The Good Enough Mother
Psychology & Relationships
About
The role of being a Mother offers us the potential for incredible expansion, growth, and power, while also being one of – if not THE – most challenging, undervalued, and taken for granted roles in the world. Motherhood Studies Sociologist, researcher, and single Mother, Dr Sophie Brock hosts The Good Enough Mother (TGEM) podcast with an aim to change how Motherhood is culturally defined and individually experienced. TGEM draws its name from a theorist and pediatrician Winnicott, who highlighted the ways ‘good enough’ parenting is actually what is best for our children – not perfectionism. The podcast centres the Mother as the starting point for...
Episodes
- 127. When It Feels Like You’re Not Doing Enough
This episode of The Good Enough Mother discusses the common feeling of not doing enough. It explores the origins of this feeling, the difference between "not being enough" and "not doing enough," and how cultural expectations influence int…
- 126. The Loving Moments and Bitter Truths of Motherhood – Maternal Ambivalence with Dr Margo Lowy
Psychotherapist Dr. Margo Lowy joins the podcast to discuss maternal ambivalence, exploring the experience of having complex and contradictory emotions about motherhood. The episode examines cultural pressures on mothers and how acknowledg…
- 125. Lessons From My Mum - Grief and Love
In this episode, the host reflects on returning to work following the sudden death of her mother. She explores the experience of grief as a transformational process and shares five lessons learned from her mother while discussing how to ma…
- 124. When It All Comes Up: The Body, Hunger, Perimenopause and Mothering - with Dr Cristina Cavezza
Dr. Cristina Cavezza joins the show to discuss the intersection of perimenopause, motherhood, body image, and emotional wellbeing. The episode explores the societal and personal factors affecting mothers in midlife and emphasizes the impor…
- 123. 'When Good Moms Feel Bad': IFS, Motherhood, and the Healing Power of Parts Work with Jessica Tomich Sorci
In this episode of The Good Enough Mother, therapist Jessica Tomich Sorci explains the use of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in the context of motherhood. The discussion covers how IFS can help mothers navigate complex emotions like…
- 122. When Motherhood Feels Like Too Much AND Not Enough
This episode explores the emotional complexities of motherhood, including feelings of overwhelm, identity, and the invisible labor inherent in the role. Dr. Sophie Brock reflects on the cultural expectations placed on mothers and the exper…
- 120. In Conversation with Prof Andrea O’Reilly: The Revolutionary Emergence of Motherhood Studies
Professor Andrea O’Reilly discusses her career and the academic discipline of Motherhood Studies, covering topics such as matricentric feminism, patriarchal motherhood, and the development of Demeter Press.
- 119. Perinatal Suicidality: A Conversation with PANDA CEO Julie Borninkhof and Dr Laura Biggs
In this episode, Sophie discusses the Making Sense of the Unseen research project on perinatal suicidality with Dr. Laura Biggs and PANDA CEO Julie Borninkhof. They explore key findings regarding shame, societal pressures, and the importan…
- 118. My Matrescence Festival Talk & Some Motherhood Studies News
In this episode, the host shares a practice recording of her talk for the Matrescence Festival, discussing the myth of the perfect mother and how motherhood fosters personal growth. She also provides updates on upcoming conference presenta…
- 117. When a Mother Reclaims her Space: Tehla's Story and a Permission to Pause
Writer and mother Tehla Bower joins the podcast to discuss her book, A Mother’s Space: Permission to Pause. She shares her journey of navigating societal expectations and maternal identity after experiencing significant life and health shi…
- 116. Motherhood as Leadership: Transforming Through Matrescence with Babette Lockefeer
In this episode, leadership facilitator Babette Lockefeer joins Dr. Sophie Brock to discuss how matrescence serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. They explore the intersection of motherhood and leadership, focusing on…
- 115. Shaping the Future of Postpartum Care: A Conversation with Julia Jones on Postpartum Education
In this episode, Julia Jones discusses her work as a postpartum doula, educator, and author, and her efforts to professionalize postpartum care through Newborn Mothers. She shares her professional journey, insights on international care pr…
- How a Footnote Changed Everything: Last Call for The Motherhood Studies Certification, Legacy Edition
Dr. Sophie Brock discusses the origin of the Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification and announces the final offering of the program's Legacy Edition. This edition features the foundational curriculum at a discount before the program…
- 113. When Everything Changes: Motherhood, Grief, and Self-Care with Suzy Reading
In this episode, Chartered Psychologist and author Suzy Reading discusses her personal experience of navigating grief while becoming a mother. She explores the necessity of self-care and challenges societal expectations surrounding motherh…
- 112. The Rebellion and Refuge of Motherhood: Bodies, Boundaries and Power with Amanda Montei
Author Amanda Montei discusses her book "Touched Out" and explores themes of motherhood, societal expectations, consent, and bodily autonomy. The conversation examines motherhood as both a personal experience and a social institution, addr…
- 111. The Care Career Conundrum (checklist): The Sociological Roots of Our Struggle
This episode explains the "Care Career Conundrum" and its impact on mothers in paid work. Dr. Sophie Brock discusses the social construction of motherhood, the perfect mother myth, and introduces a checklist tool as part of the Mothers at…
- 110. Redefining Motherhood: A Conversation with Libby Ward from Diary of an Honest Mom
In this episode, host Sophie Brock interviews digital creator and mental health advocate Libby Ward about the challenges and complexities of modern motherhood. They discuss the importance of honesty, the impact of socioeconomic factors, an…
- 109. What Play Therapy Can Teach us About Ourselves and Our Children, with Dr Sam Casey
Dr. Sam Casey, an integrative child therapist, joins the show to discuss play therapy and her 'play prescription' model. They explore how play can be used to facilitate healing and growth in both parenting and professional settings.
- 108. Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Transform Our Mothering, with Dr. Jennifer Hacker Pearson
Dr. Jennifer Hacker Pearson discusses neuroplasticity and the maternal brain on The Good Enough Mother. She explores how mothers can use self-directed neuroplasticity to reshape their experiences and challenge traditional expectations of m…
- 107. Liberation from Patriarchal Motherhood? Reflections On Power, Agency & Motherhood Studies 2024
This episode explores the concept of patriarchal motherhood and how sociological perspectives can offer insight into individual experiences and social change. The host discusses maternal ambivalence, the distinctions between empowered and…
- 106. Understanding Ourselves & Our Children as Mapmakers: Parenting for Humans with Dr Emma Svanberg
Dr. Emma Svanberg joins the podcast to discuss her book, Parenting for Humans. The conversation covers the "mapmaker" analogy for children, the importance of play and boundaries, and how parents can navigate modern societal pressures throu…
- 105. When Community Sparks Creativity: 'The Mum Who Found Her Sparkle' with Jessie & Mary
Jessie Ann Elliot and Mary Sotiropoulos join the podcast to discuss their experiences in early motherhood and their collaboration on the children's book, The Mum Who Found Her Sparkle. The episode explores themes of community, identity, an…
- A little update from Sophie
Sophie provides a life update covering recent months, discussing themes of transitions and honoring life stages. She also outlines upcoming plans for The Good Enough Mother podcast in 2024.
- 104. The Science of Baby Brain: Social & Biological Influences on Mothers with Dr Sarah McKay
Neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay joins The Good Enough Mother to discuss the neuroscience of pregnancy and motherhood. The conversation explores maternal brain changes, societal myths about 'baby brain,' and the physiological and social infl…
- 103. How to Dismantle Patriarchal Motherhood? 8 Reflections
This episode explores ways to dismantle patriarchal motherhood by focusing on systemic and structural changes. Topics include maternal mental health, postpartum care, economic policy, and societal stereotypes.
- 102. Using Compassion To Navigate Challenges In Motherhood With Zoe Blaskey
Zoe Blaskey, founder of Motherkind, joins Dr. Sophie Brock to discuss the complexities of modern motherhood. They explore the challenges of managing feelings of guilt and overwhelm while learning to cultivate self-compassion.
- 101. Breaking the Rules, Living in Our Values: A Conversation with Tracy Gillett of Raised Good
In this episode, host of The Good Enough Mother interviews Tracy Gillett of Raised Good about natural parenting, living by personal values, and the journey of building an online community. They also discuss balancing parenting decisions wi…
- Invitation into Free Training - Private Podcast Episode
This episode introduces a free training resource for professionals who support mothers, focusing on understanding patriarchal motherhood. The training is delivered via a private podcast and accompanying PDF to help improve support for moth…
- 100. What is the Essence of 'Good Enough'? Bridging Child and Adult Psychology with Dr Tanya Cotler
Dr. Tanya Cotler discusses the concept of the "good enough mother" by bridging child and adult psychology. The episode covers attunement, rupture-repair cycles, and how these processes contribute to child development, while centering the e…
- 99. Embracing Challenges Beyond The ‘Early Years’ of Motherhood with Amy Taylor Kabbaz
Amy Taylor-Kabbaz joins the podcast to discuss the complexities of motherhood beyond the early years and the ongoing nature of matrescence. The conversation explores the importance of storytelling, self-identity, and support systems for mo…
- 98. Birth, Trauma, and Maternity Reform: Alecia Staines on Her Decade of Advocacy
Alecia Staines discusses her decade of experience advocating for maternity care reform, addressing issues like birth trauma, obstetric violence, and structural systemic change. The conversation covers her work with the Maternity Consumer N…
- 97. Nurturing the Next Generation: A Revolution in Infant Mental Health with Dr Greer Kirshenbaum
Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum discusses the science of infant mental health and the impact of nurturing during the first three years of life. The conversation covers topics such as epigenetics, stress systems, and common parenting myths regarding…
- 96. The Economy of Motherhood and Being Played the ‘Fool’ with Tess Wilkinson-Ryan
Law professor and moral psychologist Tess Wilkinson-Ryan joins the podcast to discuss her book, Fool Proof, and its focus on motherhood. The conversation explores the cultural expectations of mothers, the concept of being a 'sucker' in soc…
- 95. Decoding Cultural Messages of Motherhood and The Good vs Bad Mother
This episode explores how cultural messaging around Mother's Day and motherhood shapes self-identity, guilt, and social comparison. Listeners learn to identify societal narratives and practice self-compassion, with references to the 'postm…
- 94. Undoing & Recreating: A Mother's Journey from 1 to 2 Children with Emily Adler Mosqueda
Emily Adler Mosqueda discusses her experience transitioning from one to two children, focusing on her mental health journey and the deconstruction of maternal expectations. The episode explores themes of identity, the socialization of moth…
- 93. The Gift of Maternal Ambivalence: Embracing Complexity to Build Connection with Dr Margo Lowy
Psychotherapist Dr. Margo Lowy joins the podcast to discuss maternal ambivalence and how acknowledging these complex, conflicting emotions can strengthen the maternal experience. The conversation covers why this concept is often a cultural…
- 92. When you feel like you’re drowning in Motherhood - with Amanda Connell
Amanda Connell from Spilt Milk Psychology joins The Good Enough Mother to discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood with personal needs. The conversation explores ways to navigate feelings of overwhelm, challenge societal pressures, a…
- 91. The Importance of ‘Failing’ Our Children
This episode explores the concept of 'good enough mothering' as a parenting approach. It addresses parental guilt and perfectionism, discussing research and personal reflections on why this perspective can be beneficial for both parents an…
- 90. Getting to know our new babies, and our new selves with Julianne Boutaleb
Perinatal psychologist Julianne Boutaleb discusses maternal attachment, baby's early needs, and the neurological changes during motherhood. She offers advice on fostering compassion, self-regulation, and finding a new maternal rhythm.
- 89. Moving Beyond The Perfect Mother Myth – what next? (re-release)
This episode explores the process of moving past the perfect mother myth by reflecting on internalized societal expectations of motherhood. It discusses establishing new personal models of integrated motherhood and identity following this…
- 88. How culture 'creates' Motherhood and why it matters (The Fish Tank Model)
In this episode, Sophie presents her 'fish tank of motherhood' model to explore how culture defines motherhood and shapes maternal experience. The discussion covers the 'rule book' of good motherhood, the concept of maternal thinking, and…
- 87. For Mothers During The Festive Season (re-release)
In this re-released solo episode, the host discusses the pressures and expectations placed on mothers during the festive season. The episode explores the mental load, the myth of the perfect mother, and the value of cultivating self-presen…
- 86. Reclaiming our Motherhood from the ‘shoulds’ this holiday season with Anna Mathur
Psychotherapist and author Anna Mathur joins the podcast to discuss managing the emotional and mental demands of motherhood during the holiday season. The conversation covers setting boundaries, handling disappointment, and finding ways to…
- 85. Somatic Tools for Congruent Parenting with Yara Heary
Psychologist Yara Heary joins The Good Enough Mother to discuss somatic tools for nervous system regulation in parenting. The episode explores connecting with oneself during difficult parenting moments and the process of repairing relation…
- Ep 84. Mothering ourselves through shame and perfectionism with Catherine Counihan
Psychotherapist Catherine Counihan joins Sophie Brock to discuss the impact of perfectionism and shame on mothering. They share personal stories and offer strategies for developing self-compassion and moving away from the myth of the perfe…
- Our movement towards Motherhood Liberation... can we 'jump out' of the tank?
In this episode, the host discusses the creation of the program The Liberating Motherhood Experience. She explores her perspective on achieving motherhood liberation and outlines the narrative arc and goals of the new program.
- 83. Creative Community Making for Mothers with Rachael Rose
In this episode, doula and women's circle facilitator Rachael Rose discusses the importance of building community among mothers. She shares her insights on navigating the rites of passage of motherhood and her work in facilitating connecti…
- 82. Identity shifts in motherhood with Jessie Harrold
Host Sophie Brock discusses the transition into motherhood with doula and coach Jessie Harrold. They explore personal identity shifts, navigating postpartum life, and reorienting values and priorities while becoming a mother.
- 81. The innate wisdom of childhood with Zoe Haack
In this episode, author and child activist Zoe Haack discusses the importance of mindful, compassionate parenting for children from birth to age five. She explores how parents can reflect on their own upbringing, navigate societal pressure…
- 80. The Perfect Mother Myth and Social Construct of Motherhood
This episode examines the social construction of motherhood, the impact of the perfect mother myth on parents and children, and potential alternatives. It also addresses the influence of cultural narratives on individual maternal experienc…