Feeling overwhelmed by the stress of balancing career and motherhood? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Molly Dickens, a stress physiologist and founder of the Maternal Stress Project. Together, we uncover the science behind maternal stress, the societal pressures that compound it, and actionable strategies for relief. Whether you’re a working mother, an advocate for women’s health, or someone curious about modern parenthood, this episode offers powerful insights.

Through candid conversation and evidence-based research, we explore the realities of modern motherhood, from the invisible load of emotional labour to the structural challenges that make thriving feel out of reach. Dr. Molly Dickens shares practical strategies for navigating stress while highlighting why it’s essential to reframe the narrative around resilience and self-compassion. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand and support mothers in today’s demanding world.

In This Episode:
Discover the physiological and psychological roots of maternal stress—and how modern life amplifies these challenges.
Explore the Maternal Stressor Map, a revolutionary tool that reveals the interconnected pressures faced by mothers.
Understand how modern motherhood has evolved, from increased emotional labor to heightened societal expectations.
Learn practical strategies to reduce stress across personal, workplace, and systemic levels—and why self-compassion is key to thriving.

Links in this episode:
The Maternal Stress Project: An initiative founded by Dr. Molly Dickens focusing on understanding and mapping the stressors related to motherhood.

Dr. Molly Dickens on Medium: Articles and insights by Dr. Dickens on maternal stress and related topics.

New America Article: “How Stress Shapes Maternal Health,” discussing the impact of stress on maternal well-being, featuring insights from Dr. Dickens.

Read the transcript here.