THE GOOD ENOUGH MOTHER PODCAST
Embracing Challenges Beyond The ‘Early Years’ of Motherhood
August 25, 2023
BUILDING CAREERS, IDENTITY, PURPOSE, WOMEN AS MOTHERS, STRUCTURAL BARRIERS, SOCIETY PODCAST EPISODE, MOTHERING AT DIFFERENT STAGES
with best-Selling author, speaker, journalist, Matrescence Activist and Mama of three, Amy Taylor-Kabbaz
In this episode, Amy Taylor-Kabbaz and I delve into the intricacies, beauty and challenges of mothering ‘beyond the early years’, and share parts of our own personal mothering journeys to demonstrate the ongoing nature of matrescence. Amy's insights from her lived experience and work as a matrescence activist, cast a light on the imperative need for all-encompassing support systems that envelop mothers throughout their journey.
We talk about the impossible ‘balancing act’ when it comes to mothering children at different ages and stages, and how we continue to nurture ourselves and a sense of our own identity while trying to meet our children’s varying and various needs. We hope that our conversation points to the vital significance of sharing stories among mothers and having spaces where we can be heard, as well as where we can learn from other mothers who are different stages of motherhood than we may be.
Amy articulates how storytelling can become a vehicle for healing, growth, and cultivating a profound sense of solidarity amongst mothers, and emphasizes the potential and possibility for matrescence as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, healing and transformation.
If you’re interested in supporting mothers on their matrescence journey, check out Amy’s groundbreaking Mama Rising Offering, which encapsulates her unique coaching and support framework for mothers transitioning through matrescence. Amy’s program is now open for enrolment until August 30th, 2023. Learn more by heading to - mamarising.net
Meet Amy
Taylor-Kabbaz
Amy Taylor-Kabbaz, a Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Journalist, and Matrescence Activist, has redefined the narrative of motherhood. With a remarkable background covering breaking news and current affairs for the ABC, Amy's personal journey took an unforeseen turn when she encountered overwhelming challenges after her first daughter's birth. Transcending her 'traditional' career, Amy has become a beacon of support for mothers worldwide. Her bestselling book, Mama Rising, stands as a testament to her commitment to transforming the way mothers experience matrescence. As the host of the 'The Happy Mama Movement' podcast and an internationally awarded Life Coach, Amy's work touches countless lives. She has created online programs that resonate with mothers globally and has introduced a groundbreaking Matrescence Facilitator Training program. A true influencer in the realm of motherhood, Amy's wisdom and guidance continue to inspire, while her legacy thrives through her exceptional work.
— Amy Taylor-Kabbaz in conversation with Sophie Brock, Ep #99 The Good Enough Mother Podcast
“I wouldn't be the person I am today, and continuing to grow the way that I am - in broken bits and amazing bits - without the experience of these children. They, daily, challenge me to think about how I can do this. Not better. But how I can do this that honours them and honours me. It is the greatest birth of all: is this version of me, through them.”
— Amy Taylor-Kabbaz in conversation with Sophie Brock, Ep #79 The Good Enough Mother Podcast
“When motherhood came along, I honestly assumed that nothing would change in my career. I mean, I knew that my hours might change a little bit at the beginning, but I could get back as quickly as I could. But I never expected the way I felt about my job to change. I thought I would always be that driven, always willing to work those crazy hours, you know, I had my sights set on being a foreign correspondent for The ABC. And I honestly imagined myself in the field with a baby strapped to my back, like that wasn't just not going to change. And then along came motherhood. And suddenly, I didn't want to be at work, I didn't have the same drive, but I still wanted to be that journalist. But something had shifted in me. And because I didn't understand my true essence and how our identity changes, not just as a woman and a mother, but in all areas of our life. I, it was an incredibly uncomfortable and unknown feeling to me, to suddenly not know who I am.”
“I think I look at that version of myself, as someone who was so - who had swallowed the poison of our culture. That said, your value comes from your success in your job. And I never saw the value. It's hard to say this out loud because this is now what I do. But at the time, I didn't see value in slowing down and being with my baby. I really felt the race to get back to work, otherwise, someone else will take my job. I really felt that ticking. That ticking time bomb of both a bit of a baby before it's too late. But also, I can't step away from my work too much. So I really view that version of myself with sadness, because she honestly didn't know any better. And she honestly thought she was doing the right thing. You know, I really thought that that's what I needed to do.”
HAPPY MAMA MOVEMENT PODCAST
HAPPY MAMA MOVEMENT PODCAST
happy mama movement
Motherhood changes us. As the generation who were told we could do anything and be anything we want to be, accepting the changes that come with motherhood can be very difficult. Our priorities shift, our definition of success evolves, and we find ourselves questioning our addiction to busy-ness. Who are we now? And can we be the best mamas without completely losing ourselves along the way? The Happy Mama Movement is a collection of interviews and insights with real mamas around the world, reflecting on mindfulness, real connection, and the realities of being a modern day mama.
Listen on SoundCloud.
“I was never taught, actually I was told very clearly you can't just be a mum can't be a mum… you can't grow up and that is your life purpose. What are you going to do? What ceilings are you going to smash through? I mean, I was brought up to be very ambitious. I could do anything I wanted. And I loved that about my upbringing. But within that, I had no idea how to value this role of mother. And I think that's the same thing that happens in all of our workplaces. You know, we don't value anyone's personal life outside of the workplace.”
— Amy Taylor-Kabbaz in conversation with Sophie Brock, Ep #79 The Good Enough Mother Podcast
Check out Amy’s Online Certification Program
Mama Rising®
THE 5 MONTH ONLINE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM TO TEACH AND SHARE THE GROUND-BREAKING INSIGHT OF MATRESCENCE WITH THE WORLD.Mama Rising® is a unique and trademarked coaching training that empowers and equips you to support a woman’s experience of becoming and being a mother, whether that’s in pregnancy, postpartum, in the workplace or in the community.
connect with amy.
Website - amytaylorkabbaz.com
Facebook - Amy Taylor Kabbaz
Podcast: Happy Mama Movement
Instagram - @amytaylorkabbaz & @mamarisingmovement
