Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs: For Burned Out, Career-Minded Moms

In this episode of Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs we're talking about the kind of burnout that shows up in early motherhood – something no one really prepares you for. I'm joined by licensed therapist and mom of two, Laura Todd, who specializes in maternal mental health and early childhood. She shares both her professional insight and personal experience navigating burnout after becoming a mother including the identity shifts, value conflicts and pressure that so many women carry.If you've ever asked yourself, “I love my kids...but why does this feel so much harder than I expected?” then this episode is for you. It will help you feel less alone while giving you the practical tools to start feeling like yourself again.Together we talk about:Why burnout is so common in early motherhoodThe difference between postpartum mental health struggles and maternal burnoutOne thing most people don't understand about burnoutNervous system regulation strategies for overwhelmed momsSmall, realistic steps you can take to begin recovering your energyDaily or weekly practices to help you prevent your burnout from getting worseCommon beliefs about motherhood to unlearn that will help you feel betterLaura reminds us that feeling burned out isn't a sign that you're failing and it definitely doesn't mean you're a bad mom. It means you're human and you're navigating one of the biggest identity shifts of your life without nearly enough support. And there is a way forward.Find Laura at:Early Bonds TherapyWebsite: www.lauratoddlpcc.comSocial Media: @the_infant_therapistLooking for extra support? You can find me at:www.christigmyrcoaching.comFacebook: Christi Gmyr CoachingFree Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/careermindedmomWant to be a guest on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs: For Burned Out, Career-Minded Moms? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17509013050277528a6155ff9You can also apply at: https://www.christigmyrcoaching.com/podcast

In this episode of Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs we're talking about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention – the relationship between financial stress and burnout. I'm joined by financial coach and author Adam Koren, who shares a refreshingly compassionate approach to money. Adam doesn't rely on shame, strict rules or telling people to “just try harder.” Because the truth is, as stressful as money management can be, when you're already burned out it just hits harder....and relying on these methods just isn't going to help. When your nervous system is maxed out, even simple financial decisions can feel like too much.In this conversation we explore how to take the pressure off, ease the guilt and start approaching your finances in a way that feels supportive instead of stressful.We talk about:Why financial stress hits harder when you're already burned outThe connection between money avoidance, shame and emotional exhaustionSome of the biggest myths about money that moms need to unlearnWhat a gentler, compassionate approach to money looks like in real lifeHow to start feeling more in control of your finances without adding more to your plateSimple, realistic ways to reduce money stress when you don't have the bandwidthAdam reminds us that you don't need more discipline and you don't need more pressure. You need support, compassion and a way forward that actually works for you.Find Adam at:Website: www.adamkoren.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/akorenInstagram: @adamkorencoachingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkoren/Book: Gentle Money: A Compassionate Guide to Overcoming Financial StressLooking for extra support? You can find me at:www.christigmyrcoaching.comFacebook: Christi Gmyr CoachingFree Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/careermindedmomWant to be a guest on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs: For Burned Out, Career-Minded Moms? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17509013050277528a6155ff9You can also apply at: https://www.christigmyrcoaching.com/podcast

In this episode of Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs I'm talking with Kari Hurd, speaker, bestselling author, podcast host, coach and consultant about how she went from living by everyone else's “shoulds” to reclaiming a life that actually lights her up. Kari shares her journey from burnout, people-pleasing and living for appearances to slowing down, reconnecting with herself, and building a life on her own terms.Kari gets real about:The moment she realized “fine” wasn't fine anymoreHow living by the “shoulds” steals your peace and identityHow she ditched expectations and started creating a life she was excited aboutPractical steps for moms to set boundaries without guiltThe things Kari wishes more people understood about being a single parentHow humor, honesty and self-compassion can make the messy middle of burnout a little more bearableKari reminds us all that we're allowed to want more and go get it - it's never too late to build a life you love.Find Kari at:[email protected]: www.linkedin.com/in/karihurdInstagram: @karihurdSubstack: @karihurdLooking for extra support? You can find me at:www.christigmyrcoaching.comFacebook: Christi Gmyr CoachingFree Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/careermindedmomWant to be a guest on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs: For Burned Out, Career-Minded Moms? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17509013050277528a6155ff9You can also apply at: https://www.christigmyrcoaching.com/podcast

What happens when you're raising a baby, managing a career and holding down the home front while your spouse travels for work?In this episode of Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs I sit down with Ashley Bandemer, a new mom and multi-passionate entrepreneur who is building three businesses while navigating motherhood, partnership and the invisible load so many moms carry. Ashley shares the honest reality behind what it looks like to be both the default parent and the CEO during a season when her husband has been traveling most of the week for work. Not only does she manage life at home with a baby and a puppy, she has also been adjusting to living in a new location without much local support.Together we talk about:What it's really like being the default parent while building and running multiple businessesThe loneliness that can come with motherhood and building a life in a new placeCreating businesses and careers that support your family lifeThe importance of community and support during motherhoodTime-saving tips to help busy moms lighten their loadsThe things Ashley wishes more people knew about solo parenting – even when you have a supportive partner but still feel like you're doing so much on your ownFind Ashley at:https://www.instagram.com/ashley_bandemer/https://www.instagram.com/thebandemeragency/https://www.instagram.com/littlelegendspartyco/Looking for extra support? You can find me at:www.christigmyrcoaching.comFacebook: Christi Gmyr CoachingFree Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/careermindedmomWant to be a guest on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs: For Burned Out, Career-Minded Moms? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17509013050277528a6155ff9You can also apply at: https://www.christigmyrcoaching.com/podcast

In today's episode of Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs I'm joined by Michelle Kivisto, a current marketing specialist and former sales manager who stepped away from her career for 10 years to become a stay-at-home mom. What she didn't expect was how quietly she would begin to lose her sense of identity in the process. After reentering the workforce as a marketing specialist, Michelle found creative outlets that helped her reconnect with herself and build community beyond motherhood. Today Michelle shares her truth about loving her children deeply while still missing herself.In this conversation we talk about:The emotional shift from career woman to stay-at-home momThe subtle sights that she was losing her sense of selfThe guilt and internal conflict that came with wanting something, “just for her”The steps she took to reclaim her identity outside her role as a momHow improv classes and memoir writing helped Michelle reconnect with herselfWhat her transition looked like when returning to the workforce after years at homeWhy having an identity outside of motherhood actually makes you a more present partner and momIf you've been feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected or unsure of who you even are anymore, this conversation might just give you permission to take one small step back toward yourself.Find Michelle at:Instagram: yesandyoutooFacebook: yesandyoutooLooking for extra support? You can find me at:www.christigmyrcoaching.comFacebook: Christi Gmyr CoachingFree Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/careermindedmomWant to be a guest on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs: For Burned Out, Career-Minded Moms? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17509013050277528a6155ff9You can also apply at: https://www.christigmyrcoaching.com/podcast

In today's episode of Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs I'm joined by Gretchen de Castellane, a former corporate leader who spent more than 20 years leading creative teams at Mattel for billion-dollar brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels, all while raising her child as a single mom.It was exciting, meaningful work but over time she poured so much of herself into the role that she lost sight of who she really was. Eventually, life gave her the nudge she didn't know she needed. The career chapter she thought would always define her suddenly came to a close. But that ending became the doorway to something new.In this honest conversation we talk about:what burnout really looked like behind the scenes of a high-level corporate career the emotional toll of being the only parent while leading at workshifting beliefs about what it means to be a “good mom” and a “successful woman”unique challenges working moms face when they don't have a partner to share the loadmisconceptions and the things often misunderstood about being a single momsmall changes that can make the biggest differencepractical first steps to create, “a next act that truly fits who you are now”For more than 20 years, Gretchen led creative teams at Mattel for billion-dollar brands like Hot Wheels and Barbie. What once felt exciting and meaningful eventually led to severe burnout, especially as she navigated single motherhood.When the career chapter she thought would define her came to an unexpected close, she found herself rebuilding from the ground up. Through neuroscience, flow psychology, and spiritual practices, she became a certified High Flow Coach and now helps leaders and change-makers reignite their spark and create work and lives that feel aligned and sustainable.Find Gretchen at:Website: https://www.riteofpassagecoaching.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchendecastellane/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretchendecastellane/Looking for extra support? You can find me at:www.christigmyrcoaching.comFacebook: Christi Gmyr CoachingFree Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/careermindedmomWant to be a guest on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs: For Burned Out, Career-Minded Moms? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17509013050277528a6155ff9You can also apply at: https://www.christigmyrcoaching.com/podcast

If you're a working mom who's stretched too thin and afraid that setting boundaries at work will make you look, “less committed,” this episode is for you.Today on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs I'm joined by Lori Lynn Smith, a corporate executive, strategies, and wellness guide who brings over 20 years of leadership experience managing multi-million dollar tech and strategy projects while raising four kids as a single mom. Lori has lived the reality so many working moms are in: impossible deadlines, blurred boundaries and the pressure to perform. You've heard on other episodes about ways to set boundaries and take care of yourself at home, but today we look at the problem from another direction. Together we talk about burnout in the work place and how to avoid it by hearing insights from a woman in charge. Lori shares practical strategies working moms can use to:set boundaries at work without losing credibilitycommunicate needs clearly and professionallyuse boundaries as a leadership tool and not a liabilityadvocate for yourself in systems that weren't designed for working momsunderstand how leaders and managers can better support working moms instead of pushing them closer to burnoutYou don't have to choose between being respected at work and taking care of yourself. Boundaries aren't a weakness. They're a skill.Lori Lynn Smith is a strategist, executive leader, and wellness guide who has lived the reality of burnout. A single mom of four while climbing the corporate ladder, she learned firsthand how chronic stress impacts women’s health, confidence, and careers. Now an MBA at 50 and founder of Flourishing Rebel and Strategy Rebel, Lori Lynn helps women build sustainable boundaries, protect their energy, and design careers and lives that actually support them — especially during midlife and peri-menopause. Find Lori at:www.lorilynnsmith.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lorilynnsmith/Looking for extra support? You can find me at:www.christigmyrcoaching.comFacebook: Christi Gmyr CoachingFree Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/careermindedmomWant to be a guest on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs: For Burned Out, Career-Minded Moms? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17509013050277528a6155ff9You can also apply at: https://www.christigmyrcoaching.com/podcast

***This episode includes discussion of sensitive topics, including trauma, addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.***What happens when life appears to be shining brightly on the outside but darkness is lurking underneath?In this deeply honest conversation on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs I'm joined by Leah Johnson, a former political strategist whose impressive resume includes national campaigns, public office and “mom”. But behind the appearance of success, Leah was burned out and struggling with trauma and addiction. Forced to step back, she re-evaluated her priorities and started fresh in many ways. Now she lives with the freedom to be herself and know how far from perfect she is.In this episode Leah opens up about the dark season that forced her to step back and re-evaluate everything she thought success was supposed to look like. We talk about the dark side of Leah's success; the role of her past trauma and path to addiction; why stepping away from success felt terrifying and necessary; the importance of letting go of perfection; and what it means to advocate for yourself and choose joy again. Leah's story is raw, compassionate and deeply human.***This episode includes discussion of sensitive topics, including trauma, addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.***If these topics feel triggering or overwhelming for you, I encourage you to skip this episode or return to it at another time. Please prioritize your emotional well-being and listen in a way that feels supportive to you.This podcast is intended for informational and supportive purposes only and does not replace therapy, medical care, or professional mental health treatment. If you experience distress while listening, consider pausing the episode and reaching out to a trusted person or a qualified mental health professional.If you are in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please contact your local emergency number. If you are in the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available, and you do not have to navigate this alone.Leah Johnson is a speaker, retreat leader, and imperfect mom of two who spent over 25 years in campaign politics and public affairs before being forced to re-evaluate everything she thought she wanted. Through spiritual awakening, trauma healing, and radical self-honesty, Leah now helps women reconnect with joy, authenticity, and self-advocacy including leading spiritual journeys for women to Teotihuacan.Find Leah at:www.findingfantasticjoy.comIG: @findingfantasticjoyLinked In:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-johnson-findingfantasticjoy/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahjohnsondickson/Looking for extra support? You can find me at:www.christigmyrcoaching.comFacebook: Christi Gmyr CoachingFree Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/careermindedmomWant to be a guest on Overcaffeinated and Out of Effs: For Burned Out, Career-Minded Moms? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17509013050277528a6155ff9You can also apply at: https://www.christigmyrcoaching.com/podcast