my website: https://www.drnataliarappa.com
Email: drnataliarappa@gmail.com

Episode 19: The Realities of Expecting: De-influencing Motherhood with Caitlin Wilder

Welcome to the 19th episode of The Mom Mentality Podcast!! This GUEST episode is with Caitlin Wilder from Wilder Beginnings, doula, content creator, and mom of two. We get candid about her journey to becoming a doula and content creator, the expectations vs. realities of postpartum, the lies that influencers tell about motherhood, and allowing yourself to enjoy your unique motherhood experience.
 
If you love this episode I would SO appreciate you sharing/rating/subscribing so other moms can easily find the podcast too! 
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Caitlin Wilder
05:37 Caitlin's Journey to Becoming a Doula
10:22 Navigating Postpartum Challenges
16:51 Understanding Maternal Mental Health
20:47 Navigating Postpartum Challenges
23:57 Expectations vs. Reality in Postpartum
28:18 The Impact of Social Media on Motherhood
32:42 Understanding Baby's Individuality
36:34 Embracing Flexibility in Parenting
39:25 Finding Joy in Motherhood
 
Caitlin Wilder is a mom x2, LA native, full-spectrum doula, and Certified Lactation Counselor known for keeping it maybe a little *too* real about the raw, ridiculous, and beautiful chaos of motherhood. She’s the founder of the Wilder Beginnings community—an Instagram safe space where new moms go to feel seen, supported, and laugh-cry at 3am. With huor, a deep well of expertise, and zero tolerance for sugar coated baby advice, Caitlin has built a loyal following by being the internet’s postpartum BFF. Whether she’s breaking down newborn care or dismantling and de-influencing about unrealistic mom standards, she’s here to make sure no mom feels alone.  
Website: https://www.wilderbeginnings.com/
Instagram: @wilderbeginnings 
 
I look forward to seeing you back here next week for another episode! Until then, be gentle with yourself!
 
Connect on Instagram: @talkingdrtal    
Check out my website: https://www.drnataliarappa.com
Email: drnataliarappa@gmail.com 
 

Episode 18: Staying true to you in motherhood with Kali Quinn

Welcome to the 18th episode of The Mom Mentality Podcast!! This GUEST episode with Kali Quinn, intuitive tarot card reader and mom of two, is all about connecting with and following your intuition and advocating for yourself as a mother and woman. Kali also shares an intuitive tarot card reading for the collective Mom Mentality Community with us at the end!
 
If you love the episode I would so appreciate you sharing/rating/subscribing 
 
Chapters
00:00 Embracing Intuition in a Skeptical World
11:12 Navigating Client Relationships and Boundaries
13:50 The Transformative Journey of Motherhood
16:36 Advocating for Yourself and Your Health
19:21 The Power of Maternal Intuition
21:58 Redefining Empowerment in Motherhood
24:21 The Reality of Birth Choices
27:03 Mental Health and Maternal Well-being
29:52 The Importance of Community Support
31:17 Breaking Societal Norms in Parenting
33:23 The Future of Maternal Health Awareness
35:48 The Burden of Expectations on Mothers
38:53 Navigating Mental Health and Motherhood
41:31 The Role of Intuition and Tarot in Support
43:59 Empowerment Through Self-Validation
47:43 Understanding the Male Perspective
52:37 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Acceptance
 
Kali Quinn is an Intuitive Tarot Reader, Clairvoyant, and Reiki Practitioner located in Long Beach and Woodstock, NY. Through the integration of tarot, channeling, mediumship, and energy healing, she supports others in reconnecting with their inner truth while navigating their spiritual path with clarity, compassion, and confidence. 
Her gifts first emerged in childhood, but for much of her life, she resisted them — afraid of the unknown and burdened by the shame of feeling different. Even in that resistance, she was preparing. Kali devoted herself to the study of energy work, learning many modalities of energy protection, how to channel safely, and engage with the unseen through integrity and care. In time, what once felt frightening became sacred.
Today, Kali holds space for others at every stage of their spiritual journey — whether they’re just beginning or are deeply experienced. She believes the answers we seek already live within us. Her role is not to provide them, but to reflect them back — serving as a conduit for insight, truth, and deeper alignment.
Through her business Psychic Grocery, Kali offers Intuitive Tarot Readings, Reiki Sessions, Past Life Regression, and Akashic Records Reading. Additionally, Kali makes custom ritual candles, talisman, and tea blends to aid in extra support for her clients. She works only in light, protecting each session with intention and reverence. Her practice is grounded in honesty, ethics, and a deep commitment to Spirit. This work is her calling: to remind others that they are never alone, and that their inner wisdom is always within reach.
Website: www.psychicgrocery.com
Cell: 934-414-2185
Instagram: @psychic.grocery
 
I look forward to seeing you back here next week for another episode! Until then, be gentle with yourself!
 
Connect on Instagram: @talkingdrtal    
Check out my website: https://www.drnataliarappa.com
Email: drnataliarappa@gmail.com

Episode 17: From Pain to Purpose: On Creating Inclusive Spaces for Mothers with Laura Siddons

Welcome to the 17th episode of The Mom Mentality Podcast!! This GUEST episode with Laura Siddons, co-owner of The Nesting Place, is all about creating your village, how transformational experiences shape your path, setting boundaries, and so much more! 
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Motherhood and Community Support
03:51 Laura's Journey to Becoming a Doula
06:08 The Birth of a Support Group
09:06 Transformative Experiences in Motherhood
12:08 Navigating Postpartum Challenges
15:17 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Mothers
18:04 Lessons from Twin Motherhood
21:04 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries
24:08 Embracing Change and Taking Risks
29:21 Finding Balance in Motherhood
31:51 The Importance of Self-Care
33:37 Healing Through Community Support
35:01 Expanding Offerings for New Parents
36:53 Creating Connections in Parenting
38:40 Reframing the Narrative of Motherhood
41:00 Building a Supportive Village
44:21 Setting Boundaries and Saying No
49:09 Cultivating Family Values
 
Laura Siddons is the co-owner of The Nesting Place and has had a passion for moms and babies since she can remember. She became a birth doula in 2008 and since then has supported hundreds of mothers and families. She works as a birth doula and teaches childbirth education classes at The Nesting Place. Through her work as a doula and own experience in becoming a mother, her passion for supporting families on their parenting paths has only continued to grow. Laura wishes to connect families with resources and 1:1 support services to help them feel supported and make personalized, informed decisions throughout their unique journey.
She believes that parents can never have enough information and support around them; and she is honored to have the opportunity to realize her dream of opening a safe space where they can gather, share, find and give support. Laura lives on Long Island with her husband, and three children.
Website: www.thenestingplaceli.com
Cell: 914-374-1523
 Instagram @thenestingplaceli or @the_venus_sisterhood
 
I look forward to seeing you back here next week for another episode! Until then, be gentle with yourself!
 
Connect on Instagram: @talkingdrtal    
Check out the website: https://www.drnataliarappa.com
Email: drnataliarappa@gmail.com 
 
motherhood, maternal mental health, postpartum support, community, doula, parenting, self-care, boundaries, support systems, motherhood journey