Working Mumma

Episodet

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  Lost Your Confidence After Becoming a Mum? How to Find It Again at Work 16.09.2026 38min

  Have you recently said to yourself "I used to be really good at this before I had kids"?Returning to work after parental leave can bring a mix of emotions. You may have years of experience behind you, but suddenly you’re questioning yourself, worrying about how others perceive you, and questioning if you can still perform at the level you did before.And often it’s not that you’ve lost your capability, your confidence has taken a hit.In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I chat with confidence and visibility expert Bec Sands about why women often hold themselves back at work, why confidence can feel particularly difficult after becoming a mum, and what you can actually do to rebuild it.In this episode we chat about:Returning to work after maternity leave when your confidence is already starting from zeroHow Bec's IVF journey reshaped her relationship with confidenceWhy "confidence comes from action," not the other way aroundThe truth about the 8-hour workday and debunking mythsPractical, low-time strategies for building visibility at work when you have none to spareHow to catch and reframe the limiting self-talk that's running the showWhat self-efficacy actually means, and how to build it one hard thing at a timeConnect with Bec SandsInstagram: @becsandsWebsite & book: cameheretocreate.comLinkedIn: Bec SandsConnect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on InstagramConnect with Carina on LinkedInSubscribe to the newsletter
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  The 4 Emotional Stages of Returning to Work After Maternity Leave 02.09.2026 11min

  Are you dreading the morning you go back to work after parental leave more than you're letting yourself admit?In this episode, Carina breaks down the four emotional waves that hit when you're returning to work after maternity leave. Because going back to work isn’t one single emotion, and it certainly isn’t a straight line.If you're currently in the thick of pre-return anxiety, or you're back at work and still cycling through hard days, this one's for you.Enjoyed this shorter episode? Send me a DM as I'd love your thoughts.Connect with Carina and Working MummaFollow on InstagramFollow Working Mumma podcast on InstagramConnect with Carina on LinkedInSubscribe to the newsletter
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  Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? Here's What I Wish Every Mum Knew 26.08.2026 33min

  You're back at your desk, but half your brain is still at daycare. You said yes to the meeting, forgot to eat lunch, and you're already dreading tomorrow's drop-off. If that's your version of returning to work after maternity leave, this episode is for you.In this episode, Carina goes solo to unpack what it actually feels like to return to work after maternity leave — not just the logistics, but the identity shift, the mental load, and the quiet pressure to prove yourself all over again.Drawing on her own two returns to work (10 months off with her first son, 13 months with her second) plus everything she's learned from guests on the show, this one's part personal story, part practical playbook.If you're heading back to work soon, already back and wondering why it still feels hard, or supporting someone who is — this episode is for you.Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on InstagramConnect with Carina on LinkedInSubscribe to the newsletter
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  Running on Empty as a Working Mum? Why Taking a Break Might Be the Most Productive Thing You Do 19.08.2026 16min

  Have you ever come back from a holiday feeling like you need another holiday?Or realised, only after you've stopped, just how exhausted you really were?That's exactly what happened to Carina. After a busy period of balancing her corporate role, work travel, Working Mumma, two young boys and the mental load of running a household, Carina headed away for a week's holiday with her family.Carina talks about:The difference between taking time off and actually mentally detaching from workWhat Carina noticed when her own brain finally started to quietenThe real cost of ignoring your exhaustion and the hidden dangers of running on emptyPractical strategies for practicing psychological detachment, even when you can’t take an extended break.What chronic cortisol is doing to your brain, sleep and focus, and why it's a loop, not a one-off Connect with Carina and Working Mumma Follow on Instagram Follow Working Mumma podcast on InstagramConnect with Carina on LinkedInSubscribe to the newsletter
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  Lost Yourself in Motherhood? How to Reclaim Who You Are Beyond Being Mum 05.08.2026 45min

  Is it possible to absolutely love being a mum... and still feel like something is missing? For so many women, motherhood brings immense joy—but it can also bring an unexpected sense of loss. The loss of confidence, identity, ambition or simply remembering who you were before everyone needed a piece of you. In this deeply honest conversation, I sit down with author, speaker and coach Benita Bensch to talk about the parts of motherhood we don't often say out loud. Benita shares her journey through raising four boys on the land, experiencing two significant periods of burnout she describes as "the black hole," and the long road back to reconnecting with herself. Together, we explore why so many mothers feel invisible, how our inner stories can keep us stuck, and why asking for what you need isn't selfish—it's essential. If you've ever wondered, "Who am I outside of being Mum?" this episode is for you. In this episode we discuss: Why it's possible to love motherhood and still crave more for yourself Feeling invisible after becoming a mum The identity shift that comes with motherhood Benita's experience of burnout, anxiety and finding herself again Why reconnecting with your creativity matters Letting go of guilt around wanting something for yourself The power of boundaries, self-awareness and asking for help Practical ways to reconnect with yourself when life feels overwhelming If this conversation resonated with you, I'd love for you to share it with another mum who needs to hear that she's not alone. Do you feel like you have to choose between being a good mum and having a meaningful career? Carina speaks with clinical psychologist and executive coach Dr. Anne Welsh, a mum of four who specialises in maternal mental health and works with women in leadership and working mothers navigating exactly this tension. We talk about why the "escalation of modern motherhood" means today's mums are being asked to do more, emotionally, logistically, and professionally, than any generation before them, and why that's not a personal failing, it's a systemic shift. Anne shares the research behind why quality time with your kids matters more than quantity, why the mental load is so much heavier than a to-do list, and a simple exercise to help you work out who you are now that you're a mother - not just who you were told to be. If you've ever felt the ground shift under your identity after having kids, or wondered whether ambition and motherhood can actually coexist, this episode is your permission slip to stop choosing and start figuring out what you actually want. In this episode we cover: Why ambition and motherhood have historically been treated as opposites The "escalation of modern motherhood" and why the mental load keeps growing The research on quality vs. quantity of time with your kids A simple exercise to reconnect with your identity after becoming a mum Why naming what you want is one of the most powerful things you can do How to give yourself permission to focus on what matters to you, not what you "should" be doing Connect with Benita Bensch Instagram: @benitabensch  Website: benitabensch.com Book: Seen Again: Light on Matrescence  Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  Feeling Lost Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? How to Find Your New Rhythm 29.07.2026 19min

  Returning to work after maternity leave is often portrayed as the final hurdle for new mothers, but what if it's actually just the beginning of a much more complex journey? In this eye-opening episode, Carina challenges the common narrative and reveals why the hardest part of motherhood may not be the leave itself, but the transition back to work.  You'll discover the concept of "matrescence," a term that captures the transformative process of becoming a mother and how it impacts your confidence and career trajectory. Carina dives into the real struggles many working mothers face, from the anxiety of returning to a workplace that has changed in their absence, to the guilt of wanting to excel at both parenting and career. We break down essential strategies for rebuilding confidence, understanding your new identity, and setting healthy boundaries at work. Carina emphasizes the importance of recognizing that your value isn’t tied to your availability but to the impact you create. She also offers practical advice on how to find your rhythm and prioritize what truly matters in your life. This episode is a must-listen for any working mother feeling lost in the transition back to work. Understand that you are not alone in this journey; many women experience similar doubts and struggles. Instead of trying to revert to your old self, Carina encourages you to embrace the strengths and new perspectives motherhood has given you. Perfect for working mothers, this episode empowers you to redefine what success looks like for you and your family. Tune in for a conversation that not only validates your experiences but also equips you with the tools to thrive in both your personal and professional life.
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  Why does "ambitious mother" feel like a contradiction? How to reclaim your ambition after kids, with Dr. Anne Welsh 15.07.2026 47min

  Do you feel like you have to choose between being a good mum and having a meaningful career? Carina speaks with clinical psychologist and executive coach Dr. Anne Welsh, a mum of four who specialises in maternal mental health and works with women in leadership and working mothers navigating exactly this tension. We talk about why the "escalation of modern motherhood" means today's mums are being asked to do more, emotionally, logistically, and professionally, than any generation before them, and why that's not a personal failing, it's a systemic shift. Anne shares the research behind why quality time with your kids matters more than quantity, why the mental load is so much heavier than a to-do list, and a simple exercise to help you work out who you are now that you're a mother - not just who you were told to be. If you've ever felt the ground shift under your identity after having kids, or wondered whether ambition and motherhood can actually coexist, this episode is your permission slip to stop choosing and start figuring out what you actually want. In this episode we cover: Why ambition and motherhood have historically been treated as opposites The "escalation of modern motherhood" and why the mental load keeps growing The research on quality vs. quantity of time with your kids A simple exercise to reconnect with your identity after becoming a mum Why naming what you want is one of the most powerful things you can do How to give yourself permission to focus on what matters to you, not what you "should" be doing Connect with Dr Anne Welsh LinkedIn: Dr Anne Welsh  Website: drannewelsh.com Book: Ambitious Mother Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  Wondering If You Should Increase Your Work Days? 5 Signs It's Time 01.07.2026 16min

  Most conversations about returning to work after maternity leave focus on the return itself: the first day back, childcare drop-off, the mental load of becoming "mum and professional" again overnight. But what about six or twelve months later, when the arrangement you came back on stops fitting the life you're actually living? In this episode, Carina shares her experience moving from three to four days at work after her second maternity leave and the slow realisation it wasn't sustainable, the guilt that showed up, the conversations she had with her husband, her friends, and eventually her manager, and why increasing her days actually made her a more present, less stretched mum, not a less involved one. You'll learn: The five signals that it might be time to increase your work days Why "the arrangement doesn't fit anymore" is a capacity problem, not a time management problem How to have the conversation with your partner before you have it with your manager A practical script for approaching your manager with a clear ask, not an open question Why quality time can increase even as your work days do   Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  The Good Girl Trap: Why So Many Working Mums Are Burnt Out, Overwhelmed and Doing Too Much 24.06.2026 55min

  Have you ever returned to work after parental leave and found yourself saying: “I should just be grateful I have my job back” even when the role doesn’t fit your life anymore? That feeling has a name. It’s good girl conditioning. And it’s one of the most quietly powerful forces shaping the lives of working mothers. In this episode, Carina sits down with Caitlin Judd, a business consultant, coach, podcast host and author of Good Girl, for an honest, deeply relatable conversation about the inherited scripts that keep women small, silent and stuck. And what to do about it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What good girl conditioning really is - and why it starts long before you become a mother The scripts handed to us in childhood (“be nice,” “don’t rock the boat,” “do as you’re told”) and how they show up in your workplace, your relationships and your return to work Why self-silencing and imposter syndrome are not personal flaws they’re patterns of conditioning What micro-rebellions are, and how to use them at home and at work (starting with something as simple as a Friday email) The three good girl archetypes most common in working mums: the Saint, the Lollipop Lady and the Fortress How to do a life stock-take after becoming a parent and ask yourself whether your current role actually still works for you Why Caitlin deliberately didn’t tell women what to become beyond the good girl and why that matters Connect with Caitlin Judd Instagram: @itscaitlinjudd Book: Good Girl Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? How to Handle the Guilt and Separation Anxiety 17.06.2026 20min

  Missing your baby at work? Feeling like your heart is in two places at once? You’re not alone, and more importantly, there is nothing wrong with you. In this episode, Carina talk's about one of the most common (yet rarely spoken about) parts of returning to work after maternity leave: that quiet ache of missing your baby, the constant mental juggling, and the guilt that seems to follow you everywhere. If you’ve ever sat at your desk wondering how your baby is doing, felt distracted in meetings, or questioned whether you made the right decision going back to work, this conversation is for you. You’ll learn: Why missing your baby at work is completely normal (and actually a good sign) What’s really happening during this transition into working motherhood Why the guilt and overwhelm peak early, and how it gets easier over time How to gently navigate the emotional stretch of being in “two worlds” Practical, real-world strategies to feel more present, at work and at home, without adding to your mental load This episode is not about “fixing” how you feel; it’s about helping you understand it, permit yourself to experience it, and find your rhythm again. Because you’re not failing, you’re adjusting to one of the biggest transitions of your life. Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  You're Not Less Ambitious. The World Around You Just Hasn't Caught Up Yet With Kat Francis 10.06.2026 45min

  Since going back to work after maternity leave, has anyone - a manager, a colleague, a well-meaning relative - implied that you've changed? That you're not quite as driven as you used to be? Maybe your focus has shifted? Because here's the truth: you haven't changed. Not in the way they think. Your ambition is still there, it's just evolved into something sharper, more purposeful, and more powerful than it's ever been. The problem isn't you. The world around you just hasn't caught up yet. This week on Working Mumma, I'm sitting down with Kat Francis, a Melbourne-based leadership coach for ambitious women, keynote speaker. Kat spent two decades climbing through creative agencies to Managing Director level, then walked away from equity and ownership to build a career that actually aligned with who she'd become. This conversation is honest, validating, and deeply practical. Whether you're fresh back from mat leave or a few years in and wondering why your career still feels like it's running in slow motion, this one is for you. In this episode we cover: The LinkedIn post about ambition after motherhood and why it struck such a raw nerve with Australian working mums Kat's own pivot: walking away from an MD role with equity on the table, and what that decision revealed about values, identity and what we actually want from work The data from The Ambition Report that's hard to hear - only 16% of mums were promoted after returning from mat leave, and only 23% received a pay rise Why your ambition didn't disappear after kids, it got sharper, and why that gets misread as "less committed" The settling trap: how so many women come back from maternity leave and quietly accept a role that's comfortable but hollow and how to stop How to advocate for yourself with outdated managers without burning bridges or losing your composure The motherhood penalty vs the fatherhood bonus, what it actually looks like in Australian workplaces right now How to have the ambition conversation with your partner and why getting on the same page about success changes everything Connect with Kat Francis Website: coachkat.com.au LinkedIn: Kat Francis Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  Going Back to Work Pregnant? How to Tell Your Employer Without the Guilt or the Panic 03.06.2026 14min

  Returning to work after parental leave is already a huge transition. But what if you're going back and you are pregnant? This week's episode comes straight from a listener DM, and it's one of the most relatable, raw, and important questions we've ever received on the show. In this episode, host Carina O'Brien tackles the fear, the guilt, and the very real practical questions that come with going back to work while pregnant. In this episode, I share:  Why the guilt you're feeling is normal, and why you need to let it go The truth about how often this actually happens (hint: more than you think) Your legal rights under the Fair Work Act in Australia Whether you need to re-serve 12 months to access parental leave again When to tell your employer and why sooner may be better than later Exactly what to say in that conversation (a word-for-word framework) How to frame the news in a way that keeps the energy solution-focused What to do if your manager reacts badly   Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  Why Don't I Feel Like Me Anymore? Matrescence, Identity & Returning to Work with Amanda Jackson 27.05.2026 45min

  If you've ever returned to work after parental leave and thought, "I'm not the same person I was before I went on parental leave", you are not imagining it. And there's actually a word for what you're going through. In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I sit down with Amanda Jackson, founder of Motherhood and Matrescence and author of the book by the same name, to explore the concept of matrescence, the process of becoming a mother, and why understanding it is one of the most powerful tools a working mum can have. In this episode we chat about: • What matrescence is — and why you've probably never heard of it (even though the word was coined in 1973) • The 3 stages of matrescence: separation, liminality, and integration • Why so many women feel like they've lost themselves after having children • The invisible load: why the work of mothering goes unseen and how that affects our identity • What really happens to your brain when you become a mum (it's NOT "mummy brain" - it's a neurological upgrade) • How matrescence affects your return to work and what employers and women themselves can do differently • Parenting for the audience vs. parenting for your family: how to block out the noise • Patressence: do dads go through it too? • Practical rituals and reflections to help you reconnect with who you are • The powerful questions to ask yourself (and your kids) to understand your matrescence journey   Connect with Amanda Jackson Website: motherhoodandmatrescence.com Instagram: @motherhood_and_matrescence LinkedIn: Amanda Jackson Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  Why the Mental Load Gets Bigger When Your Kids Start School (And What to Do About It) 20.05.2026 13min

  When you're in the thick of the baby and toddler years, it can feel like that's the hardest it will ever be. But what nobody tells you is that the challenge doesn't disappear as your kids get older - it just changes shape. In this solo episode, I'm getting real about a phase of working motherhood I didn't see coming: the school-age years. From navigating school hours that don't align with work hours, to managing a never-ending rotation of sports trainings, WhatsApp groups, Compass and Storypark alerts, school events, and the invisible mental load of coordinating everyone else's lives - this one's for the mums in the thick of it. I talk about: Why the transition from childcare to school can actually increase the mental load for working mums The concept of cognitive labour (as described by Professor Leah Ruppanner) and why it still falls disproportionately on mothers The hidden logistics of school-age sport, and why I wouldn't have it any other way The beautiful moments hiding inside the chaos (yes, they're there) A few honest things that are helping me survive this season without losing my mind This episode isn't about complaining. It's about naming something that so many of us are quietly carrying, and reminding you that you are absolutely not alone. Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  Feeling Lost Returning to Work After Maternity Leave? How to Rebuild Your Career Confidence with Natalie McDonald 13.05.2026 52min

  What happens when you return to work after maternity leave… only to be made redundant six weeks later? In this honest and deeply relatable episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by Natalie McDonald, founder of Working@It, former LinkedIn editor, journalist, content strategist, and mum of two. Natalie opens up about: Returning to work after maternity leave Being made redundant during the AI transformation in tech The emotional impact of redundancy as a mother Identity shifts after motherhood Building confidence after career setbacks Starting a business after redundancy Why working mums need community more than ever The importance of personal branding and networking The reality of balancing work, ambition and caregiving   This episode is for any woman who has ever questioned: “Am I still valuable after becoming a mum?” “Could this happen to me?” “How do I rebuild confidence and a career after being made redundant?” Natalie’s story is raw, empowering, practical, and incredibly validating for working mothers navigating change, uncertainty and the pressure to “hold it all together.” If you’re navigating maternity leave, returning to work, redundancy, burnout, or career transition, this conversation will make you feel seen.   Why does motherhood feel so overwhelming, even when you’re doing everything “right”? In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I speak with Lisa Taylor, author of The Perfect Parent Trap, about the invisible pressure modern mothers are carrying and why so many working mums feel like they’re constantly falling short. From unrealistic expectations to the mental load, Lisa unpacks how the idea of “perfect parenting” has quietly shaped how we work, parent, and judge ourselves. We explore why this pressure is hitting working mothers especially hard, and what needs to change. This is an honest, validating conversation for any mum who has ever felt: Like she’s failing at work or at home Overwhelmed by the mental load Guilty for not being “present enough” Exhausted from trying to do it all In this episode, we chat about: What the “perfect parent trap” actually is Why working mums are set up to feel like they’re failing The role of societal expectations and systemic pressures How perfectionism shows up in motherhood Practical ways to let go of unrealistic standards A new way to think about being a “good enough” parent If you’ve ever wondered “why does motherhood feel so hard?” - this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and less alone. Connect with Lisa:  Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn Find out more via Natalie's website Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter   
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  Are You the Mum You Want to Be? A Simple Values Framework to Help Close the Gap 29.04.2026 27min

  Have you ever felt like everything in your life looks fine on paper… but something still feels off? In this solo episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina explores the hidden tension so many working mums experience, the gap between the mother you are today and the mother you want to be. This episode isn’t about productivity hacks or doing more. It’s about alignment. Carina shares a practical and deeply reflective framework to help you: Define your version of motherhood (not society’s) Identify your core values and where you’re out of alignment Understand why guilt, burnout, and frustration show up Set boundaries that actually protect what matters most Take small, realistic steps toward a version of motherhood that feels right for you Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  How to drop perfection in motherhood without dropping your standards with Lisa Taylor 22.04.2026 50min

  Why does motherhood feel so overwhelming, even when you’re doing everything “right”? In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I speak with Lisa Taylor, author of The Perfect Parent Trap, about the invisible pressure modern mothers are carrying and why so many working mums feel like they’re constantly falling short. From unrealistic expectations to the mental load, Lisa unpacks how the idea of “perfect parenting” has quietly shaped how we work, parent, and judge ourselves. We explore why this pressure is hitting working mothers especially hard, and what needs to change. This is an honest, validating conversation for any mum who has ever felt: Like she’s failing at work or at home Overwhelmed by the mental load Guilty for not being “present enough” Exhausted from trying to do it all In this episode, we chat about: What the “perfect parent trap” actually is Why working mums are set up to feel like they’re failing The role of societal expectations and systemic pressures How perfectionism shows up in motherhood Practical ways to let go of unrealistic standards A new way to think about being a “good enough” parent If you’ve ever wondered “why does motherhood feel so hard?” - this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and less alone. Connect with Lisa:  Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn Buy The Perfect Parent book Check out Lisa's website  Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  Is the system set up for working mums to fail? What we can do about it (without burning out) 15.04.2026 32min

  If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly behind… like you’re failing at work, at home, or both…here is an episode for you. Because here’s the truth: You are not the problem. The expectations of you are. In this episode, I unpack why so many working mums feel overwhelmed, stretched, and stuck in a cycle of “trying harder”, and why it’s not about better time management or being more organised. I chat about:  The viral ABC post "Working mums. The maths ain't mathing" and why it resonated so deeply The pressure of the “juggle” and why it’s actually a trap The mental load and invisible labour working mums carry every day The motherhood penalty and how it impacts careers, pay, and confidence Why workplaces, systems, and society haven’t caught up with modern families Breaking down what needs to change into 4 key areas and micro actions you can take today to create change This episode reframes “mum guilt” as something much bigger: a system that was never designed to support working parents. Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter   
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  Carrying Most of the Mental Load? How to Get More Support at Home with Michael Ray 08.04.2026 59min

  When we talk about working parents, we often focus on mums. But what if one of the biggest missing pieces in the conversation is dads? In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina speaks with fatherhood advocate Michael Ray about why working mums cannot carry the load alone, and why fathers need to be seen, supported and expected to be equal parents from the beginning. Michael shares his own story of becoming a father at 49 and then unexpectedly becoming a solo dad to his daughter Charlie. From being banned from backstage at his daughter’s ballet concert because “no males were allowed”, to speaking out about the lack of change tables in men’s bathrooms and the stigma dads face when asking for flexible work, Michael opens up about the systems that still assume mums are the default parent. In this episode, you will learn: - Why working mums burn out when fathers are treated as “optional” parents - The hidden “fatherhood forfeit” and what dads miss when work comes first - Why men are more likely to have flexible work requests denied - How unequal parenting starts in the newborn stage - Why fathers need more parental leave and support - How workplaces can better support dads and working families - Why sharing the mental load at home is critical for gender equality If you are a new mum, returning to work after maternity leave, or feeling like you are carrying too much at home, this episode will make you feel seen, and remind you that you were never meant to do it all alone.   Connect with Michael: Connect with Michael on LinkedIn  Check out Michael's website  Connect with Carina and Working Mumma  Follow on Instagram  Follow Working Mumma podcast on Instagram Connect with Carina on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter 
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  The 90 Days Nobody Prepares You For: Returning to Work After Maternity Leave 01.04.2026 16min

  If you're about to go back to work after maternity leave, or you're already back and wondering why it feels so much harder than expected, this episode is for you. The truth is, no one really prepares you for the emotional reality of the return. The guilt. The overwhelm. The strange feeling of being expected to show up as the same person you were before, when you are fundamentally, beautifully different. In this episode, I'm walking you through what the first 90 days of returning to work after parental leave actually looks like - the messy, the hard, and what genuinely helps.   Episode resources and links  Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn Podcast ep https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lighten-your-mental-load-ditch-the-mum-guilt-and/id1495282250?i=1000719634108