Do the holidays already feel like a to-do list? In this week’s episode, Hav and Aleea unpack the emotional and mental load of being the one who “makes the magic.” Because sometimes the pressure to create the perfect holiday turns into resentment, guilt, and burnout.
They talk about the Pinterest-perfect expectations, the subtle shame around gifts, and how social media can make even meaningful traditions feel like they’re not “enough.” They are breaking down how to redefine holiday traditions, reduce pressure, and focus on what actually matters — connection, not consumption.
If you’re craving a more grounded, joyful season (and permission to ask for help), this episode is for you. ✨
RESOURCES
Need podcast support? Check out our services!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!
CHAPTERS
00:36 Creating Christmas magic without spending big
03:23 Halloween costume hacks & swapping ideas
09:01 Let’s talk crafts: the cute ideas vs. the reality
14:44 Gift budgets, boundaries & resetting expectations
20:16 Holiday traditions that matter more than presents
28:33 Holiday pressure is REAL — here’s how we cope
Are you already feeling the holiday financial stress — before the season even starts? In this episode, Hav and Aleea get real about trying to create holiday magic without breaking the bank.
They talk about the pressure to make create ‘holiday magic’ for our kids, the intensity of early holiday marketing, and how easy it is to feel “behind” when everyone online seems to be doing the most.
They also share practical ways to simplify gifts, tap into local resources, and make meaningful memories — even with a budget.
Tune in for a reminder that the holidays are about connection, creativity, and presence… not price tags.
RESOURCES
Need podcast support? Check out our services!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!
CHAPTERS
00:36 Creating Christmas magic without spending big
03:23 Halloween costume hacks & swapping ideas
09:01 Let’s talk crafts: the cute ideas vs. the reality
14:44 Gift budgets, boundaries & resetting expectations
20:16 Holiday traditions that matter more than presents
28:33 Holiday pressure is REAL — here’s how we cope
Do you ever head to work and feel that tug of guilt for leaving your kids behind? This week, Aleea and Hav are diving into what it’s really like to be the parent who leaves for work. And for the first time ever, they’re bringing on two special guests — their husbands, Ty and Tony — to share their side of the story.
Together, they unpack the emotional and practical challenges of being a working parent — from the guilt and pressure of providing for their families to the unspoken expectations that come with it. They also open up about the unseen struggles, the importance of communication, and the lessons they’ve learned while trying to balance work and family life.
Listen in for an honest conversation that reminds us both parenting roles are deeply valuable — just in different ways.
RESOURCES
Listen in on at-home parents' "hidden" work: https://bit.ly/MOMFilesEp2
Need podcast support? Check out our services!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Meet our guests - the parents who leave for work
01:14 The emotional toll of leaving kids for work
03:28 The working parent guilt
06:22 The unrealistic expectations on working parents
10:45 The invisible struggles of the parent who leaves
13:57 Balancing work and family
18:50 Advice for the working parent
Do you find yourself struggling to find balance as a work-from-home mom? In this conversation, Aleea and Hav discuss the guilt, pressure, and invisible load that come with juggling work and motherhood under one roof.
They talk about what it really looks like to find flexibility, set realistic expectations, and redefine what success means as a mom who’s doing it all from home.
Listen in for an honest chat full of grace, validation, and reminders that you’re doing better than you think.
RESOURCES
Need podcast support? Check out our services!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Work-from-Home Mom Struggles
05:32 Pressure and Expectations on Moms
10:55 Invisible Labor and Mom Guilt
17:09 Finding Flexibility and Flow
22:10 Redefining Success as a Mom
Ever feel overwhelmed when people say, “Savor every moment of motherhood”? 🙋♀️ In this episode, Aleea and Hav get real about the emotional ups and downs of parenting — from the guilt of not enjoying every phase to the pressure of staying positive all the time.
They unpack the difference between realistic positivity and toxic positivity, and why it’s okay to feel both grateful and exhausted. This is your reminder that you don’t have to love every moment to be a good mom.
Listen in for a reminder that it’s okay not to love every phase. It’s about giving yourself grace, letting go of guilt, and finding balance in the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
RESOURCES
Need podcast support? Check out our services!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Why you don’t have to enjoy every moment of motherhood
02:53 Dealing with mom guilt
10:31 The complex emotions of motherhood
20:15 Realistic Positivity and Toxic Positivity
Have you felt like a completely different person since becoming a mom? There’s actually a word for that transformation: Matrescence.
In this episode, Hav and Aleea unpack this powerful identity and emotional shift that happens during motherhood. From the science behind maternal changes to the emotional highs and lows of new mom life, they explore how this season impacts your sense of self, relationships, and work-life balance.
They also dive into the importance of honest communication, finding support from other moms, and embracing the duality of emotions—because joy and overwhelm can coexist.
Listen in for a real, honest conversation that reminds you: it’s okay to embrace the messy parts of motherhood. Your journey is valid, and it’s yours.
RESOURCES
Need podcast support? Check out our services!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!
CHAPTERS
00:00 What Matrescence Really Means
02:09 The Science of Matrescence: How Motherhood Transforms You
05:20 Emotional Rollercoaster: The Hidden Challenges of Motherhood
07:59 How Motherhood Shifts Your Relationships (Even the Strong Ones)
10:37 Balancing Career and Motherhood
13:35 Identity Shifts & Societal Pressure: Who Am I Now?
16:30 Touch, Intimacy & Connection: What Changes After Baby
21:29 Marriage After Baby: Navigating New Dynamics Together
27:07 Rediscovering You After Becoming a Mom
32:49 Communication Challenges in Parenting
36:30 Embracing the Messy Parts of Motherhood
Blood is thicker than water, but is it? In this episode, Aleea and Hav open up about the hard but necessary conversation around cutting toxic family ties.
From cultural pressures to the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of toxic behavior, they unpack how to spot red flags, set healthy boundaries, and the potential pushback. They also share why support systems matter and how prioritizing your mental health is an act of self-love.
Tune in if you’re ready to protect your peace and break free from family toxicity—for yourself and for your kids.
RESOURCES
Follow us on Instagram or TikTok @goldengoosecreative
Need podcast support? Check out our services!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!
Chapters
00:00 Cutting Toxic Family Ties
02:34 Identifying Toxic Behaviors
05:28 Recognizing Red Flags
08:23 Setting Boundaries and Communication
11:03 Navigating Family Dynamics
13:36 Taking Action: Cutting Ties
16:41 The Importance of Support Systems
19:23 Protecting Your Peace
22:21 Final Thoughts on Family Relationships
Love your kids, but miss who you were before motherhood? In this episode, Aleea and Hav get real about the complicated emotions of motherhood—the tug between missing who you were before kids while embracing who you’re becoming.
They unpack balancing personal passions with parenting, redefining your identity after kids, and giving yourself permission to feel the full range of emotions that come with motherhood.
Listen in for the reminder that it’s normal to love your kids deeply and still grieve parts of who you were before. Finding balance is possible—and so is feeling whole.
RESOURCES
Missed the self-care episode? Listen to it here!
Follow us on Instagram or TikTok @goldengoosecreative
Need podcast support? Check out our services!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!
Chapters
00:00 The Transition to Parenthood
08:15 Embracing Dual Emotions in Motherhood
16:29 Redefining Identity Beyond Motherhood
22:58 Navigating Parenting Styles and Responsibilities
28:09 Redefining Identity in Motherhood
32:56 Embracing the Present and Future Challenges
Does surface-level self-care advice feel like a slap in the face? You’re not the only one. In this episode, Hav and Aleea get real about the struggle to find time for self-care while juggling the demands of motherhood and work.
They dive into what self-care really means, how to set boundaries, and why communicating your needs matters. You’ll also hear tips on embracing imperfection in parenting, letting go of mom guilt, and finding small moments of joy in the chaos.
Listen in if you are ready to create space for your well-being and reclaim your time without the guilt.
Connect with us:
Need podcast support? Check out our services!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!
Chapters
00:00 Finding Time for Self-Care
03:07 The Struggles of Balancing Responsibilities
05:56 Redefining Self-Care in Parenthood
09:00 Communicating Needs and Finding Space
11:58 Incorporating Joy into Daily Tasks
14:56 Adjusting Routines for Better Self-Care
18:20 The Importance of Communication
20:40 Setting Boundaries for Better Parenting
22:09 Finding Joy in Small Moments
24:47 Navigating Screen Time and Self-Care
27:32 Embracing Imperfections in Parenting
30:03 Meal Prep as Self-Care
Do you ever feel like you’re carrying the entire mental load at home? In this episode, Aleea and Hav break down the reality of invisible labor in motherhood—the unseen tasks, emotional weight, and constant juggling that often falls on moms.
They dive into cultural expectations, the disconnect that can happen between partners, and why clear communication is key to creating more balance. You’ll also hear strategies for getting the support you need, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care without the guilt.
Tune in if you’re ready to stop carrying all the hidden work alone and start reshaping how invisible labor is shared in your home.
Connect with us!
Need podcast support? Check out our services!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!
Chapters
00:00 The Invisible Load of Motherhood
06:06 Cultural Expectations and Emotional Labor
12:48 Communication Gaps in Parenting
18:30 Navigating Contradictory Feelings in Parenting
20:19 Navigating Control and Communication in Household Tasks
23:14 Understanding Emotional Needs and Expectations
26:19 Transforming Resentment into Inclusion
28:17 Learning from Hindsight in Parenting
30:23 Communicating Needs and Responsibilities
34:04 The Importance of Communication During Stressful Moments
38:58 Recognizing and Addressing Invisible Labor
42:45 Empowering Partners to Share Responsibilities
Are you tired of constantly apologizing for the way you parent? In the first episode of The Mom Files, Aleea and Hav open up about the pressure moms face to defend every parenting choice—and why it’s time to stop saying sorry.
They share their experiences as work-from-home moms, the guilt that often comes with parenting differently, and the importance of finding support from other moms. You’ll hear why setting boundaries, trusting your instincts, and letting go of mom guilt are key mindset shifts for creating a more confident, fulfilling motherhood journey.
Tune in if you’re ready to parent on your own terms—without the apologies.
Connect with us:
Chapters
00:00 Meet Aleea and Hav: Your New Mom Friends
04:35 Embracing Your Parenting Style
18:57 Mindset Shifts in Parenting
33:33 Setting Boundaries and Trusting Your Instincts
Hi Mama!
We’re Hav and Aleea—Type B/C moms navigating the messy, beautiful world of motherhood. Here, we share honest, intentional conversations packed with reflections—not step-by-step advice—about the taboo and hard topics every mom thinks about but doesn’t always talk about.
Subscribe and catch a new episode every week!
Want to connect?
Follow us on IG at Golden Goose Creative
Need podcast support? Check out our website!
Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? Send us a message!