As a self-employed mom, I know what it’s like to carry the weight of a business and a family at the same time. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the invisible stressors that so many of us face, decision fatigue, financial pressure, time scarcity, mom guilt and why they leave us feeling burned out, even when everything looks fine on the outside. If you’re constantly chasing productivity and still feel like it’s not enough, this episode is for you. You will come across honest truths, mindset...
Aug 18, 2025•32 min
Cutting off family members isn't healing—it's often another form of fusion. I'm seeing this trend everywhere and it's actually preventing real resolution. Family estrangement has become socially acceptable in our individualistic culture. We're applying friendship rules to family relationships, which creates more loneliness. This episode with therapist Rachel Hack will challenge your thinking about family boundaries. We explore when estrangement is necessary versus when it's avoidance masqueradin...
Jul 07, 2025•46 min
Alcohol can easily become something that takes more than it gives. What do you do when you get to that point? Do you need to go full sober? Is the "fun" worth the results? Today I'm diving into the alcohol balance-beam with Michaela and Erinn of 2 SOBER GIRLS . If you're sober or sober-curious, connect with 2 Sober Girls and see how sobriety can be sexy. Get Effective strategies to end intrusive thoughts and the mom-guilt of not being present from a fellow working mom/therapist....
Jun 23, 2025•54 min
Hormones aren’t making you crazy—they’re trying to help you heal. Dr. Ulrike Kaunzner and Terry Chang from Two Moons Health join me to challenge the shame around PMS by embracing its natural wisdom - and revealing some life-saving micro-tools to balance hormones naturally. Learn how menstrual cycle phases impact your mood and mental health. Ditch the mood swings, balance your hormones, and own your cycle every month with Zest & Zen seed-cycling capsules . Use my code for $50 off: JUSTINE50 L...
Jun 09, 2025•35 min
Sleep isn't just about closing your eyes and hoping. Most insomnia treatments completely miss the behavioral conditioning piece. I brought in Dr. Shelby Harris , the Sleep Doctor herself. She's revolutionizing how we approach women's sleep disorders today. This episode breaks down real insomnia versus normal sleep struggles. You'll learn why tracking devices make anxiety worse, not better. Effective strategies to end intrusive thoughts and the mom-guilt of not being present from a fellow worki...
May 27, 2025•32 min
People-pleasing isn't a virtue, it's a prison holding you back from true success. My journey with burnout taught me that abandoning boundaries often leads to complete collapse. I ghosted my own podcast for 6 months after hitting rock bottom with burnout. The constant pressure to serve everyone left me empty, forcing me to rediscover what truly matters. I want to show you my fool-proof, "I Feel" technique for setting boundaries as a recovering people-pleaser. You'll learn to communicate assertive...
May 12, 2025•28 min
Perfectionism isn't always bad. It's a natural impulse to bridge the gap between ideal and reality. There are five types of perfectionists: classic, procrastinator, messy, intense, and Parisian. Each type has unique strengths and challenges in different contexts. I will help you identify your perfectionist type and learn how to harness its power. You'll discover the difference between healthy and unhealthy perfectionism, and gain tools for self-compassion. 6 Signs Your Perfectionism is Getting I...
Aug 19, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 85
Mindset work alone won't solve your entrepreneurial burnout. A regulated nervous system is crucial for overcoming anxiety and overwhelm. As a psychotherapist and anxiety specialist, I've seen how dysregulation impacts business decisions and personal well-being. Ambitious entrepreneurs often struggle with physical and emotional symptoms of stress. In this episode, attorney and life coach Michelle Grosser shares practical tips for nervous system regulation. Learn body-based practices and a six-ste...
Aug 05, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 84
In this episode, I'm taking you on a journey through your brain's anxiety pathway. As a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety treatment, I'll break down the science behind what happens when anxiety strikes and how different parts of your brain respond. You'll learn practical strategies to calm your anxious mind, including box breathing, the "name it to tame it" method, and the Rainbow Room exercise. I'll also share personal examples, including how I helped my daughter overcome camp anxiety. Wh...
Jul 22, 2024•23 min
Over-functioning in relationships is more common than you think. Many perfectionistic women struggle with it, leading to resentment. Overfunctioning means taking on excessive responsibilities to manage anxiety and control situations. I'm walking through what over-functioning looks like in marriages. I'll explore its origins, often rooted in childhood roles like being a caretaker. You'll learn to identify signs of over-functioning and how to make positive changes. This will help you find balance ...
Jul 08, 2024•22 min
Deep breathing is underrated for managing anxiety and stress. It's one of the most effective, natural ways to calm your mind and body. In this episode, I chat with Stephanie Broes, CEO of Moonbird. She shares her journey of using breathwork to conquer insomnia and explains why it's so impactful. Learn the science behind breathwork and how to start your own practice today. Discover how Moonbird can be a practical tool to bring peace and calm into your daily life. Moonbird $20 off with code Justin...
Jun 24, 2024•28 min
Thinking traps create more anxiety than necessary! Let's see how your thoughts influence anxiety, panic, and even depression. I'm sharing 12 common thinking traps that exacerbate anxiety. In this episode, I break down how rigid thinking patterns can create undue stress. Understanding these traps is the first step to managing your anxiety. Discover strategies to combat irrational thoughts and celebrate small wins. This episode will help you challenge core beliefs and adopt a flexible mindset. Lea...
Jun 10, 2024•30 min
Our rage is rooted in unprocessed childhood trauma. I was never taught to process my emotions as a child. When triggered now, that old wounding reactivates. My body protects itself through rage, not realizing I'm an adult. We have two categories of triggers - external (chaos, noise, lack of support) and internal (beliefs, fears, trauma). External triggers are unavoidable as parents. But building internal awareness reveals why the external affects us so deeply. Through inner child work, we heal b...
May 27, 2024•43 min
In this episode, I sit down with Amy Schoenthal, author of "The Setback Cycle," to discuss how major setbacks can unexpectedly lead to powerful breakthroughs for successful women. Drawing from her interviews with hundreds of leaders, Amy shares the four-stage framework from her book that helps individuals embrace pivotal moments and carve new paths forward. This episode dives into: Amy's four phases for the "setback cycle" - establish, embrace, explore, emerge - and how this cycle aids growth th...
May 13, 2024•37 min
In this episode, we delve into the lives of working mothers striving for that elusive “work-life balance”. Our special guest, Anna Dearmon Kornick, a time management coach, podcaster, wife, and mom, shares her personal journey from a high-pressure job on Capitol Hill to offering invaluable time management strategies she has developed along the way as a time management coach. This episode dives into: The challenges of aligning your career with personal values The five essential routines every wor...
Apr 29, 2024•59 min
In this episode, we dive into the gender-based division of labor at home with Eve Rodsky, New York Times bestselling author of "Fair Play" and "Find Your Unicorn Space." We discuss the toxic myths and societal messages that have conditioned women to shoulder the majority of unpaid domestic and caregiving responsibilities and explore how reclaiming your time and enacting fair, mutually agreed upon boundaries can significantly improve your mental health and well-being. This episode dives into: The...
Apr 15, 2024•37 min
In this episode, we meet Reshona Jessamy, Assistant Attorney General turned skincare entrepreneur. Reshona shares her inspiring story of resilience after struggling with depression and attempting suicide as a result of identity loss. We delve into the impact of career setbacks on mental health, the struggles with depression high-achieving women face, and the power of therapy in changing lives. This episode dives into: The emotional toll of perfectionism. Understanding and coping with depression ...
Apr 01, 2024•50 min
Juggling motherhood as a self-employed entrepreneur? You're not alone! Although there are so many benefits to being your own boss, there are also a ton of struggles that add the challenge of thriving in parenting and career. This episode dives deep into the topic of the lack of maternity leave for self-employed women. I speak with Jessica Figueroa, a powerhouse attorney, broker, and mom of two and she shares her inspiring journey of building a business while navigating the unique challenge of ha...
Mar 18, 2024•48 min
Let’s talk sex, ladies! Dr. Carli Blau, a licensed sex and relationship therapist and women's health expert tells us all about how to reignite our libidos as busy, working moms in long term relationships. This episode dives into: The impact of life transitions, such as becoming a parent, on libido and sexual intimacy. The importance of pleasure in sex and the need for women to prioritize their own sexual satisfaction. Tips for reigniting the libido and maintaining a fulfilling sex life on top of...
Mar 04, 2024•59 min
Do you tend to bend over backwards to make others happy, even if it costs you your own peace of mind? Do you always find yourself in the middle of conflicts with your family members, trying to always manage the peace? In this solo episode, we dive into the ways “people-pleasing” fuels anxiety. I'll share insights and practical strategies to help you break free from this cycle and embrace a life that is in more alignment with what you want, instead of always making other people happy first. Tune ...
Feb 19, 2024•29 min
Welcome to Season 3 of Thoughts from the Couch podcast!!!! In this solo episode, I dive deep into the topic of burnout, anxiety, and boundaries. If you think you might be a “people-pleaser” or perfectionist with a Type A personality, then this episode is going to be so useful in helping you understand yourself and make changes to make life a little less stressful for you. This episode dives into: Defining anxiety and burnout and the relationship between the two. The 3 main types of burnout. The ...
Feb 05, 2024•31 min
Today’s episode is a solo episode and it is all about the habits I depend on to feel less stress in my life as a mom of two, a therapist, and business owner. In this episode, I share my biggest tips and resources to find more time for yourself while also staying productive. This episodes dives into: Ways to manage your schedule and reduce stress Top tools I utilize to manage stress levels and maintain my healthy habits The importnace of outside support and stress management. Guest Info: Connect ...
Jul 10, 2023•33 min
In today’s episode, we have the honor of talking to Dr. Yael Schonbrun on how to work, parent and thrive! Yael is a clinical psychologist specializing in treating relationships, co-host for the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast, an assistant professor at Brown University, and a mom of three. In this episode, we discuss her book "Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like Too Much)” and gain insight and ad...
Jun 26, 2023•53 min
In today’s episode, I am beyond honored to talk to Amri Kibbler, Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer at @heymamaco. Amri shares her cancer journey with us, including the highs and lows of her mental health during her fight, how she navigated this diagnosis as a mom of two, and how her relationship with her business has changed since her diagnosis. This episodes dives into: Amri's best advice for mothers who are currntly battling cancer. The various ways Amri copes emotionally with her cancer ...
Jun 12, 2023•44 min
In today's episode, we hear from Dr. Jessica Mertz, a doctor of physical therapy, certified nutritionist, and athletic trainer. We discuss the connection between physical and mental health, how athletes are impacted emotionally by injuries, and her personal experience tearing her ACL as a competitive dancer in college. This episodes dives into: Strategies for athletes coping with injuries and redefining thier identity. The role of physical therapy in mental health. The benefits of movement for m...
May 29, 2023•45 min
In today’s episode, we discuss the importance of having the right mindset to help you hit your goals as an ambitious but busy work mom, with mindset and movement coach Nadia Murdock. Nadia’s mission and purpose are to motivate others to adopt a self-positive mindset, leading to healthier choices around their lifestyle and body confidence. This episodes dives into: Nadia's top tips for developing the right mindset that helps you actually achieve goals Common obstacles women face when trying to re...
May 15, 2023•35 min
In today’s episode, we get to hear from Lauren LaSalle, licensed therapist and coach for “highly sensitive people” @boundariesbylauren . As a highly sensitive person herself, she shares her expertise on what it means to be highly sensitive and offers practical tips and strategies for managing anxiety as a highly sensitive person. This episodes dives into: The connection between highly sensitive personalities and anxiety. How to distinguish between highly sensitive personalities and other mental ...
May 01, 2023•34 min
Does your heart pound, your body feels tense, or do you feel a sense of panic during your child's tantrums? I know I can’t be the only one that feels like they survived a battle after a toddler’s meltdown. If you feel me on this, tune into today’s episode with Dr. Sarah Bren, licensed clinical psychologist, and mom of two. Dr. Sarah shares her expertise on why tantrums trigger anxiety in mothers and the best ways to manage our own anxiety during our child's tantrums. This episode dives into: The...
Apr 17, 2023•52 min
In this episode, I have the honor of talking to Michelle Valiukenas about her experience of losing two babies during her motherhood journey and the grief that followed. Despite their tremendous losses, Michelle and her husband found the strength to start a foundation that helps improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, prematurity, and infancy, as well as aid in the grieving process through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. This episode dives into: The experience of infant loss and...
Apr 03, 2023•58 min
Today’s episode is a solo episode, and it is all about my favorite mindfulness strategies! These are quick tips that busy working moms can use to become present in the moment, reduce stress and manage intense emotions. Tune in to find the best techniques for you to kickstart your journey to becoming a calmer version of yourself. This episode dives into: Justine’s top mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and the 5 senses practice. How to use mindfulness as a skill to manage ...
Mar 20, 2023•29 min
