momplex with Scottie Durrett

I get real about something so many of us feel but rarely say out loud: what the heck happened to my marriage? I speak directly to moms who feel like they’re living parallel lives with their partner—amazing teammates and parents, but disconnected lovers. I share how the mental load, cognitive overload, and constant fight-or-flight nervous system state slowly push intimacy, desire, and playfulness to the bottom of the priority list. Using my own story of realizing my husband and I had slipped into “roommate” mode, I walk through how awareness—not shame—is the first step to change. I then offer five practical ways to start reigniting the spark: seeing each other again through deeper questions, ditching logistics-only conversations, rebuilding connection through touch, having brave “spicy” conversations, and creating things to look forward to together. This episode is a reminder that you’re not “just a mom”—you’re a whole woman who deserves a relationship that feels alive, loving, and deeply connected. Here’s Scottie’s 5‑point list from the episode, ready for your show notes: 1. See each other again Ask real questions beyond logistics: - “What are you dreaming about lately?” - “What do you wish we had going on in our life right now?” - “What’s something you miss from when we first met?” 2. Ditch the logistics energy Go on a date with a "no-kid-talk rule". Even 30–45 minutes at a local spot where you’re just two adults again—not administrators or co-CEOs of the household. 3. Touch each other a lot Rebuild body trust and connection with casual, frequent touch: - Hugs - Hand-holding - Sitting closer - Playful brushes and booty grabs in passing 4. Have the spicy convo Be bold and vulnerable. Send a text or start a conversation that says, “I miss you” or “I want more connection,” instead of just talking schedules and to‑dos. 5. Create something together Make a **shared future** that’s not about the kids: - A couples’ bucket list - A weekend trip - Plans for your life together after the kids leave the house Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I open up about the “good mom trap” and why so many of us feel exhausted, resentful, and disconnected even though we’re doing “all the right things.” I explain that our real issue usually isn’t time, it’s permission—our nervous system has learned that constant busyness equals safety and goodness, while rest and pleasure feel selfish or even dangerous. Drawing on polyvagal theory, I share how past experiences and subconscious patterns train us to stay on the hamster wheel, chasing praise and productivity while slowly abandoning ourselves. I walk you through small, tolerable steps to show your nervous system that it’s safe to slow down and choose yourself—in five-minute breaks, moments of saying no, or doing something purely because you enjoy it. Ultimately, this isn’t just about self-care; it’s about modeling nervous system regulation for our kids and reclaiming our own joy, identity, and aliveness. You make sense, and you matter. Helpful Resources for you: You Make Sense Podcast with Sarah Baldwin The Artist Way by Julia Cameron Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scottie Durrett and Diane Sorenson discuss the challenges of modern motherhood, focusing on boundaries, people pleasing, and the pressure to be a perfect mom. Diane shares her journey from a performance-based motherhood to embracing emotional development and relationship-based practices. She emphasizes the importance of self-connection and understanding one's true self beyond societal expectations. Diane also highlights the need for mothers to recognize and address their children's emotional needs, rather than just focusing on behavior. She offers resources and coaching sessions to help mothers navigate these complexities and foster genuine connections with their children. https://www.dianesorensen.net/, [email protected] , Chaos to Connection Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chaos-to-connection-boundaries-and-breakthroughs-for/id1537667173 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I share a wild story about my body and my relationship with my mom. After almost two years without a period, I was convinced I was in menopause—I'd started HRT, talked about it on the podcast, and mentally moved into that next phase of life. Then I had a 49‑years‑in‑the‑making, honest, loving but unfiltered conversation with my mom where I finally said everything I’d been holding inside. The very next week, my period came back in full force. I’m not claiming a lab-proven miracle, but the timing made me look closely at how deeply our emotions, stress, and nervous system impact our hormones and physical health. I talk about being the “good daughter” and lifelong emotional caretaker, how that chronic stress lived in my body, and how our stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn, flop) shape our decisions and our health. I share how setting a boundary—telling my mom I’m not responsible for her happiness—let my nervous system exhale, strengthened our relationship, and reminded me that our bodies are always listening. I also referenced two old MOMPLEX episodes in this show. You can episode 44 here and 46 here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I speak with intuitive guide, energy mentor, and author K. Margaret Solario to explore how we can bring more ease, calm, and alignment into our everyday lives as moms—without having to change our entire external world. Kay shares how COVID became her breaking point, shifting her from “holding it all together” to realizing life shouldn’t feel like constant battle armor and a race against time. Over three years, she experimented with energy, mindset, and time, eventually creating the tools she now shares in her book, Make Ease Your Vibe. We talk about reframing our relationship with time, letting go of the belief that big dreams require huge blocks of perfect conditions. Kay shares how she wrote her first draft in just 15 focused minutes a day. We dig into mindset patterns like over-explaining, proving our worth, and arguing for our own limitations, and how shifting these creates more freedom. She also introduces the idea of energetic clutter in our homes—how spaces hold emotional residue—and explains her Home Frequency Reset work, which she does remotely with angelic guidance. Throughout, we come back to one core truth: joy and ease aren’t luxuries for moms; they’re the point, and living that truth becomes a powerful blueprint for our kids. You can connect with K. Margaret's podcast Intuitive Wisdom here. Connect: https://deliciousease.com/, PODCAST: https://deliciousease.com/podcast, IG: https://www.instagram.com/deliciousease/, FREE QUIZ: https://deliciousease.com/quiz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I open up a real, unfiltered conversation about perimenopause and why so many of us feel confused, exhausted, and a little bit like we’re “losing it.” I talk directly to moms who are doing “all the right things” and still don’t feel good—physically, mentally, or emotionally. Instead of brushing symptoms off as “just getting older” or “just mom life,” I invite you to see them as messages from your body asking for attention, care, and support. I share how shifting hormones like estrogen and progesterone impact everything from your period to your mood, sleep, skin, energy, and even your tolerance for other people’s nonsense. I reframe perimenopause as a sacred transition—not you falling apart, but you falling into alignment and meeting a new, more honest, powerful version of yourself. I walk you through simple tools like breathwork, rest, tracking symptoms, movement in micro doses, and getting real medical help so you stop suffering in silence. Most importantly, I remind you that feeling good is your birthright. You’re not broken; you’re evolving. The 12 signs I cover: Unpredictable periods Rage texting/posting Memory/brain fog Sore, swollen breasts Hot/cold flashes Crushing exhaustion Emotional whiplash Skin and hair changes Rising anxiety Heightened senses Low tolerance for BS 3 a.m. existential spirals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am joined by artist, author, and creative director Kate Schelter to talk about what happens when motherhood and crisis completely crack your identity open. Kate shares how leaving New York City after twenty years, having two babies in two years, and living through COVID left her feeling stripped of her professional self and flooded with fear and anxiety—even while she was sitting in the “abundant nest” she’d always dreamed of. We dive into how she slowly rebuilt a sense of self by fiercely advocating for her own needs, like non‑negotiable solo trips back into the city, and why doing what lights you up is essential for your kids, not selfish. Kate explains her philosophy of personal style as authentic handwriting, the danger of “snowplow parenting,” and how to model courage, creativity, and self-trust instead of martyrdom. This conversation is a love letter to ambitious moms who refuse to choose between their art, their work, and their children. Photo credit: Lesley Unruh Kate Schelter (mom, artist, author)www.kateschelter.com@kateschelter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I use this Momplex episode to share some of the most humbling lessons I’ve learned as a mom and to call BS on the idea that we have to be perfect. For years, I believed that every mistake meant I was failing and that everyone was judging me and my kids. I now see mistakes as feedback, not proof that I’m a bad mom. Backed by neuroplasticity and growth mindset, I talk about how our brains—and our lives—are always capable of change. I share real stories about chasing gold stars, comparing my kids to others, taking their behavior personally, and gripping so tightly to their outcomes that I missed the actual moments with them. I also admit how long I put my own life on hold. In this episode, I invite you to drop the shame, live your own life more fully, and model self-compassion and resilience for your kids. The 5 things I talk about: Waiting for praise – Depending on others’ validation instead of my own. Holding my kids to someone else’s timeline – Pushing milestones instead of trusting their pace. Taking it personally – Making their moods and meltdowns about me. Being obsessed with their wins and losses – Treating their outcomes like a report card on my parenting. Waiting on my life because of them – Pausing my own dreams instead of showing them what a fully lived life looks like. If you are interested in watching the show rather than listening to it - you can do that by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I talk with Alexandra Wyman, a mom, author, podcast host, and pediatric occupational therapist who became a single mom after losing her husband to suicide just four days before their second wedding anniversary. Alexandra shares how she spent years following the “checklist” for a perfect life—college, career, marriage, house, kids—and how it finally felt like everything had clicked when she met her husband and started a family. When he died by suicide, that entire vision disappeared overnight, and she was left grieving not only her husband, but the life, identity, and future she thought she was supposed to have. We dig into what grief really looks like behind the scenes: Feeling like a shell of a person and having almost no capacity.Letting the smallest things be enough—sometimes just getting out of bed or giving her one-year-old a bath. Finding an anchor (for her, it was her son) as a reason to keep going, even when nothing made sense. Alexandra talks honestly about the social side of grief—how some people you expect to show up don’t, how others quietly check in with simple “thinking of you” messages that mean everything, and how little we’re taught about death, estates, and supporting someone through profound loss. We also explore the inner work she’s done: Untangling people-pleasing, outcome-controlling, and long-held feelings of abandonment and low self-worth.Learning she didn’t need a partner to “complete” her; her wholeness was already within her. Blending neuroscience (understanding what grief does to the brain) with spirituality (leaning on her “spirit team” and a bigger sense of purpose). As a mom, Alexandra is now focused on raising her son to be grounded in who he is, instead of seeking validation from others. She’s shifted away from the idea that kids’ behavior defines a parent’s worth, and instead sees parenting as a mutual learning process where both parent and child are growing, regulating, and healing together. Out of her experience, Alexandra created: Her book, ⁠The Suicide Club: What to Do When Someone You Love Chooses Death, ⁠written as the handbook she wishes she’d had.Her podcast, ⁠Forward to Joy, where she shares tools and stories ⁠about grief, healing, and finding meaning after loss. This conversation is for any mom whose life doesn’t look the way she thought it would, who feels like she’s rebuilding from the ground up. Alexandra reminds us that grief isn’t linear, joy isn’t off-limits, and it’s okay to move forward in baby steps—one small act of living and loving at a time. Connect with Alexadra's podcast here. Scottie was honored to be a guest on Alexandra Wyman’s podcast FORWARD TO JOY, continuing the conversation around grief, loss, and how moms survive, find joy and balance. 🎧 Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scottie-durrett/id1688936836?i=1000746976317 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Momplex is all about releasing the pressure of parenting by milestones and trusting our kids’ unique timelines. I share how I started Momplex in 2021 as a safe space to admit that while I adore my kids, I wasn’t always loving motherhood—and how that honesty became a movement for moms who are tired of guilt and perfectionism. I walk you through my own anxiety when my kids didn’t “measure up” on traditional timelines—my middle son’s delayed puberty, my daughter’s late crawling and hair growth, and how those fears kept me up at night. Through personal stories and what the science actually says, I reframe milestones as ranges, not report cards. I offer mindset shifts and practical tools to help you stop comparing, mute triggering social feeds, and trust that your child—and you—will “get it when you get it.” You’re not behind. Neither is your kid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's another honest, raw conversation. This time with Lauren Degolia, a fellow mom and the self-proclaimed Chief Expansion Officer. Together, we unpack the often-unspoken challenges of motherhood—burnout, postpartum depression, toxic work experiences, and the external pressures moms face. Lauren shares her journey, from surviving ovarian cancer to navigating a demanding corporate career and how astrology became a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. We talk about the importance of understanding our subconscious patterns, listening to our bodies, and embracing vulnerability—sometimes even learning to ask for help. Lauren’s insights on the sun, moon, and rising signs offer a practical way for moms to check in with themselves and foster self-acceptance. Ultimately, this episode is about supporting each other, embracing our unique journeys, and committing to self-mastery. You’re not alone, Mama—together, we can grow, heal, and reclaim our confidence. Connect with Lauren Degolia here: https://www.laurendegolia.com/, IG: https://www.instagram.com/lauren.degolia/, Host of Corporate F*ckery: https://pod.link/1825913559 Connect with Scottie here: https://scottiedurrett.com/, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottiedurrett LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottie-durrett/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I talk honestly about how overwhelming life can feel, especially during busy seasons like May when it seems like everything happens at once. Despite my best self-care efforts—hydrating, sleeping well, and taking supplements—I still found myself completely exhausted, wanting nothing more than to collapse on the sofa with a Diet Coke and a crime show. I share that these ups and downs aren’t isolated to certain months; as moms, we’re constantly navigating new challenges, whether just making it through the week or managing our kids at home during summer. I get real about how future-tripping in search of relief becomes an exhausting cycle, and how our overworked bodies and minds eventually demand we pay attention. One of the biggest messages I want to share is the power of self-awareness and choice. No matter what’s going on with your family, kids, or community, you have power over your responses. I introduce my favorite practice from Kabbalah—the pause and reflection—and stress that our feelings are valid, but they’re also clues about what we need. I also open up about my personal struggles—a difficult year with the sudden loss of our dog, my father-in-law’s illness, and my daughter’s tough college admissions season. Even when I appeared “fine” on the outside, I was feeling drained inside. I explain how depression doesn’t always look like sadness; sometimes it’s that sense of going through the motions without a spark. To support listeners, I break down the sneaky triggers of depression: emotional overload, nutrient deficiencies, hormones, thyroid issues, poor sleep, alcohol, loneliness, chronic pain, and low libido. I offer practical advice for each, encouraging small, manageable changes—like getting outside, calling a friend, or saying no to just one task today. Most importantly, I encourage everyone to take their feelings seriously, seek professional or community support when needed, and remember that taking care of ourselves sets an example for our kids. I’m here to help, and I invite listeners to reach out for personalized support. My mission is to empower you with tools, truth, and a reminder: you deserve to feel good and truly enjoy your life, starting with simple, intentional choices today. Connect with Scottie here: Website Instagram LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I welcomed Melissa Armstrong, whose journey from childhood trauma to holistic healing is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Listening to Melissa recount her experiences—facing family adversity, surviving a school shooting, and enduring the devastating loss of her brother—reminded me how resilient we can be. As she described how the compassion of ICU nurses inspired her to become one herself and later transition into holistic health, I was struck by her courage to keep healing and help others do the same. We talked about the realities of “mom life,” the hidden effects of trauma, and how symptoms like brain fog and anxiety often go ignored. Melissa shared practical, accessible steps like mindful breathing and EFT tapping, which I believe will truly empower our listeners. Her reminder that healing is a choice and that we’re never alone will stay with me. I’m honored to share her story and these transformative tools. Melissa had a chaotic and traumatic childhood that was marked by parental addiction and abuse, surviving a school shooting at 15, and witnessing her brother's tragic death at 18. These unresolved traumas manifested into severe physical symptoms, leading her to explore alternative healing methods. Over more than 20 years, she transitioned from a career in nursing to becoming a Trauma-Informed Functional Health Practitioner. Today, she empowers women and their families to heal their mind, body, and spirit with root-cause healing through the mind-body connection, somatic work, nervous system regulation, lab testing, lifestyle changes, and nutrition. She firmly believes that healing is always possible. Connect with Melissa: On her website On Instagram On Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I welcome you to 2026 with my mantra, "2026: I choose me," inviting moms to stop abandoning themselves and to embrace their true selves. I rejected New Year's resolutions rooted in shame and ego, urging soul-led goals and specific intentions. I shared personal stories—choosing to wear a bright pink sweater and speaking up at a holiday tea—to illustrate trusting gut over conditioned fear. I encouraged dropping over-explaining, setting simple boundaries, and allowing desires without justifying them to others. I emphasized embodiment over fixing: move from head to body, breathe, take nature walks, and practice rituals that calm the nervous system so intuition can guide action. I reminded listeners that living authentically models courage for our children, helps manifest change, and attracts the right people. I offered calibration sessions to support this work and closed with reassurance: You’re doing better than you think and you are exactly the mama your kids need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I tuned into my higher self and spirit guides to share five guiding themes for the year ahead. I talk about releasing the extra pressure we carry, trusting the natural timing of things instead of forcing outcomes, and widening our focus so life feels richer and more balanced. I encourage opening up to new voices and experiences, and learning to both receive guidance and co-create with it. Along the way I offer simple practices—breathwork, walks, small morning rituals—to help you reconnect with your intuition. The episode is an invitation to move into 2026 with more ease, clarity, and wholehearted presence. Shed what isn’t yours to carry — release burdens and responsibilities that drain your energy. Stop forcing outcomes — trust timing and let things grow on their own. Expand your focus — look beyond tunnel vision and re-balance attention across life’s “pie slices.” Welcome new sounds/channels — be open to new ideas, people, books, and perspectives. Be a receiver and co-creator — listen to your intuition, receive guidance, and let support show up. Get your personalized reading for 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I chatted with functional practitioner Layne Vanlieshout about reclaiming health as a mom. I opened up about how exhaustion, brain fog, bloating, and being dismissed by doctors had become normalized — and Lane shared her own turning point of panic attacks and mysterious symptoms that conventional care didn’t resolve. She explained a gut-first, root-cause approach: nourish the body, prioritize regular meals (especially breakfast), support the microbiome, and reduce physical stressors so hormones, digestion, and energy can rebalance. We talked practical steps — add colorful plant foods, protein, fermented foods, and bone broth — and when targeted labs like a GI‑MAP can clarify underlying issues. Lane offers deep one‑on‑one work and a self‑paced 12‑week reset for busy moms. The episode’s core message: normal isn’t optimal. Listening to your body and investing in sustainable, foundational changes can restore energy, mood, and confidence so you can be the mom you want to be. Offers from Layne: Gut Rescue Roadmap ($10) Radiant Reset Book A Call Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a mom, I know the holiday season can be overwhelming. We're constantly juggling expectations from family, social media, and our own hearts, trying to create the perfect experience. In this episode, I share my journey of learning to set boundaries and protect my energy. I've realized that people-pleasing and trying to make everyone happy only leads to resentment and burnout. I want to help moms understand that it's okay to prioritize themselves. Setting boundaries isn't about being difficult; it's about clarity and self-respect. Whether it's limiting event time, choosing what conversations to engage in, or saying no to peer pressure, these small steps can transform the holiday experience. The most important lesson? By taking care of myself, I'm not just helping myself - I'm modeling healthy behavior for my children and breaking generational patterns of self-sacrifice. Book Your Clarity Reading here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices