Working Mumma

How to lighten the mental load and set yourself up for a smoother year

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless juggle of work, home, and family life? You’re not alone. Research shows that burnout among working mothers is at an all-time high, with much of the stress coming from the invisible mental load—the ongoing responsibility of managing it all.
In this episode, we take a moment to pause and reflect on your mental load as the year begins. It’s the perfect time to reassess what’s working, what’s not, and how you can make small but impactful changes to lighten the load. From reviewing routines and delegating tasks to having important conversations with your partner, this episode will help you create a more intentional, integrated year ahead.
What we chat about:
What the mental load really is
Why the start of the year is a great time to check in and reset
The benefits of reflecting on your routines and responsibilities
A simple framework: what to continue, outsource, delegate, or discuss
How to design your year with intention, not overwhelm
This episode is packed with practical tips and reflective exercises to help you avoid burnout, reduce stress, and make space for what really matters—both at work and at home.
 
Links and resources
Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

Navigating Transitions: How to Help Your Kids Starting Childcare or School with Gen Muir

Transitions are part of every parenting journey, but they can often feel overwhelming—for both parents and kids! In this episode, I sit down with parenting expert Gen Muir to discuss navigating these pivotal moments with confidence and connection for both your child and you.
From starting daycare or school to navigating new situations, we dive into the common challenges children face during these transitions. Gen shares her expert tips on managing big emotions, building resilience, and creating a safe space for your little ones during times of change. We also explore how you can stay emotionally grounded as a parent amidst all the chaos (we know this can be challenging!).
This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt insights that every working mum needs in her toolkit. If you’re navigating or preparing for a big change such as starting daycare or school this conversation will leave you feeling equipped, inspired, and ready to tackle those transitions with a smile.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The emotional impact of transitions on kids and how to support them
Why connection is key and how to strengthen your bond with your child during big changes
Simple strategies to help your kids—and yourself—manage those tricky emotions
How to create "pregame chats" and post-event moments that ease the adjustment process
Hacks for balancing your own emotions while juggling the mental load with your children 
Resources and Links
Connect with Gen Muir on Instagram: @ConnectedParentingAU
Visit Gen’s website: connectedparenting.com.au
Check out Gen’s book: Little People, Big Feelings
 
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
 
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Why Work-Life Balance is a myth and practical strategies to help you navigate work and family

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I challenge the widely accepted idea and myth of work-life balance, explaining why it often sets working mums up for stress, guilt, and burnout.
Balance isn’t a destination; it’s not something you achieve and then check off your list. Life is dynamic and constantly changing, especially as a working mum.
I share strategies including boundaries and work-life integration as more sustainable approaches to navigating the demands of work and family life. Tune in to discover practical strategies for prioritizing what matters most and living with greater intention.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
* Why the concept of work-life balance is unrealistic and unhelpful* The emotional toll of chasing balance and how it contributes to burnout* The power of boundaries and how to set them effectively* What work-life integration looks like and how it differs from balance* Practical strategies to navigate the demands of work and family without guilt
 
 
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Let's connect on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

THROWBACK: Practical Strategies to Conquer Mum Guilt with Sarah Purins

If you have experienced mum guilt, you aren't alone. Over 98% of mothers have experienced mum guilt. In this episode, I speak with mindset coach and mother, Sarah Purins about how to cope with mum guilt.
Sarah and I chat about the triggers and influences of mum guilt, such as societal expectations, personal pressures, and unwanted opinions from others. She discusses two types of guilt and shares tips and strategies on how to navigate mum guilt when it appears using her GUILT method. 
Sarah shares practical tips for working mums to balance their careers and family life without feeling overwhelmed by guilt. Sarah's insights highlight the significance of reframing one's mindset to foster a more positive outlook on their dual roles.
This is a great episode that you might want to bookmark and come back to when you experience mum guilt to help you work through the mindset and emotions. 
 
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Connect with Sarah via Instagram @sarahkate.coaching
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

THROWBACK: Embracing the 'Good Enough' approach to motherhood with Dr. Sophie Brock

In this insightful episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I chat with Dr. Sophie Brock, a renowned motherhood studies sociologist, to delve into the constant pressure that mothers face in their quest for perfection (secret - there is no such thing).
Sophie has an extensive background and career journey in sociology, focusing on motherhood, sheds light on how cultural and societal norms shape the unrealistic expectations placed on mothers today.
We explored the term "good enough mother," and the social constructs that don't reflect women today, particularly as working mothers. Sophie shared the common myths and misconceptions that fuel the pursuit of perfection in motherhood, revealing the detrimental effects this mindset can have and debunking the 'perfect mother myth'.
Sophie shares practical advice and strategies and provides steps that you can take to begin letting go of the need to be perfect and embrace a more compassionate, "good enough" approach to parenting.
We also speak about social media's role in perpetuating the perfect mother myth and how setting realistic expectations can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic motherhood experience.
Tune in to gain valuable insights and to hear Sophie's vision for what modern motherhood can truly be.
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Connect with Sophie via Instagram @drsophiebrock or her website drsophiebrock.com
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

THROWBACK: Overcoming imposter syndrome and self doubt after maternity leave

In this episode, we delve deep into the emotional and mental toll of returning to work after maternity leave. Guests, Clinical Psychologists Kass and Alicia, share their expert advice on overcoming the feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome prevalent among working mothers as they return to work after maternity leave. They further question the default narratives about motherhood while stressing the need for understanding, support, and growth.
This engaging conversation challenges the stereotypes around working mothers and highlights how motherhood reveals and sharpens priorities, fostering an unapologetic, more rounded approach towards personal and professional commitments.
In this episode, we also debunk motherhood myths, including the "baby brain" concept, and highlight that motherhood only enhances a woman's capabilities at work, not reduces it. Far from reducing efficiency, parenthood strengthens women's multitasking ability and overall productivity. Kass and Alicia emphasize the need for women, especially mothers, to trust themselves, embrace their motherly lessons, and withstand societal biases.
Join us as we explore the nagging feelings of self-doubt and impostor syndrome - how they impact our daily lives and relationships. We shed light on how to navigate these emotions confidently and reclaim your place in the world of work.
 
SHOW LINKS:
- Connect with Kass and Alicia on Instagram @tend_women
- Join the Working Mumma Village: workingmumma.com.au/working-mumma-village. 
- Get the 3 steps to sharing the mental load workingmumma.com.au/mental-load
- Let's connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-mumma 
- Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity

THROWBACK: Redefining Success for Working Mums with Megan Dalla-Camina

I speak with Megan Dalla-Camina, a single mother, author, and CEO of Women Rising on how to redefine success for working mums.
Megan shares her career journey, from her early dreams in performing arts to becoming a corporate executive and starting her company after experiencing extreme burnout.
We discuss balancing career and motherhood challenges, including burnout and societal expectations. Megan emphasizes the importance of clarity, self-care, and understanding one's inner critic, providing practical advice and insights from her latest book, 'Women Rising.'
This episode is a must-listen for working mothers seeking to thrive both as a mum and in their career. 
 
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Connect with Megan via LinkedIn or her website womenrisingco.com
Check out Megan's latest book megandallacamina.com/womenrisingbook
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Tips for navigating the first year of primary school and work

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, Carina shares her personal journey navigating the first year of her child starting prep/foundation year at school while juggling work and mum life. From the emotional rollercoaster of the first day to the realities of balancing school hours of 9-3:30 with business hours of 9-5 and a career, Carina discusses the challenges and triumphs that come with this major milestone.
She opens up about the emotional adjustments not just for her child, but for the entire family, and how she’s learned to manage the new set of notifications, school events, and after-school care. Carina also shares insights on how to stay organized with a busy calendar, support a child’s learning journey, and communicate effectively with teachers.
Whether you're a working mum navigating the same challenges or just looking for practical advice, this episode offers helpful tips on managing the complex balancing act of school and work. 
 
RESOURCES:
Previous episode - Smooth Transitions - Easing Your Child’s Journey into childcare, school and beyond 
Let's connect on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

Finding Joy in the Chaos: Embracing Motherhood and Career with Elke Pascoe

In this episode of the Working Mama podcast, I speak with Elke Pascoe, founder and CEO of The Little Oak Company. We chat about Elke's inspiring journey of creating a global brand of natural baby formula driven by her own experience (also while a single mum!), the unique challenges and strengths that come with balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the systemic changes needed in workplaces to support working mums, including flexible work arrangements and pay equality.
We also discover what Elke means by the 'Power of Mum' and how women can harness the strength of motherhood to have a successful career. 
This chat is full of passion from both Elke and me for improving equality for working mums in the workplace. We are passionate about changing the perception to empower you to navigate your own career and motherhood successfully.
 
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Connect with Elke via LinkedIn or The LittleOak Company website thelittleoakcompany.com.au
Follow Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommuity for regular inspiration and tips on working mum life or connect with Carina on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/carina-obrien. 
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Free resource: 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/

How to Balance Work Travel and Family Without Guilt

In this episode, I reflect on my recent overseas work trip and share some learnings and lessons about balancing professional opportunities with the inevitable "mum guilt." I opened up about the emotional highs and lows of traveling for work, missing my kids and husband, while leaning into the unique experiences and growth that came with the trip.
 
Key topics I chat about:
* Embrace Opportunities Without Guilt
* Managing Mum Guilt
* Building Emotional Balance
* The Power of Support and Your Village 
* Strengthening Family Bonds
 
Whether you’ve experienced work travel or are contemplating it, this episode provides a fresh perspective on navigating mum guilt and making the most of career opportunities.
 
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NEXT STEPS:
Let's connect on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Join the free Working Mumma Community
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/