Honest as a Mother
Kids & Family
About
Join Amanda as she is sitting down with other moms and having the tough conversations surrounding motherhood. Amanda is a full time working mom who's passionate about discussing the "taboo" topics of motherhood. Join Amanda as she gets honest as a mother on her own feelings about what motherhood is really like.
Episodes
- The Side of Motherhood that Most People Won't Speak About with Courtney Bognar from Rogue Healing
Amanda is joined by psychotherapist Courtney Bognar to discuss perinatal mental health. Topics include Courtney's personal experience with miscarriage, perinatal anxiety, supporting partners, and overcoming the "happiness trap" through val…
- Unfiltered Motherhood: The Parts We Don't Always Say Out Loud with Alyssa Lancia, Holly Silenzi & Katie Mitton
Hosts Amanda, Alyssa Lancia, Holly Silenzi, and Katie Mitton discuss unfiltered aspects of motherhood, including identity crisis, parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the evolution of friendships after having children.
- Breakthrough Book 2 - Meet Shirlene Nalepa
Amanda is joined by author Shirlene Nalepa to discuss mental health, ADHD, and PMDD. They cover normalizing therapy and medication, talking to children about mental health, and the personal transition from motherhood.
- Breakthrough Book 2 - Meet Shannon Smith
In this episode of Honest as a Mother, host Amanda Gurman talks with author Shannon Smith about her journey through grief and resilience, as featured in Breakthrough Book 2. They discuss how loss, in various forms, shaped Smith's perspecti…
- Breakthrough Book 2 - Meet Jennifer Hines
In this episode, host Amanda talks with Jennifer Hines, an author featured in Breakthrough Book 2. They discuss Hines' chapter, co-parenting, mental health, and the importance of sharing personal experiences to redefine happiness and live…
- Breakthrough Book 2 - Meet Yvette Byrne-Menard
Yvette Byrne-Menard joins host Amanda on Honest as a Mother to discuss her chapter in Breakthrough Book 2. The conversation focuses on Byrne-Menard
- Breakthrough Book 2 - Meet Dana Whitfield
Amanda talks with Dana Whitfield, an author in Breakthrough Book 2, about why she joined and wrote her story. They discuss attachment versus love, Dana's focus on self-love, and what readers can expect from her chapter.
- Breakthrough Book 2 - Meet Sasha Howell
Host Amanda Gurman talks with Sasha Howell about her contribution to Breakthrough Book 2. The discussion explores themes of grief, overcoming feeling stuck in personal labels, and Sasha’s experience with health anxiety.
- Clowning Around About Taylor Swift with Dan Shapiro
Amanda is joined by Dan Shapiro to discuss Taylor Swift, the Eras Tour, and Ticketmaster. Dan shares his experience helping fans get tickets and seeing Taylor perform twice. They also touch on the 'Karma' album and the Travis Kelce relatio…
- Mindset Matters: Cultivating Growth from the Inside Out with Kayleigh Kennedy
Amanda is joined by mindset coach Kayleigh Kennedy to discuss the importance of mindset and personal growth. They cover topics such as defining a "real" job, overcoming self-imposed obstacles, navigating the growth process, the impact of g…
- Author Series - Breakthrough - Stefy Covelli
Amanda speaks with author Stefy Covelli about her experience losing her career due to a workplace injury and the subsequent journey of rediscovery and personal breakthrough.
- The Shifting Seasons of Motherhood: Grief, Growth, and Grace with Cierra Bailey
Amanda speaks with Cierra Bailey, a mother and mental health advocate, about the grief, growth, and grace found in motherhood. They discuss the impact of lived experiences, changes in identity due to COVID-19, and the normal emotional fluc…
- Author Series - Jennifer Heard - Breakthrough
Jennifer Heard discusses her personal journey of self-discovery, realizing she is more than her labels, and how single motherhood contributed to losing herself. She shares the steps she has taken to learn more about her identity.
- Marriage After Kids: Instagram VS Reality with Crystal Shadwell
Amanda and Crystal Shadwell discuss the realities of marriage after having children, contrasting online portrayals with private life. They cover the challenges of prioritizing the relationship, dealing with resentment, the mental load, and…
- Perimenopause Unplugged: The Real Talk You Need with Amanda Otterman
Nurse Amanda Otterman joins Honest as a Mother to discuss perimenopause, including typical age ranges, navigating medical consultations, the connection between mental health and hormones, and strategies for prioritizing self-care.
- Unfiltered Reflections: Parenting with ADHD with Aaron Bailey
Aaron Bailey, an ADHD coach, discusses ADHD parenting with Amanda. The episode covers viewing ADHD symptoms as a mirror, managing dysregulation, and understanding the strengths associated with an ADHD diagnosis.
- Pelvic Floor Myths Uncovered: Empowering Women Through Knowledge with Elisha Zavier
In this episode, Pelvic Floor Fitness Coach Elisha Zavier joins Amanda to debunk common pelvic floor myths. They discuss the importance of pelvic floor health, the realities of incontinence, and strategies for strengthening this vital part…
- Binge-Worthy: Our Current TV Obsessions & Book Recommendations with Katie Langdon
Amanda and Katie share their current TV show obsessions, including "No Body Wants This," "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," "Dr. Odyssey," and "Tell Me Lies." They also provide book recommendations for the winter season and discuss trying "Di…
- Trusting Your Inner Compass: Navigating Mom Gut, Anxiety and Intuition with Katherine Peloso-Smith
Katherine Peloso-Smith, an Intuitive Leader Coach, joins host Amanda to discuss trusting intuition and "mom gut." They cover navigating red flags in dating and differentiating anxiety from intuition.
- SOLO EPISODE: ADHD in Women and My Diagnosis
In this solo episode of Honest as a Mother, host Amanda discusses her experience with an ADHD diagnosis in women. She covers the initial triggers, symptom monitoring, and her current approach including medication and routines.
- Holding Space: When Two Truths Collide in Healing with Christine Danaird
Christine Dainard, a personal coach focused on authenticity and self-worth, joins host Amanda to discuss self-discovery, growth, and the role of grief in healing. They share personal stories and explore how societal narratives impact ident…
- Pop Culture Hour With Katie Langdon
Amanda and Katie discuss Teen Mom, Vanderpump Rules, and more pop culture topics in this episode of Honest as a Mother.
- Under 40 and Fearless: Tackling Breast Cancer Awareness with Beth Marchant
Beth Marchant, a graphic designer and breast cancer survivor, discusses her experience with Stage 3 breast cancer and her advocacy for young women's breast health awareness. The episode emphasizes understanding one's own body and challengi…
- Welcome Back: Solo Episode! Redefining Happiness, Life Updates and Motherhood
Amanda returns to Honest as a Mother after her summer break with a solo episode. She discusses why she's been less visible, her process of redefining happiness, and the rebrand of her podcast, Honest as a Mother (HAAM). The episode touches…
- Navigating the Complexities of Motherhood: Mental Health, Technology, and Marital Challenges with Annie Lawton
Amanda and guest Annie Lawton share their experiences with the challenges of modern motherhood. They discuss their journeys with mental health, grief, identity, neurodivergency in children, and the realities of marriage.
- Debunking Women's Mental Health Myths with Dr. Benicio Frey
Amanda speaks with psychiatrist Dr. Benicio Frey about women's mental health, addressing myths and facts surrounding postpartum depression and anxiety, risk factors, and treatment accessibility for mothers. The discussion covers PMDD and r…
- Birth Plans, Consent and How a Doula Can Support You with Suzzie Vehrs
Suzzie Vehrs, founder of She Births Bravely, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of informed decisions in birth plans, the critical role of consent in preventing birth trauma, and how doulas function as a vital part of a mother's m…
- Attachment, Default Parenting and Mental Health with Karisa Haverkamp
Amanda talks with psychotherapist Karisa Haverkamp about attachment trauma, default parenting, maternal exhaustion, and mom guilt. Haverkamp also shares advice on self-care basics.
- Unveiling the Realities of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety with Eleni Opperwall
Amanda and Eleni Opperwall discuss postpartum depression and anxiety, contrasting the DSM-5 definitions with the realities experienced by mothers. The episode covers the definition of postpartum depression and anxiety, the significance of…
- Spirituality, Tower Moments and Learning to Trust Our Intuition with Brittany Schmidt
Amanda and Brittany Schmidt discuss spirituality, healing, and trusting intuition. Topics include nervous system regulation, the "tower moment," the "uncomfortable in between" phase, and distinguishing intuition from anxiety.
- Mom Rage, Expectations and the Invisible Load with Erica Djossa
In this episode, Erica Djossa, founder of Momwell, joins Amanda to discuss 'Mom Rage,' distinguishing it from postpartum rage, and exploring the societal messaging impacting mothers and the concept of the invisible load.
- Mom life, Anxiety & Maternal Mental Health with Renee Reina
Renee Reina shares her personal experiences with anxiety before motherhood and her decision regarding medication. She and host Amanda discuss the challenges mothers face in openly expressing postpartum difficulties.
- Author Series - Lorraine Lowry - Honest as a Mother Book 3
In this episode of Honest as a Mother, Amanda talks with author Lorraine Lowry about her experiences with ADHD and Borderline Personality Disorder. They discuss why Book 3 was the right time for Lorraine to join a co-author project, her pa…
- Resilience in Motherhood: Navigating Postpartum Depression with Ivana Gustin
Ivana Gustin shares her experiences with depression before and during pregnancy, advocating for her mental health, and navigating postpartum depression. She discusses her journey, including seeking help and managing the challenges.
- Author Series - Megan Martin - Honest as a Mother Book 3
Amanda interviews author Megan Martin about her experience co-authoring Honest as a Mother Book 3. They discuss teen pregnancy, adoption, and how writing helped Megan heal from the stigma and shame associated with her story.
- Breaking the Silence: Kayla Huszar's Journey Through Maternal Mental Health
Kayla Huszar, a therapist specializing in Expressive Art Therapy for Moms, discusses her personal journey with postpartum depression after becoming a mother. She shares insights on her healing process, the importance of self-permission for…
- Author Series - Lisa Wright - Honest as a Mother Book 3
Amanda interviews Lisa Wright, a co-author of Honest as a Mother Book 3. They discuss Lisa's co-authoring experience, gender disappointment, and the importance of open conversations about maternal mental health. Proceeds from the book preo…
- Floras Walk and Maternal Mental Health with Eleni Opperwall
This episode of Honest as a Mother features social worker Eleni Opperwall discussing Flora's Walk and the importance of maternal mental health. The conversation includes discussions on postpartum psychosis and suicide, as well as community…
- Author Series - Jacquelyn Jones-Gessay - Honest as a Mother Book 3
Jacquelyn Jones-Gessay discusses her experiences with anxiety and Postpartum Anxiety, and how these influenced her fourth trimester. The conversation is part of the Honest as a Mother Book 3 author series.
- Solving the ADHD Riddle with Dr. Connie McReynolds
In this episode, psychologist Connie McReynolds explores ADHD, focusing on the inner workings of children's brains, audio-visual processing, and potential red flags. The discussion also covers the impact of ADHD labels and shares client ex…
- Unpacking How Internalized Trauma Resurfaces in Motherhood with Emily Cleghorn
Holistic Trauma Recovery Coach Emily Cleghorn joins Amanda to discuss how the body stores trauma and why it tends to resurface during motherhood. They cover what trauma can look like in the body, the role of cortisol, and how a trauma reco…
- Author Series - Ann Marie Hemmings - Honest as a Mother Book 3
Ann Marie Hemmings discusses her motivation for writing a second time in the Honest as a Mother Books series and the significance of her latest chapter. She shares insights into finding beauty in motherhood and what readers can expect from…
- Author Series - Laura Sinclair - Honest as a Mother Book 3
In this episode, host Amanda chats with author Laura Sinclair about her journey into motherhood and the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with being a mother. Laura discusses why she chose to share her story now and what readers can…
- 10 Things I wish I Knew Before I Become a Mother with Mariela De Santiago
In this episode, Amanda is joined by Mariela De Santiago of the Mama Wears Athleisure Podcast for a candid discussion about motherhood. They each share ten pieces of advice they wish they had received before becoming parents and provide ti…
- Author Series - Jennifer Heard - Honest as a Mother Book 3
Amanda speaks with Jennifer Heard, a co-author of the forthcoming Honest as a Mother Book 3. Jennifer shares her experiences as a single mother to a son with special needs, and her hopes that her story will inspire other mothers.
- Permission Granted:Granting Yourself Permission to Rewrite Your Life with Shannon Talbot
In this episode, host Amanda speaks with Shannon Talbot, author of "Breaking Free," about motherhood, redefining success, managing self-imposed expectations, and overcoming imposter syndrome. The discussion also covers self-prioritization…
- Navigating Online Safety for Our Children with Andy Murphy AKA The Secure Dad
Amanda talks with Andy Murphy, The Secure Dad, about online safety for children. Topics include gaming safety on platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, online grooming, advice for first cell phones, and social media safety strategies.
- Mom Burnout: Navigating the Exhaustion of Motherhood with Lindsey Leaverton
Amanda talks with Lindsey Leaverton, author of "Not another self help book," about motherhood and burnout. Leaverton shares her personal experience with burnout, including its signs and how she navigated recovery, emphasizing the importanc…
- Beyond the Sheets: Intimacy Expectations, Postpartum Realities and How the Mental Load Affects Desire with Taylor Mcconachie
Amanda talks with holistic sex therapist Taylor Mcconachie about postpartum intimacy, the shame women experience regarding sex, and how the mental load affects desire. They discuss the shift in sexual definition after having a baby and rec…
- Nurturing the Newborns: What is a Newborn Care Specialist with Cristai Suinn
Cristai Suinn, owner of Baby Bliss Newborn Consulting and a Newborn Care Specialist, joins the podcast to explain the role of a Newborn Care Specialist. The discussion covers newborn sleep, safe sleep practices, and strategies for establis…