Vanessa Bennett on Telling Ourselves the Truth

EP532. Have you ever noticed that the second you finally get a break, on vacation, or even just a quiet afternoon... you crash? That’s the let-down effect: when your body finally feels safe enough to relax, all the exhaustion you’ve been holding back shows up. In this solo episode, Renee talks about what the let-down effect really is, why so many moms experience it, and three simple practices she is looking into that can help regulate your nervous system day-to-day: 1. Breath work to calm your body in the moment2. Journaling to process emotions and release mental clutter3. Cutting back on social media/phone use to give your brain real rest If you feel like you’re constantly running on fumes, stuck in fight-or-flight, or crashing the second you get a break... this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep531. This week, Renee is joined by psychotherapist and author Vanessa Bennett to unpack her new book The Motherhood Myth and push back against the pressure to be a “perfect” parent. They dive into breaking generational patterns, why honesty is the antidote to mom guilt, and how to give yourself permission to parent differently than the models you grew up with. This conversation is raw, validating, and a powerful reminder that you’re not doing it wrong — it’s the myth that is. Vanessa’s new book “The Motherhood Myth” is available wherever books are sold. Find Vanessa:  Instagram: @vanessasbennett Website: www.vanessabennett.com Podcast: Cheaper Than Therapy Sponsors: Wayfair — Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to wayfair.com right now! Bzigo - Don’t wait until the next bite—protect your home with Bzigo. Go to bzigo.com/discount/MOMROOM to save 10% off. Thrive - Go to thrivecausemetics.com/MOMROOM for 20% off. Name Bubbles - Visit namebubbles.com and use code MOMROOM15 for 15% off your first order. RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP530. Renee has had a sleepless week while Milo is away at Camp Grandma (that is not fair!). The home organization process is still underway and she has so many plans for Milo's "big boy" room makeover! And, should Renee go phone free for a week? Hmmmm, big decisions ahead! Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep529. Renee is joined by Alisha Fernandez Miranda, award-winning author and mom, whose debut fiction novel, “Someone’s Gotta Give,” has just hit store shelves. In addition to the book, Alisha chats about her winding journey through motherhood, philanthropy, and career pivots, while touching on the messy, funny, and deeply human side of reinventing yourself. They also talk about the pressures moms face to “have it all,” along with the guilt that comes with making space for your own dreams, and why money—and our relationship with it—plays a huge role in shaping our choices. Her debut novel “Someone’s Gotta Give” is available here Find Alisha:  Instagram: @alishafmiranda Website:  https://www.alishafmiranda.com/ Sponsors: Wayfair — Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to wayfair.com right now! Bzigo - Don’t wait until the next bite—protect your home with Bzigo. Go to bzigo.com/discount/MOMROOM to save 10% off. Thrive - Go to thrivecausemetics.com/MOMROOM for 20% off. Name Bubbles - Visit namebubbles.com and use code MOMROOM15 for 15% off your first order. RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP528. Jesus take the wheel! Renee is tired but, so excited for The Life of a Show Girl! She talks about her new book picks: The Relaxed Woman and The Sicilian Inheritance! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep527. Renee sits down with Amy Marie Hann, creator of Master the Mundane, to talk about what it really looks like to manage mom life with ADHD — without trying to force your brain into systems that don’t work for you. Diagnosed at age 5 (and raising three kids with ADHD), Amy shares her journey from constant overwhelm to creating realistic routines that actually stick. They dive into why traditional organization advice often backfires for ADHD moms, how to build habits that fit your brain, and the small daily shifts that make the biggest difference. Amy also shares why modeling what thriving looks like is one of the best gifts we can give our kids. Amy’s new book “Master The Mundane” is available for preorder here Find Amy: Website: https://www.amymariehann.com/ Sponsors: Wayfair — Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to wayfair.com right now! Bzigo - Don’t wait until the next bite—protect your home with Bzigo. Go to bzigo.com/discount/MOMROOM to save 10% off. Thrive - Go to thrivecausemetics.com/MOMROOM for 20% off. Name Bubbles - Visit namebubbles.com and use code MOMROOM15 for 15% off your first order. RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP526. If you've been feeling exhausted, wired at the wrong times, or like you're one meltdown away from Googling "is it burnout or just motherhood?"... this one's for you. In today’s solo episode, I give you the Coles Notes version of the latest Huberman Lab episode on cortisol and burnout, break down the signs of a dysregulated nervous system (especially in moms with ADHD or high mental loads), and share some personal stories about why I suddenly care so much about this hormone. You’ll learn:• What cortisol actually is and why it's not the villain we think it is• The difference between early-stage and late-stage burnout• Signs your nervous system is dysregulated (hello, can’t-sleep-even-when-you’re-exhausted energy)• Morning habits that support healthy cortisol levels• Nighttime rituals that help you actually wind down• And why scrolling on your phone in bed isn’t doing your nervous system any favours (yes, I said it) It’s like a crash course in nervous system 101... with no science degree required. Just one tired mom learning to finally support her body, brain, and burnout recovery—and sharing it with you Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep525. Renee sits down with Michelle Pratt, a nationally certified car seat expert and founder of Safe in the Seat, a trusted resource for simple, reliable car seat safety info. Michelle shares her journey from new mom buckling her newborn in for the first ride home to building a thriving platform that bridges the gap between technical know-how and real-life parenting. It’s a practical AMA with Michelle as she breaks down the biggest mistakes parents make, when it’s time to switch to a booster, and the surprising truth about those car seat accessories that you think you need. Find Michelle Pratt:  Instagram: @safeintheseat Website:  www.safeintheseat.com Wayfair — Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to wayfair.com right now! Bzigo - Don’t wait until the next bite—protect your home with Bzigo. Go to bzigo.com/discount/MOMROOM to save 10% off. Thrive - Go to thrivecausemetics.com/MOMROOM for 20% off. RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP524. In this solo episode, Renee is diving headfirst into something that’s been messing with all of us lately—overconsumption. From TikToks to podcasts to endless Instagram scrolling, Renee shares how one eye-opening TikTok slapped her across the face (figuratively, of course) and made her realize just how much content she's consuming—and how it’s slowly eroding her focus, attention span, and overall productivity. She breaks down the key points from that viral TikTok, reflects on her own habits, and explores why moms especially are drowning in digital noise while struggling to feel present, creative, or motivated. If you’ve ever picked up your phone to check one thing and found yourself in a 45-minute scroll hole… this one’s for you. Let’s talk about it, call ourselves out, and start reclaiming our attention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep523. In this episode, Renee sits down with Dr. Matt Hershcovitch for a super informative deep dive on all things sinuses, allergies, air quality — and why you should kick your Q-tips to the curb. Dr. Matt explains why kids get allergies in spring and fall, how to actually tell the difference between a cold and allergies, and when it’s time to call in a specialist. They talk about kids’ snoring and what it really means for sleep and behavior, the truth about mouth taping, and why that decongestant spray in your cabinet could secretly be causing problems. Renee leaves no stone unturned, and this episode is packed with practical, no-nonsense advice and tips for families dealing with sinus and allergy struggles at any age! Find Dr. Matt Hershcovitch:  Instagram: @socalbreathefree Website: www.socalbreathefree.com/ Sponsors: Wayfair — Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to wayfair.com right now! HelloFresh - Go to HelloFresh.com/MOMROOM10FM now to get 10 Free Meals with a free item for life. Bzigo - Don’t wait until the next bite—protect your home with Bzigo. Go to bzigo.com/discount/MOMROOM to save 10% off. Thrive - Go to thrivecausemetics.com/MOMROOM for 20% off. RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices