Episodi

  • Why Money Fights Are Destroying Your Marriage (And What to Do) | EP 79

    Why Money Fights Are Destroying Your Marriage (And What to Do) | EP 79
    Jan 22 2026
    💰 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Ever wonder why you and your partner can't seem to get on the same page about money—even when you're both "trying"? What if the real issue isn't actually about the $9 block of cheese or the expensive muffins, but about the money stories you both absorbed as children? 🎧 In This Episode: Why your childhood money beliefs are sabotaging your marriage right now—and how to identify them (04:00)The real reason couples struggle with money (hint: it's not about budgets or math) (05:00)How Julia and Gino went from struggling financially to coaching families after 27 years of marriage (06:00)Why "doing it for the kids" might actually be hurting your family (09:00)The #1 challenge every couple faces (and it's not what you think) (11:30)How to argue in front of your kids the RIGHT way—and why hiding disagreements creates emotionally dysregulated adults (20:00)The difference between fighting and healthy disagreements (21:00)Why self-compassion is your secret weapon as an overwhelmed parent (23:00) 💭 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU Let's be honest—money is the thing nobody wants to talk about, but it's also the thing destroying relationships and creating massive stress in your home. You came from one household with specific beliefs about money. Your partner came from a completely different household with totally different beliefs. And now you're both operating from invisible scripts you didn't even know existed. Maybe you're the person who panics when your partner buys the expensive cheese. Or maybe you're the one who doesn't understand why your partner freaks out over "small" purchases. Either way, you're both triggered by money in ways that have nothing to do with your actual bank account—and everything to do with what you learned about money before age 10. Julia and Gino Barbaro—married 27 years, homeschooling parents of SIX kids, successful real estate investors, and certified life and marriage coaches—get it. They struggled with money fights, communication breakdowns, and completely different approaches to parenting for years before figuring out what was really going on beneath the surface. This isn't about financial planning or budgets (you can breathe now). This is about financial THERAPY. This is about understanding why you feel what you feel, where those feelings came from, and how to actually communicate about money without World War III breaking out in your kitchen. But here's what makes this conversation even more valuable: Julia and Gino don't just talk about money. They talk about how your inability to communicate about money bleeds into EVERY area of your relationship—parenting, boundaries, emotional regulation, modeling behavior for your kids, and whether you're creating a home that feels peaceful or chaotic. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "for the kids" but still feel unfulfilled, if you avoid bringing things up because you don't want to deal with your partner's reaction, or if you secretly worry your kids are absorbing your stress patterns, this episode is for you. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS Your money beliefs came from your childhood—not from logic. The way your mom or dad talked about, handled, or stressed about money became YOUR invisible script. You're not making financial decisions based on math; you're making them based on emotions you absorbed decades ago. Until you identify these beliefs, you'll keep repeating the same money patterns.Communication isn't just about talking—it's about knowing what you actually feel first. Most couples struggle because they know something feels "off," but they can't articulate what or why. Before you can communicate effectively with your partner, you need to get clear on what YOU believe, feel, and need. Awareness comes before communication."Doing it for the kids" might be a cop-out. Many parents (especially dads) say they're working long hours and building businesses "for the family," but if you stopped and asked your kids what they actually want, it's probably just YOU—present, available, and not smelling like garlic at 11pm. Check your "why" against your actual family's needs, not against the beliefs you inherited.Arguing in front of your kids is GOOD—if you do it right. Hiding every disagreement teaches kids to avoid conflict entirely, which creates adults who can't handle differing opinions (sound familiar in our current culture?). Healthy arguments teach conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and repair. Fighting (with name-calling, blaming, and yelling) is different—and damaging. Know the difference.You're modeling EVERYTHING, all the time. Your kids are watching how you handle stress, how you react when the plumber is late, how you talk about money, and how you treat your spouse. They're absorbing your emotional regulation (or dysregulation) and will replicate it in their own adult lives. The most powerful parenting tool isn't what you SAY—it's what you DO.Self-compassion is ...
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    25 min
  • Post-Holiday Financial Stress is Stealing Your Peace (And How to Get it Back) | EP 78

    Post-Holiday Financial Stress is Stealing Your Peace (And How to Get it Back) | EP 78
    Jan 20 2026
    💰 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Are you staring at those credit card bills wondering how you'll make it work? That knot in your stomach isn't just about money—it's stealing your ability to be present with your kids. Let's talk about getting your financial peace back without the shame or overwhelm. 🎧 In This Episode: [00:00] The real cost of financial stress on your parenting (it's not what you think) • [04:00] Why your nervous system is the missing piece in financial recovery [06:00] The simple 3-step plan to get back on track (no complicated spreadsheets)[08:00] How to set boundaries around money worry—especially with your kids present [12:00] The Canadian Tire Christmas miracle story that changed everything • [14:00] Your post-holiday financial recovery game plan 💔 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU Third week of January—and those credit card statements are rolling in. You know that feeling? The one where your chest gets tight, not stressed-tight but can't-take-a-full-breath tight? Where the panic is literally taking up space in your rib cage? Here's what nobody talks about enough: financial stress isn't just about the numbers in your bank account. It's about what that stress does to your nervous system, your patience with your kids, your energy levels, and your ability to show up as the mom you want to be. When you're lying awake at 2 AM mentally calculating bills, running through worst-case scenarios, you wake up exhausted and irritable. Your kids don't know why mommy is so cranky, but they feel it. They absolutely feel it. As a former single mother who spent years choosing between buying Christmas gifts and paying the electric bill on time, I get it. I've been the mom with $47 left until payday with five days to go. I've snapped at my daughter over breakfast because financial panic was stealing all my emotional bandwidth. But here's the truth: your kids don't need expensive things. They don't need perfect holiday decorations or the latest toys. What they absolutely need is a regulated parent—someone who can breathe, smile, and be present with them. This episode is about reclaiming that peace. Not next month. Not when the bills are paid off. Today. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS Financial stress lives in your body, not just your budget When you're in financial stress, your body is in fight-or-flight mode. Your cortisol levels are elevated, and you're operating from your reptilian brain instead of your thinking brain. This shows up as snapping at your kids, being too exhausted for bedtime stories, and being physically present but emotionally checked out. The simple 3-question plan Skip the complicated budget spreadsheets. You need three answers: (1) What are your absolute necessities this month? (rent, utilities, food, medicine) (2) What's the minimum payment on each debt? (3) What's ONE expense you can pause right now? That's it. Start there. Create designated "money time" Give yourself 20 minutes in the evening after kids are in bed to look at your finances, make your plan, write it down. Outside that time, practice emotional regulation. When financial anxiety tries to creep in during playtime, take deep breaths and redirect: "Nope, not now. I have a plan and I'll work on it during my designated time." The perspective shift that changes everything Start practicing gratitude when paying bills. Instead of stress and resentment, try: "I'm grateful I'm able to pay something on these credit cards this month." What you focus on grows—if you're stressed and upset paying bills, you'll feel more stress. Change the energy, change the outcome. Your kids will remember presence, not presents They won't remember if you paid off the credit card in three months or six. They won't remember eating basic meals for a while. What they will remember is if you were present, if you played with them, if you smiled, if you were calm. That's invaluable—no amount of money can replace that. 🎯 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & TIMESTAMPS [00:00] The Third Week of January Reality Check That stomach-tightening feeling when the credit card bills arrive. The anxiety about holiday spending spiraling faster than planned. Sound familiar? [01:00] My Single Mom Story: $47 Until Payday Sitting at my kitchen table with unopened bills, two young kids, and five days until payday. The moment my financial stress made me snap at my daughter—and the decision that changed everything. [04:00] What Financial Stress Does to Your Nervous System Understanding fight-or-flight mode, elevated cortisol, and why you're operating from your reptilian brain. This is why you're snapping at your kids over small things and feeling emotionally checked out. [06:00] The 3-Question Financial Plan No complicated spreadsheets. Just three simple questions: necessities, minimum payments, and one thing to pause. Actionable steps you can take today. [08:00] Setting Boundaries Around Money Worry The "brain book" strategy for getting financial anxiety out of your head. Creating ...
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    16 min
  • Winter Blues are Real - Why You're Not Failing as a Mom | EP 77

    Winter Blues are Real - Why You're Not Failing as a Mom | EP 77
    Jan 15 2026
    🌨️ WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Feeling more exhausted than usual? Craving carbs like it's your job? Canceling plans because leaving the house feels overwhelming? Listen, you're not lazy, you're not failing, and you're definitely not alone. Winter hits differently when you're a mom—and the science proves it. In this episode, we're diving into why the winter blues are absolutely real for overwhelmed mothers, how to tell if what you're experiencing goes beyond just wanting to hibernate, and what you can actually do about it that doesn't involve adding 17 more things to your already full plate. 🎧 In This Episode: • The real science behind winter blues and how your brain chemistry shifts in winter [03:00] • Why winter doesn't just affect your mood—it affects your capacity as a mom [05:30] • Natalie's vulnerable story about navigating grief and isolation during a Cape Breton winter [01:30] • 3 practical strategies to support yourself without overwhelming your schedule [07:30] • When winter blues become something more serious and it's time to get help [09:00] ❄️ WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU You're not imagining it—winter really does make everything harder. When the days get shorter, your body produces less serotonin (the happy chemical) and more melatonin (the sleep hormone). So essentially, your brain is screaming "hibernate!" while you're trying to parent three kids, manage a household, and maybe work a job. Here's what makes it even trickier for moms: you're already running on empty most of the time. Your baseline is probably already depleted from the mental load, constant demands, and interrupted sleep. So when winter hits and your brain chemistry shifts, it's not just a little dip in mood—it can feel catastrophic. Maybe you've noticed you're sleeping more but still exhausted. You're craving carbs constantly (hello, pasta and cookies—potato chips are my downfall). You're withdrawing from friends, canceling playdates, avoiding other moms at pickup because every social interaction feels like climbing Mount Everest. And winter doesn't just affect your mood—it affects your capacity. Getting kids bundled up to go outside feels like a military operation. Everyone's getting cabin fever. There are more colds, more runny noses, more sleepless nights. Higher utility bills stressing your budget. Driving in bad weather. Worrying about school closures. As a former single mother, I remember shoveling the driveway alone at 6am before getting the kids ready for school. None of this means you're weak or broken. It means your body is responding to a real environmental change. And as a mom who's already carrying so much, you feel it more intensely. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS The Science is Real: Winter blues aren't in your head—they're rooted in actual changes to your brain chemistry. Less sunlight = less serotonin (mood regulator) + more melatonin (sleep hormone). Your body is literally trying to hibernate while you're trying to function as a parent. You're Not Failing, You're Depleted: When you're already running on fumes as a mom, winter doesn't just make things a little harder—it can make everything feel impossible. Lower your expectations right now. Surviving winter with grace and self-compassion might mean more screen time, more takeout, and more saying no. Three Non-Negotiable Supports: (1) Get outside during daylight hours, even just 10 minutes on your porch. Your brain needs natural light, even on cloudy days. (2) Talk to your doctor about vitamin D—many of us are deficient, especially in northern climates. (3) Stay connected to people. I know you want to hibernate, but isolation makes everything worse. Permission to Ask for Help: If what you're experiencing is severe—thoughts of self-harm, can't get out of bed for days, unable to care for yourself or your kids—you need to talk to your healthcare provider. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real medical condition and it's treatable. Light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and sometimes medication can make a massive difference. Spring is Coming: This is temporary. The days are already getting longer (we passed winter solstice in December). In the meantime, you don't have to white-knuckle your way through alone. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS Connect with Natalie: Instagram: @natalie_mccabe_officialFacebook: Natalie McCabeWebsite: nataliemccabe.com Ready for Support? FREE 30-Minute Coaching Call: Book at nataliemccabe.com - Let's identify your biggest stress triggers and create a simple action plan togetherJoin the Community: Connect with expert parent coaches and moms who get it at nataliemccabe.com/communityGet the Book: "Sink or Swim Parenting" - Available now on Amazon 💭 YOUR NEXT STEP You deserve to feel like yourself again, even when it's dark at 4:30pm. Here's what I want you to do today: Step outside for just 5 minutes. Get some light on your face.Text one person and tell them you're struggling. Connection matters.Remind yourself ...
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    12 min
  • Why Your Childhood Toys Hold the Secret to Calmer Parenting | EP 76

    Why Your Childhood Toys Hold the Secret to Calmer Parenting | EP 76
    Jan 13 2026
    🎧 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE

    Ever find yourself scrolling past a vintage toy and suddenly transported back to feeling seven years old again? That feeling isn't just nostalgia—it's your nervous system remembering what regulation feels like. What if your childhood toys hold the secret weapon you've been missing in your parenting toolkit?

    In This Episode:

    • The neuroscience of nostalgia and why it's a powerful regulation tool (02:00)
    • How sensory memories from childhood activate your parasympathetic nervous system (04:00)
    • Creating "nostalgia interrupts" when you're about to lose it (07:00)
    • Why Play-Doh in your kitchen drawer isn't indulgent—it's strategic parenting (08:30)
    • Building regulation toolkits for your kids through consistent sensory experiences (09:00)
    • Your nostalgia inventory: identifying sensory anchors from childhood (10:00)
    • Practical homework: accessing one thing from your childhood this week (13:00)
    💜 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU

    If you're drowning in chaos, about to snap at your kids over the wrong colored cup, or feeling that hot, tight feeling in your chest that signals you're two seconds from losing it—this episode is for you. Most parenting advice tells you to "take deep breaths" or "go for a walk," but those feel generic and impossible when you're in the trenches.

    Here's what nobody's telling you: your childhood stored away powerful sensory regulation tools that are custom-built for your nervous system. That squish mellow your daughter won't stop hugging? The Play-Doh smell that takes you back to kindergarten? The soft fabric of an old stuffed animal? These aren't childish indulgences—they're neurological shortcuts to calm.

    When you experience nostalgia through touch, smell, taste, sound, or sight, your brain releases oxytocin and activates your parasympathetic nervous system. That's your "calm down" system—the opposite of fight or flight. You're literally hacking your nervous system with memories.

    This matters because you can't pour from a dysregulated nervous system. But you CAN take 60 seconds to squeeze some Play-Doh and show up for your kid with patience you didn't know you had. Every overwhelmed mom deserves fast, effective tools that actually work in real life—not just theory.

    ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS
    • Nostalgia is neurological, not sentimental. When you experience childhood sensory memories, your brain releases oxytocin and activates your parasympathetic nervous system—your body's "calm down" response. This is science-backed regulation, not woo-woo.
    • Create "nostalgia interrupts" for parenting emergencies. Keep sensory tools from your childhood accessible: Play-Doh in the kitchen drawer, a childhood scent in a candle, music from your teen years on a playlist. When dysregulation hits, grab one for 60 seconds of reset.
    • Make your nostalgia inventory. Write down 5-10 sensory experiences from childhood that felt good—physical textures, smells, tastes, sounds, sights. Don't overthink it. Even hard childhoods had moments where your nervous system felt okay. Mine those moments.
    • You're building your children's future regulation tools right now. Every consistent sensory experience you create—their bedtime routine, favorite blanket, comfort foods, certain music—becomes a future regulation tool. Your daughter's ratty old Christmas bear will signal safety to her nervous system 20 years from now.
    • Permission to play isn't frivolous—it's strategic parenting. Sit down and actually play with Legos, color with crayons, squeeze Play-Doh. Let your hands move without purpose. Let your brain turn off the task list for five minutes. You're not being indulgent; you're regulating your nervous system so you can show up for your kids.
    🎯 RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS

    Get Your Free Coaching Call Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Let's talk one-on-one about your specific stress triggers and create a custom regulation toolkit. Book your free 30-minute coaching call: nataliemccabe.com

    Join Our Community Connect with other moms who get it. Share struggles, celebrate wins, and find support in the Mom Life Uncomplicated Community.

    Read "Sink or Swim Parenting" Natalie's book takes you from surviving to thriving with toddlers to teens.

    💫 CONNECT WITH NATALIE

    Instagram: @natalie_mccabe_official Facebook: Natalie McCabe Parent Consultant Website: nataliemccabe.com

    ⭐ If you loved this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—it helps other overwhelmed moms find us!
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    15 min
  • Scared to Move Abroad? How to Overcome Expat Parent Fears | EP 75

    Scared to Move Abroad? How to Overcome Expat Parent Fears | EP 75
    Jan 8 2026
    🌍 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Ready to move abroad but terrified you'll be completely alone? What if the biggest fears holding you back—no support system, language barriers, complete isolation—are actually easier to overcome than you think? 🎧 In This Episode: The real fears expat parents face and how to work through them using values as your navigation system (01:00)What somatic parenting is and why listening to your body matters more than overthinking every decision (03:00)Angela's powerful 6-week EMPOWER program that brings couples together before and during international moves (02:00)The magic in the pause: How one deep breath can transform your parenting and decision-making (05:00)Angela's personal story of building lifelong friendships in South Korea through one Google search (08:00)Why replacing fear with curiosity is the answer to almost every expat parenting challenge (13:00)Practical breathing techniques to calm your nervous system during challenging times (11:00) 💭 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU Let's talk about the elephant in the room: what if you move abroad and end up completely isolated? What if you can't make friends? What if you don't speak the language? What if your kids struggle and you have no one to turn to? These are the fears that keep overwhelmed moms from taking the leap—even when they're already drowning in their current situation. You're exhausted, burned out, and fantasizing about a life reset, but the unknown feels paralyzing. Here's what Angela wants you to know: building your village abroad is not only possible, it's often easier than maintaining relationships back home. When you're all navigating life in a foreign country together, there's an instant bond. Shared struggle creates deep connection fast. But beyond the practical strategies for making friends (spoiler: Google is your best friend), this episode dives into something deeper—how to tune into your body's wisdom instead of letting your overthinking brain run the show. Angela shares why somatic awareness is crucial for expat parents, how to use breath to regulate your nervous system when things get hard, and why curiosity (not fear) should be your compass for every decision. Whether you're already living abroad and feeling stuck, seriously considering a move, or just curious about a different way to approach parenting and life challenges, this conversation offers practical tools you can use TODAY. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS Your body is smarter than your brain. Somatic parenting means tuning into physical sensations and intuition instead of overthinking every decision. When you slow down and breathe, your body gives you messages your analytical mind misses. This is especially crucial when navigating new cultures and unknown situations.Building your village abroad starts with one Google search. Angela found her community in South Korea by searching "Italian Sunday brunch Seoul"—and made lifelong friends, including people who attended her wedding years later. When you're homesick or craving connection, search for your comfort needs online. The internet makes building community abroad easier than ever.The magic is in the pause. One deep breath (exhaling for at least 7 seconds) can calm your nervous system and bring you back to center. When you master the pause, you model emotional regulation for your children and show them how to navigate challenges with grace instead of panic.Values are your GPS system. When fears arise, come back to your family values. If freedom, cultural awareness, and open-mindedness matter to you, those values will guide you through every challenge. They're your navigation system when everything feels overwhelming.Curiosity is the answer to everything. Instead of approaching challenges with judgment or fear, ask yourself: "How can I see this with curious eyes?" Curiosity builds bridges, creates understanding, and transforms obstacles into opportunities. It's the secret weapon every expat parent needs. 👩‍💼 ABOUT ANGELA VITIELLO Angela Vitiello is a social entrepreneur, leadership coach, expat parent coach, intercultural communication facilitator, and mindfulness teacher. She offers a 6-week experiential learning program called EMPOWER that helps couples align on values, work through generational patterns, and prepare for life abroad using mindfulness, psychodynamic coaching, and somatic tools. Originally from the New York City area, Angela has lived in four countries across three continents and now lives in Brussels, Belgium, with her husband and two children. Connect with Angela: 🌐 Website: expatparentingcollective.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-vitiello-mba-ms-ed/ 🎯 READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR MOM LIFE? 🎯 Get Your Free Coaching Call Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of moving abroad—or just overwhelmed in general? Let's talk through your fears and create a plan that actually works for YOUR family. [Book your free 30-minute coaching call here - https://...
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    16 min
  • Raising Global Kids and Why Living Abroad Transforms Your Family | EP 74

    Raising Global Kids and Why Living Abroad Transforms Your Family | EP 74
    Jan 6 2026
    🌍 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Ever dreamed of raising your kids in another country but felt paralyzed by fear? What if living abroad could actually reduce your mom burnout and raise more open-minded, resilient children? 🎧 In This Episode: What it really means to be an expat family and why it's not just for "adventurous types" (03:00)The biggest misconceptions about moving abroad with kids—and why they're wrong (04:30)How multilingual children develop superior problem-solving skills and prevent cognitive decline later in life (09:00)Why third culture kids become more accepting, curious, and compassionate humans (14:00)How to merge different cultural traditions and create your own family rituals (11:30)The permission slip you need to simplify holidays and reduce overwhelm as an expat parent (13:00) 💭 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU Let's be honest—you've probably seen those Instagram posts of families traveling the world and thought, "That could never be me." The insurance complications, finding schools, leaving your support system, the language barriers... it all feels impossible when you're already drowning in your daily to-do list. But here's what Angela Vitiello wants you to know: the expat life isn't just for risk-takers or people without "real responsibilities." It's for families who value freedom, cultural awareness, and raising children who see the world differently. And surprisingly, many of those fears—complicated healthcare, harder daily logistics, total isolation—are actually misconceptions. What if moving abroad could give you the permission to simplify your life? What if it could reduce your mental load because you're not stuck meeting everyone else's expectations? Angela shares how living in Belgium with her two children has taught her family to embrace open-mindedness, celebrate multiple cultures, and build resilience—all while stepping out of the exhausting cycle of North American holiday chaos. Whether you're seriously considering a move abroad or just curious about how other families do life differently, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about raising kids internationally. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS Multilingualism is a superpower. Children who grow up speaking multiple languages don't just have better vocabulary—they develop superior executive functioning, increased creativity, enhanced focus, and actually delay cognitive decline later in life (like Alzheimer's and dementia).Third culture kids become exceptional problem solvers. When children grow up in a culture different from their parents', they develop natural adaptability, open-mindedness, and acceptance that makes them better equipped to navigate an increasingly global world.You have permission to merge traditions YOUR way. Living abroad gives you the freedom to celebrate holidays without societal pressure. Angela's family celebrates three December/January holidays (St. Nick, Christmas, and Italian Befana), but they've customized each based on what they can actually give—not what social media says they should do.The expat life can reduce your mental load. When you leave your home country, you also leave behind expectations from extended family, cultural "shoulds," and the pressure to keep up with everyone else. You get to rebuild family life around YOUR values.Moving abroad isn't for everyone, but anyone can do it. The key is understanding your family values FIRST. If freedom, diversity, and cultural awareness matter to you, expat life might be the solution to burnout you didn't know you needed. 👩‍💼 ABOUT ANGELA VITIELLO Angela Vitiello is a social entrepreneur, leadership coach, expat parent coach, intercultural communication facilitator, and mindfulness teacher. Originally from the New York City area, she has lived in four countries across three continents and traveled to almost 40 countries. Angela is passionate about helping expat families move from survival mode to enjoying all the beauty of international living. She lives in Brussels, Belgium, with her husband and two children. Connect with Angela: 📱 Website: https://vitielloconsulting.com/ 💥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-vitiello-mba-ms-ed/ 🎯 READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR MOM LIFE? 🎯 Get Your Free Coaching Call Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Let's talk. Whether you're dreaming of living abroad or just need help reducing your mental load right where you are, I'm here to help. [Book your free 30-minute coaching call here - https://nataliemccabe.com/ ] 💜 Join Our Free Community Connect with other moms who get it—whether you're an expat, thinking about moving abroad, or just trying to survive the chaos at home. Share struggles, celebrate wins, and find your village. [Join the Mom Life Uncomplicated Community - https://nataliemccabe.com/ ] 📖 Read Natalie's Book: "Sink or Swim Parenting" From surviving to thriving with toddlers to teens—no matter where in the world you're raising them....
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    16 min
  • Skip the Resolutions, 3 Things Exhausted Moms Need This January | EP 73

    Skip the Resolutions, 3 Things Exhausted Moms Need This January | EP 73
    Jan 1 2026
    🎧 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE

    Everywhere you look, January screams "new year, new you." But what if the best thing you could do for yourself this year is absolutely nothing? No resolutions. No transformation. Just permission to keep showing up as the exhausted, imperfect, doing-the-best-you-can mom you already are.

    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • Why New Year's resolutions are actually built for people who aren't already drowning (and what that means for you)
    • The three powerful questions that will help you reclaim space instead of adding more pressure
    • How to redefine success when you're an overwhelmed mom (spoiler: cereal for dinner counts)
    • The permission slip you've been waiting for to skip the whole resolution system
    • Why mattering more to yourself is the real transformation your kids need to see
    💙 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU

    Can you barely get through the day without losing your mind? You're not alone. You're managing the mental load of everyone's schedules, keeping tiny humans alive, working a job, maintaining relationships, and trying to prevent your house from descending into complete chaos.

    When you're already stretched too thin, adding a resolution is like trying to squeeze one more item into a suitcase that's already bursting at the seams. And when it inevitably doesn't work—when you can't stick to the workout plan, the meal prep, or the early wake-up time—you blame yourself. You think you're lazy or undisciplined or weak.

    But mama, that's not what's happening. You're not a project that needs fixing. You're a person doing something incredibly difficult without nearly enough support.

    ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS

    You need less, not more. The path forward isn't about adding things to your life. It's about subtracting—figuring out what you can let go of, what you can say no to, and what doesn't actually matter as much as you think it does.

    Ask yourself three critical questions. What's draining you the most right now? What would it look like if you could let go of that thing even a little bit? What do you actually need more of (not what you should need)?

    Redefine success for overwhelmed moms. Success isn't waking up at 5 AM or meal prepping every Sunday. Success is waking up tomorrow without feeling like you're already behind. It's one moment of genuine connection with your kid. It's saying no without spiraling into guilt. It's having cereal for dinner and not beating yourself up.

    You don't need to do more—you need to matter more to yourself. When you value yourself, you model for your kids how to value themselves. That's the real transformation.

    🎯 READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR MOM LIFE?

    Get Your Free Coaching Call Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Let's talk. Sometimes a parent coach can see things you can't see when you're in the thick of it. Book your free 30-minute coaching call at nataliemccabe.com.

    💜 Join Our Free Community Connect with other moms who get it. Share struggles, celebrate wins, and find support without judgment. Join the Mom Life Uncomplicated Community at nataliemccabe.com.

    📖 Read Natalie's Book: "Sink or Swim Parenting" From surviving to thriving with toddlers to teens. Get your copy at nataliemccabe.com.

    💬 LET'S CONNECT

    Did this episode give you permission to skip the resolution madness? I'd love to hear! Screenshot your favorite moment, tag me @nataliemccabe.coach, and share what hit home.

    ⭐ If you loved this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—it helps other overwhelmed moms find us!

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Wherever you listen
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    20 min
  • When Christmas Doesn't Feel Magical, Real Talk for Exhausted Moms | EP 72

    When Christmas Doesn't Feel Magical, Real Talk for Exhausted Moms | EP 72
    Dec 25 2025
    🎄 WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Not everyone wakes up on Christmas morning feeling magical. Some of us are exhausted, overwhelmed, or spending the day alone wondering why we weren't invited to family gatherings. If you're listening to this on Christmas Day (or any holiday) and you're NOT feeling the joy everyone else seems to radiate—this episode is your permission slip to feel exactly what you're feeling. In this raw and vulnerable episode, Natalie opens up about her own Christmases as a single mom, when she and her kids weren't invited to a single family gathering despite living in the same town. She shares the crushing loneliness of scrolling through social media while roasting a chicken (because she couldn't afford a turkey), and how she learned that your worth isn't determined by who invites you to their table. 🎧 In This Episode You'll Discover: • Why you're allowed to NOT feel magical today—and why that doesn't make you a bad mom [6:00] • The "Name It and Claim It" method for handling difficult family dynamics in real-time [9:30] • The 4-7-8 breathing technique to reset your nervous system when you're triggered (we do it together!) [14:00] • Why taking 30 minutes for yourself on Christmas isn't selfish—it's necessary [18:00] • How to give yourself permission to feel disappointment, exhaustion, loneliness, or resentment without guilt [7:00] • Specific scripts for setting boundaries with family members who push your buttons [10:30] 💔 WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU Let's get real for a second. Society has sold us a lie that the holidays are supposed to be this transcendent, magical moment where everything feels perfect and you're filled with gratitude and wonder. But here's the truth—that's a lot of pressure. And whether you've been carrying the mental load of this entire season, or you're feeling the crushing weight of loneliness and exclusion, you're allowed to be tired. You're allowed to not feel magical. Maybe you're at a family gathering right now but feeling completely isolated. Maybe you're scrolling through social media watching everyone else's perfect family photos and wondering what's wrong with you. Maybe you're the only one who planned, shopped, wrapped, cooked, and cleaned while everyone else gets to relax. Or maybe, like Natalie's story, you're spending today alone with your kids, wondering why you weren't included in family plans. If you woke up this morning without overwhelming Christmas joy, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. It means you're human. It means you're exhausted. And it means you need support, not judgment. This episode is for the mom who's running on empty, dealing with difficult family dynamics, sitting with loneliness, or just done with the pressure to perform holiday magic. You're not broken for not feeling the magic—you're real. And real is what your kids need, not perfection. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS & SOLUTIONS Give Yourself Permission to Feel What You Feel Your feelings are valid whether you're experiencing disappointment, exhaustion, loneliness, resentment, or numbness. None of these emotions make you a bad person or a bad mom. Your worth isn't determined by who invites you to their table, and the size of your gathering doesn't measure your value as a parent. Navigate Difficult Family Dynamics with the "Name It and Claim It" Method When someone triggers you (and they probably will), first NAME what's happening internally: "That comment just made my blood pressure spike. I'm feeling defensive." Then CLAIM your response—you get to choose what happens next. Try this simple script: "I hear you" + change the subject. You're not arguing, not agreeing—just acknowledging and moving on. Use the 4-7-8 Reset When You're Triggered This science-backed breathing technique activates your parasympathetic nervous system and literally signals your body to calm down. Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale through your mouth for 8. Do this three times. When you extend your exhale longer than your inhale, your heart rate slows, cortisol drops, and you shift from fight-or-flight back to rational thinking. Take an Actual Break—Even on Christmas You need 30 minutes that are just for you. Not doing dishes, not coordinating meals—30 minutes where you do absolutely nothing for anyone else. Tell everyone you need 30 minutes and leave. Go for a drive, sit in your bedroom with the door locked, take a hot shower and cry if you need to. Your kids will be fine. The best gift you can give your family isn't your constant presence—it's your regulated nervous system. Remember: The Magic Isn't in Perfect Moments Your kids won't remember whether you felt magical or had a big gathering. They'll remember whether you were PRESENT (not the presents). Sometimes being present means acknowledging you're running on empty and giving yourself grace for not being the Hallmark movie version of Christmas mom. 🎁 READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR MOM LIFE...
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    25 min