What if the pressure to be a Supermom is actually the thing holding moms back?

In this episode of MOMents, host Madge Booth is joined by Stacy McCann, licensed therapist and founder of the Supermom Dropout Club, for an honest conversation about why doing it all is burning moms out and how to finally step off the hamster wheel.

They unpack how the Supermom narrative has become deeply ingrained in our culture and why it pushes moms toward comparison, guilt, overspending and emotional exhaustion.

They explore the role social media and consumerism play in shaping unrealistic standards, and how moms are often targeted at their most vulnerable moments.

This episode isn’t about doing less or lowering standards, it’s about opting out of comparison culture, setting boundaries, asking for help and redefining what it truly means to be a “good mom.”

Stacy offers practical, compassionate insights that help moms prioritise their needs without guilt.If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing because you can’t keep up, this conversation will remind you that you’re not. Your needs matter too. And it’s time to start acting like it.

Chapters

00:00 Breaking the Supermom Myth

03:06 Navigating Social Media Influences

06:10 Consumerism and the Pressure to Perform

09:00 Finding Balance in Motherhood

11:55 The Importance of Boundaries

15:14 Redefining a Good Mom

18:07 Practical Steps to Drop Out of Supermom Culture

21:08 The Final Five: Reflections and InsightsFollow

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This might shock you, but we hardly touched on flexibility and work-from-home policies. Mom-friendly companies go beyond that! Charlotte Speak is the founder of Power of the Parent, a business that helps companies create parent-friendly workspaces in the UK.

We discuss the value that parents bring to the workplace and Charlotte emphasises the need for cultural and practical changes within organisations to support parents, the benefits of employing parents and the challenges that companies face in adapting to their needs.

Charlotte also provides insights on how working moms can advocate for themselves, the significance of sharing personal stories and the importance of creating a fair and inclusive workplace culture that benefits all employees, not just parents.

If this is your first MOMents episode, welcome, you’re exactly where you need to be.

Chapters

00:00 Creating Parent-Friendly Workspaces

05:34 The Value of Parents in the Workplace

09:39 Employer Attitudes Towards Change

13:36 Advocating for Change in Company Culture

16:20 Small Shifts for Big Impact

20:23 Empowering Working Moms

23:08 Interviewing for Family-Friendly Cultures

24:59 Creating Fairness for All Employees

28:59 Reflections on Parenting and IdentityFollow MOMents

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You might know Mandy Wiener as the hardcore investigative journalist who interviews gangsters, but in this episode of MOMents, she opens up about the realities of being a working mom.

She is brutally honest about hard emotions that come with that title, such as sacrifices, professional jealousy and the myth of having it all. Mandy’s insight is invaluable to anyone who feels conflicted about her career after facing the realities of having a family.

Share this with your colleagues, your mom-friends or anyone wrestling with the weight of career dreams and family demands. This episode gives working moms permission to feel what they’ve always been told to hide.

If this is your first MOMents episode, welcome, you’re exactly where you need to be.

Chapters

00:00 The Courage to Seek Truth

03:56 Balancing Career and Family

06:34 The Impact of Motherhood on Career

09:11 Navigating Professional Jealousy and Sacrifices

12:33 Honest Conversations About Ambition and Motherhood

15:14 The Reality of Having It All

18:26 Practical Advice for Working Moms

21:30 The Importance of Support Systems

24:26 Final Reflections on Parenting and Career

Here’s the article Mandy mentions in our conversation about Having It All by Anne-Marie Slaughter: https://t.ly/_GSWo

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Website: https://www.momentsmedia.co.za/

MOMents host Madge Booth and trauma-informed counsellor Marizanne Naestat has a powerful discussion on how unresolved trauma impacts parenting and relationships. Learn how to identify trauma triggers, communicate through emotional responses and create a healthier family dynamic.Whether you’re healing, parenting or both, this episode offers expert insight and hopeful tools for lasting change.

Would you leave your child in a room with a hungry lion? Probably not. But giving kids unlimited access to the internet can be just as dangerous.In this episode of MOMents, Madge chats with Rachelle Best, founder of FYI Play It Safe, about the real struggles working parents face with kids, screens and online safety. They unpack the hidden dangers of digital exposure, how to balance screen time and practical ways to keep children safe without losing trust or your sanity.From parental guilt to peer pressure, from chat rooms to digital addiction — this conversation gives working moms and dads the tools to parent confidently in the digital age.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The biggest risks kids face online and how parents can respond.How to create a realistic family screen time plan.Age restrictions, peer pressure, and what they really mean.Practical tools & parental controls that actually help.How to build trust and keep communication open with your child.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Screen time, online safety & parental guilt01:03 – The “Hungry Lion” analogy & parental responsibility03:15 – Resources for parents & learning together06:04 – Creating a responsible family screen time plan08:15 – The trust trap & revisiting agreements09:20 – Chat rooms, online friendships & grooming risks14:38 – Why apps are addictive & explaining it to kids18:26 – Online privacy, parental involvement & monitoring21:10 – Parental controls: Tools that work (and limits to know)24:34 – Age restrictions & peer pressure challenges28:37 – Laws on social media for under-16s & SA context31:52 – Screen culture, family outings & modeling good habits33:53 – Living through screens vs living real life34:52 – The reality of online dangers for kids38:42 – Ongoing communication & building trust40:12 – Final Five: Motherhood & parenting reflections45:35 – Key takeaways: Education, conversation & monitoring

In this episode of MOMents, host Madge Booth sits down with Phillipa Geard, founder of RecruitMyMom, to talk about the real-life juggle of being a mom, building a career and finding time for yourself.They unpack the invisible load working moms carry, juggling work, family, self-care and everything in between. Phillipa shares powerful advice on:✔️ Navigating career breaks and rebuilding confidence✔️ Setting boundaries when working from home✔️ Managing mom guilt and unrealistic expectations✔️ Finding flexible work that fits your lifestyleThis episode is a must-listen for moms trying to balance work and motherhood, offering practical tools and a reminder that you don’t have to do it all perfectly.Whether you’re re-entering the workforce or trying to hold it all together during school holidays, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and hopeful.Subscribe for more real talk on what it means to be a working mom today.Timestamps | MOMents with Phillipa Geard | Working Moms & Work-Life Integration00:00 – Intro: Madge introduces guest Phillipa Geard & the reality of moms juggling it all00:51 – The Key Roles Moms Play: From comforter to CEO – what working moms carry daily01:33 – Is Motherhood Valued?: Society’s unrealistic expectations of moms02:44 – When to Take Off a Hat: Letting go of roles and managing mom guilt03:36 – Work-Life Boundaries: How working moms can create separation when working from home04:10 – Setting Home Boundaries: Carving out workspace & communication with family07:01 – The Flexibility Struggle: The truth about working during school holidays or sick days07:24 – Support Systems for Working Moms: Why honest employer conversations matter09:20 – The Flexibility Myth: When “flexible work” becomes burnout in disguise11:08 – The Brain Drain of Moms Leaving Work: Hidden loss in the workforce11:32 – Career Breaks & Confidence: Stats, stigma, and how RecruitMyMom was born13:09 – Economic Pressures & Mom Careers: Why fewer moms can afford to stay home13:49 – Gaps on Your CV: Confidence, soft skills, and reentering the workforce14:44 – Imposter Syndrome & Expectations: How societal norms shake women’s confidence17:14 – Returning After Maternity Leave: Real talk on the emotional comeback18:27 – The Power of Mom Mentors: Why peer support makes a difference18:56 – Growth Through the Chaos: How wearing many hats shapes you20:18 – The Hat She’d Ditch: Phillipa’s honest take on what she’d let go21:02 – Advice for Overwhelmed Moms: Glass balls vs. rubber balls—what really matters23:22 – The Final Five: Phillipa shares personal insights on parenting & purpose

If you’ve ever felt pressure to spend money to feel like a ‘good enough’ mom, this is for you.In this episode of MOMents, host Madge Booth sits down with Janine Horn, CEO of The Dragonfly Institute, to unpack the emotional and financial pressures modern moms face. From "mom guilt" to the impact of social media-fuelled spending, this conversation dives deep into how our values, mindset and money habits shape parenting.Janine offers practical budgeting tips (like the 50/30/20 rule), discusses the importance of financial literacy at home, and shares powerful stories that will help you rethink how you spend, save, and show love to your family—without going broke or burning out.If you've ever spent out of guilt or felt the pressure to give your kids "the best," this one’s for you.Watch, share, and don’t forget to subscribe!TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 – Introduction & Guest BackgroundMadge introduces Janine Horn and sets the theme: Parenting, guilt & money.00:01:33 – Why Moms Feel Financial GuiltJanine explores the disconnect between “mommy-ness” and “money-ness.”00:03:08 – Societal & Social Media PressuresHow Instagram-worthy parenting fuels comparison, guilt, and overspending.00:05:41 – The True Cost of ParentingCompulsory expenses, rising costs, and the trap of neglecting planning.00:07:30 – The 50/30/20 Budget RuleA breakdown of this simple, effective budgeting formula.00:09:52 – Financial Conversations with KidsWhy it's vital to talk to children about money—starting now.00:11:03 – Reframing “There’s No Money”Language tips for teaching kids about budgeting and boundaries.00:12:13 – Boundaries & OverspendingHow unclear limits lead to guilt spending and burnout.00:16:14 – Values-Based SpendingSpending on luxury isn’t wrong—if it aligns with your values.00:18:33 – Investment vs. IndulgenceThe fine line between setting kids up for success vs. spoiling them.00:21:19 – Teaching Budgeting to KidsPractical ways to raise financially smart children.00:23:34 – Real Budgeting HacksSide hustles, conscious spending, and recycling rewards.00:26:48 – Covid’s Impact on Spending HabitsHow the pandemic reshaped family priorities.00:28:30 – Saving for Kids’ FuturesWhy starting early matters—and how to do it smartly.00:32:38 – Education vs. DebtHow to weigh school fees against financial freedom.00:39:00 – Open Family ConversationsNormalising money talks and reducing financial shame.00:39:14 – When Partners Aren’t AlignedJanine explains “financial dating” and resolving value clashes.00:43:48 – Final 5 QuestionsQuickfire reflections on motherhood, legacy, and Janine’s parenting North Star.

In this episode of MOMents, host Madge Booth sits down with Ezél Vermeulen – entrepreneur, business owner, mom of two and wife of Springbok legend Duane Vermeulen.

Ezél opens up about life behind the Springbok scenes: the World Cup highs, long celebration days, the reality of solo parenting when Duane's away and the invisible mental load many mothers carry.

From homeschooling during the Rugby World Cup to launching her own business, Ezél shares how she stays grounded, protects her identity and teaches her sons humility.

With warmth and honesty, she reminds us that every mom’s victory counts – even if no one sees it.

Follow for more empowering stories for working moms!Follow MOMents:

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🎧 Available on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music

Chapters and highlights:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

Meet Ezél Vermeulen and hear what it really means to be a Springbok wife and mom on a mission.

01:35 – The Rush of Rugby Glory

What it’s like to celebrate a World Cup win from behind the scenes.

02:20 – Parades vs. Private Moments

From cheering crowds to quiet family celebrations – navigating both worlds.

03:25 – The Highs & Lows of Celebration Days

Balancing joy, fatigue and kids during Rugby World Cup celebrations.

04:15 – Craving Routine After the Chaos

Returning to structure after months of intensity.

05:05 – Teaching Humility at Home

Raising boys who know their worth – without the ego.

06:45 – The Invisible Work of Moms

Why unseen effort still deserves a standing ovation.

07:50 – Staying True to Yourself

How Ezél keeps her ambition alive while supporting Duane.

09:05 – Personal Wins Outside Rugby

From business growth to raising emotionally strong kids.

09:35 – Self-Care Walks & Mental Clarity

Her daily ritual to reset, reflect and recharge.

10:20 – Homeschooling on the Go

Organising family life while constantly on the move.

12:30 – Finding Help & Building a Village

Letting go of perfection and asking for support.

15:00 – Love at a Distance

How FaceTime and connection rituals keep the family close.

16:40 – Solo Parenting Real Talk

Navigating discipline and support while Duane is away.

17:45 – Words for the Overwhelmed Mom

Take it one day at a time and ditch the guilt.

18:30 – Rapid-Fire Mom Reflections

Patience, purpose, gratitude and the legacy she hopes to leave.

23:01 – Closing Thoughts

Final reflections on identity, motherhood, and redefining “success.”