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cover art for #289 | WHAT TRADITIONAL CULTURAL PRACTICES CAN TEACH US AS NEW MAMAS | WITH SHRADHA BIYANI

Happy Mama Movement with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz

#289 | WHAT TRADITIONAL CULTURAL PRACTICES CAN TEACH US AS NEW MAMAS | WITH SHRADHA BIYANI

Season 1, Ep. 293
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Welcome to The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!


Today’s episode brings a truly insightful conversation with Shradha Biyani, an editor, book writing coach, and the visionary founder of Tashi Press. With her unique blend of journalism training and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Harvard University, Shradha helps writers articulate impactful narratives. She has worked with numerous publishing houses, including Pan Macmillan, Westland Books, and Penguin Random House, and her workshops and coaching embody her passion for storytelling, language, and the power of shared human experiences.


We talk about:

  1. A Pyramid of Mothers: Early life in India and the strong support for new mothers, from the many mothers in the community.
  2. New Mothers need to heal: The essential focus on healing and well-being during the first period of motherhood.
  3. The "Great Loss" in Modernity: How New Mothers are surviving without strong support and community care, and how this has affected modern motherhood.
  4. Community Strength: Building strong relationships and creating a community of support available to everyone.
  5. Passing down values: Being a good role model and educating the next generation about the power of community


I hope today’s episode gives you practical insights and inspiration, and if you find it valuable, please share it to help other mothers access the support and wisdom they need.


ABOUT SHRADHA BIYANI:

Shradha Biyani is an editor, book writing coach, and founder of Tashi Press. Trained as a journalist with a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Harvard University, Shradha’s career bridges the worlds of narrative and urban studies. She has collaborated with major publishers like Pan Macmillan, Westland Books, and Penguin Random House to guide authors through every step of their creative journey. Her workshops combine her love for urban anthropology and her understanding of migration stories, creating a space where emerging and seasoned writers alike can flourish. Shradha is dedicated to helping storytellers connect with readers in impactful, lasting ways.


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  • 292. #288 | THE CESAREAN EPIDEMIC AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR US | WITH RACHAEL SOMERSTEIN

    40:44||Season 1, Ep. 292
    Welcome back, Mamas, to this week's episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!Today, we're joined by Rachel Somerstein, a powerhouse in maternal health journalism and the author of Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section. Combining personal stories, investigative research, and historical insights, Rachel’s work seeks to drive essential conversations around c-sections and maternal health.We in-depth on:The ups and downs: in her motherhood journeyThe Unseen Side of C-Sections: Rachel shares the profound and often overlooked realities surrounding cesarean sections, which are the most frequently performed operation worldwide. Changing the narrative: The societal and medical structures that impact maternal well-being and how storytelling can influence systemic change.I hope this conversation leaves you feeling informed and empowered. If you found it valuable, please share it to help mothers everywhere access the support and information they deserve.ABOUT RACHEL SOMERSTEIN:Rachel Somerstein is the author of Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section (Ecco 2024), a groundbreaking book that investigates the history and nuances of c-sections through a unique blend of memoir, research, and reporting. Her work has appeared in The Boston Globe, The Guardian, Longreads, The Washington Post, Women’s Health, and more, and she has been featured on NPR. With a PhD in mass communications and an MFA in creative writing, Rachel is committed to using narrative and rigorous research to elevate critical discussions on maternal health. She is currently an associate professor of journalism at SUNY New Paltz.RESOURCES:Website: www.rachelsomerstein.comLinkedIn: Rachel SomersteinInstagram: @rachelesomerstein

  • 291. #286 | TAKE THE MIC: HOW MATRESCENCE SUPPORTS OUR DAUGHTERS | WITH JADE ESTELLE

    21:15||Season 1, Ep. 291
    Welcome to another empowering episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!In today’s session, we’re diving deep into the sacred feminine journey with the wonderful Jade Estelle.Jade is a Feminine Space Holder and Rites of Passage Coach, specializing in menstruation, matrescence, and menopause.She brings a beautiful and restorative approach to embracing the feminine, and today we explore her work in guiding women of all ages to reconnect with themselves and honour their life cycles.Here’s what we cover:The Power of Rites of Passage: How Jade helps women navigate key life transitions such as menstruation, motherhood, and menopause with grace and awareness.The Motherhood Journey: Jade shares her motherhood experience with her two children.Exhaustion, Postnatal Depression and Anxiety: The weight of motherhood and the light inside.Discovering Matrescence: How Jade came upon matrescence and the huge impact it had on her life and outlook..Girl Becoming: Exploring the Rite of Passage around womanhood and her program, to guide and support woman of all ages.I hope today’s conversation inspires and uplifts you. If you found it valuable, don’t hesitate to share it so more mothers can access this nurturing support and wisdom!ABOUT JADE ESTELLE:Jade Estelle is a Feminine Space Holder, Rites of Passage Coach, and Yoga & Embodiment Teacher who specializes in supporting females of all ages through significant life transitions. Whether it’s menstruation, matrescence, or menopause, Jade provides deep healing through womb connection, movement, and rituals. She is passionate about empowering women to embrace their self-worth, nourish their bodies, and feel a sense of community. Jade’s mission is one of service, providing education to young girls, healing feminine bodies, and fostering connection through breath and movement.RESOURCES:socials: @jadeestelleyoga website: jadeestelle.comemail: jadeestelleyoga@gmail.com

  • 290. #285 | MAKING THE MOTHERSHIFT | WITH JESSIE HARROLD |

    43:50||Season 1, Ep. 290
    Welcome to another heartfelt episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to dive into a meaningful conversation with Jessie Harrold. Jessie has dedicated over fifteen years to guiding women through profound transformations and life’s pivotal rites of passage. As a coach, doula, and author, her insights are bound to resonate with mothers at every stage of their journey.We explore:The Transition to Motherhood: Jessie unpacks the concept of matrescence and how it redefines motherhood as a rite of passage.The MotherSHIFT : Learn about Jessie’s experience around motherhood, her new book, and how she supports women to find 'solid ground' in a fragile system..The Loss of Identity: Jessie shares personal insights on understanding the struggle within the greater social context.The Hurdles ahead: What challenges mothers and women have yet to face and how we can best be poised to overcome them..Our modern mindset around motherhood: How we have held the role of motherhood and where its placed now, and what to do next.I hope this conversation brings you inspiration and insight. If you feel it might help another mama on her journey, please share it so we can continue to build a supportive community for mothers everywhere.FULL YOUTUBE PRESENTATION HERE: https://youtu.be/ziiaR-Nx9VkABOUT JESSIE HARROLD:Jessie Harrold is a coach and doula who has been supporting women through radical life transformations and other rites of passage for over fifteen years. She works one-on-one with women and mothers, facilitates mentorship programs, women’s circles, and rituals, and hosts retreats and nature-based experiences. Jessie holds degrees in Neuroscience and Health Promotion, with award-winning research published internationally. She’s also the author of Mothershift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of Passage and Project Body Love. She lives on the east coast of Canada, where she mothers her two children, writes, and stewards the land.RESOURCES:Website: www.jessieharrold.comInstagram: @jessie.es.harroldEmail: jessie@jessieharrold.comCatch Jessie's previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep-145-the-liminal-space-in-motherhood-with-jessie-harrold/id1203707859?i=1000487939343

  • 289. #284 | MATRESCENCE WITH A NEURODIVERSE DIAGNOSIS | WITH NICOLE AMERY

    31:42||Season 1, Ep. 289
    Welcome to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast. This week’s guest is Nicole Amery.With over 20 years of experience as a registered Occupational Therapist, Nicole is a Motherhood Coach who specializes in supporting neurodivergent families. She is passionate about helping mothers and caregivers as they navigate the unique challenges of raising neurodivergent children.We talk about:The importance of supporting mothers in neurodivergent families and how this positively impacts the child.Nicole's personal experiences as an autistic mother and how it informs her approach to parenting.The concept of postnatal depletion and autistic burnout and the effects it has on mothers like herself.The journey to redefining womanhood and motherhood, and how Nicola has reframed these roles in her own life.Moving through grief and coming to accept our Neurodiverse situation: to better cope and and even thrive on this parenting journey.I hope this conversation resonates with you, and if it does, please spread the word so more mothers can find the encouragement and resources they need to flourish.ABOUT NICOLE AMERY:Nicole Amery is a registered Occupational Therapist and Motherhood Coach with a wealth of experience in supporting neurodivergent families. As an autistic mother of three neurodivergent girls, she brings a unique perspective to her work, deeply influenced by her own experiences of postnatal depletion and burnout. Nicole is dedicated to empowering mothers to navigate their own journeys of self-discovery and redefinition, providing compassionate support for those balancing motherhood with the complexities of neurodivergence.RESOURCES:Website: https://nourishandconnect.com/Follow Nicole on Instagram: www.instagram.com/nourishandconnect/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nourishandconnect

  • 288. #283 | RAISING GIRLS WHO LIKE THEMSELVES | WITH KASEY EDWARDS

    34:59||Season 1, Ep. 288
    Welcome back, Mamas to The Happy Mama Movement Podcast!This week’s guest is Kasey Edwards, a leading Australian columnist and bestselling author known for her insightful and humorous takes on parenting, work satisfaction, and body image. Kasey’s work has reached over 10 million readers worldwide, making her a powerful voice for women and girls everywhere.We talk about:The importance of raising girls who like themselves – How building self-worth and confidence in young girls sets them up for success in life.Work satisfaction and finding purpose – Kasey shares her personal journey of feeling 'over it' in her thirties and how she pivoted towards more fulfilling work.Motherhood and societal expectations – Discussing the pressures mothers face and how Kasey navigates those while staying true to herself.Body image and self-acceptance – Tackling how women can cultivate a healthier relationship with their bodies in a world filled with unrealistic expectations.Bringing up boys who like themselves – Kasey shares insights from her latest book on how to raise boys who are confident, kind, and emotionally aware.I hope you find this conversation useful, and if you do, please share it widely so mothers everywhere can access the support and information they need to thrive.ABOUT KASEY EDWARDSKasey Edwards is a bestselling author of eight books, including Thirty Something and Over It, Raising Girls Who Like Themselves, and Bringing Up Boys Who Like Themselves. With her engaging writing style that blends humor and research, Kasey tackles issues like motherhood, body image, and work satisfaction. Her audience of over 10 million readers worldwide makes her one of Australia’s most influential voices for women and girls.RESOURCESINSTAGRAM: @kaseyedwardswriterWEBSITE: https://www.raisinggirlswholikethemselves.com/ https://www.boyswholikethemselves.com/FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/KaseyEdwardsWriter/BOOK LINKS: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/raising-girls-who-like-themselves-9781760894368 https://www.penguin.com.au/books/bringing-up-boys-who-like-themselves-9780143778738

  • 287. #282 | TAKE THE MIC | HEALING MY OWN INNER CRITIC THROUGH MATRESCENCE | WITH KELLEY PICKETT

    19:57||Season 1, Ep. 287
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  • 286. #281 | HONOURING AND MOVING MATERNAL RAGE | WITH AMY TAYLOR KABBAZ

    16:29||Season 1, Ep. 286
    Welcome to this week’s solo episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.In today’s episode, I dive deep into a powerful and often unspoken experience of motherhood: maternal rage and anger. As mothers, we can feel a sense of overwhelming responsibility and crushing pressure, and yet, so often, we are not acknowledged or supported in the ways we truly need.But there is a way through planning and care.We explore:What maternal rage really is, and how it differs from typical frustration or stress.Why mothers are so often left to navigate this emotional overwhelm alone.The systems that fail to support mothers, leaving us feeling isolated and undervalued.The emotional toll of societal expectations on motherhood, and how these expectations can fuel feelings of resentment.How we can begin to heal, find support, and create the change we need in our lives and society.I hope you find this conversation insightful. If you do, please share it widely so mothers everywhere can access the support and information they need to thrive.ABOUT AMY TAYLOR-KABBAZ:Amy is an internationally recognized coach, author, and advocate for mothers. Through her work with 'Mama Rising' and "The Happy Mama Movement Podcast", Amy brings to light the struggles and triumphs of modern motherhood, helping mothers understand the concept of matrescence and navigate the complex emotions and challenges of this life transition.RESOURCES:Cristalle Hayes, author of 'Angry Mother, Assertive Mother' - https://www.amazon.com.au/Angry-Mother-Assertive-maternal-radical/dp/1781336504Here's the link to the playlist I mention in the episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0spIOjXzxJxNRT2SrCZlYi?si=a650051bc5cd4350

  • 285. #280 | WHY IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT YOU FEEL THIS WAY | WITH ERIN SPAHR

    40:09||Season 1, Ep. 285
    Welcome back, Mama's, to this week’s episode of The Happy Mama Movement Podcast.This week’s guest is Erin Spahr, a licensed therapist, maternal mental health advocate, and podcast host based in Raleigh, NC, who uses a feminist lens in her work to help mothers break free from societal pressures and cultivate self-compassion.We get serious about:The impact of societal expectations on mothers' mental health.How feminism can be a tool for navigating motherhood with more confidence.The importance of inclusivity and identity-affirming care for mothers.Erin’s journey through motherhood and coming to terms with the mental load.How mothers can reclaim their sense of self and compassion in a society that often demands too much.I hope you find this conversation useful, and if you do, please share it widely so mothers everywhere can access the support and information they need to thrive.ABOUT ERIN SPAHR: Erin Spahr is a licensed therapist, mother, feminist, podcast host, and maternal mental health advocate based out of Raleigh, NC. Using a feminist lens in her work with mothers, Erin helps them liberate themselves from oppressive societal expectations and fosters greater self-confidence and self-compassion. She hosts The Feminist Mom Podcast, where she dives into the intersection of feminism and motherhood with inspiring guests. Erin also launched the Inclusive Provider Directory, which connects mothers, birthing individuals, and families in the U.S. and Canada with perinatal providers who prioritize inclusivity and identity-affirming care. In her private practice, she supports clients in North Carolina and Maryland. Erin lives in Raleigh with her husband and two kids.RESOURCES:Erin’s website https://www.erinspahrtherapy.com/Follow Erin on Instagram: @erinspahr www.instagram.com/feminist.mom.therapistListen to The Feminist Mom Podcast https://www.feministmompodcast.com/Explore the Inclusive Provider Directory https://www.inclusiveproviders.com/