Explore every episode of the podcast KOTOT - Keeping on Top of Things Motherhood

Ahhhh this is a hard one for me because this episode is less of an episode and more of a check-in with my KOTOT community and to some degree also with myself. I've been away for a while and I am finally ready(ish) to share why: My dad passed away. 

KOTOT is about keeping on top of things as mothers but I have to tell you, I haven't had a clue how to keep on top of this one. I've been trying to navigate it all  as a mum, as a daughter, as just a person trying to hold it together: the build up, the loss and quite frankly I don't have the answers. I don't even know what half of what I'm feeling actually is some days but I'm taking it one step at a time. I wanted to come back to you guys because you're my community. This is exactly the kind of thing I don't want to sit with alone, and I don't think you should have to either. Grab your tea (even if it’s cold now) and let's catch up.

Happy Mother’s Day

After a "little" break and seven months of navigating life postpartum with baby number three, I felt like this was the perfect moment to sit down, press record and reconnect with my mum village.

This episode is exactly what it sounds like, a proper catch-up. The kind you’d have over a cup of tea with the friends who just get it. I’m sharing a little about what the last few months have looked like behind the scenes, what motherhood feels like in this season of life, and why I felt it was time to bring Keeping on Top of Things (KOTOT) Motherhood back again.

With International Women’s Day just behind us, I’ve also been reflecting on the strength, resilience, and everyday magic that women carry, especially mums  carry. Sometimes we’re so busy keeping everything going that we forget to pause and recognise just how much we’re holding.

This space has always been about real motherhood. Not the perfectly filtered version, but the honest one. The messy, beautiful, overwhelming, heart-expanding reality of it all.

So wherever you’re listening from, whether you’re doing the school run, folding laundry, feeding a baby, or grabbing five minutes of peace, I’m really glad you’re here.

And to every mum watching this today: Happy Mother’s Day. You are doing better than you think.

Let’s get back into it

In this week’s episode, I am joined by the lovely Tariro. She is a fellow mum to a wonderful 2 year old boy and she kindly shares her journey of discovering the importance of building a village during motherhood. She opens up about the struggles she faced as a new mum, from feeling isolated to the overwhelming pressure to do it all alone.

Tariro discusses how she learned to let go of the myth of the "supermum" and embraced the power of asking for help. She shares personal anecdotes about the challenges and rewards of trusting others with her child, and how that became the foundation for deep, supportive relationships.

Throughout the episode, we explore her practical tips for finding her own village, the emotional growth that comes with leaning on others, and the transformative realisation that parenting isn’t meant to be a solo journey.  

This episode is a comforting reminder that it’s okay to ask for help, and that building a community can make all the difference in navigating the highs and lows of motherhood.

In this episode, I’m joined by Erica, a great mum of two boys, who shares her journey of navigating motherhood with unapologetic authenticity. Together, we explore how embracing your true self can create a foundation for raising grounded, secure, and confident children.

Erica opens up about the highs and lows of her motherhood journey, from letting go of the pressure to be “perfect” to finding joy in the beautifully imperfect moments. Her stories about raising two amazing boys are as inspiring as they are relatable, reminding us that authenticity is a gift we give not only to ourselves but to our kids.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The power of authenticity in parenting: How showing your true self teaches kids to embrace their own identities and navigate their environment and emotions.
• Erica’s personal journey: Her challenges, lessons, and triumphs as a mum who’s learning to balance being her own person with being present for her children.
• Letting go of societal expectations: Why it’s okay to not have it all figured out—and how that mindset helps your kids thrive.
• Practical tips for grounded parenting: Erica’s strategies for fostering emotional security and resilience in her boys while staying connected to her own values.

This conversation is filled with laughter, warmth, honesty, and actionable insights to inspire you to parent with confidence and purpose. Erica’s wisdom and humor will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to embrace the beauty of being your authentic self. Because when you’re true to yourself, you create a space where your children feel safe to do the same.

The KOTOT journey begins: "Exploring motherhood together"

Welcome to the first episode of Keeping on Top of Things.

In this inaugural episode, you are introduced to KOTOT, the podcast dedicated to the beautiful, challenging, and transformative journey of motherhood. Whether you're a first-time mom, a seasoned parent, or someone exploring the idea of motherhood, this podcast is here to offer true support, insights, and community.

This episode sets the stage for future discussions on topics like pregnancy, day to day motherhood, parenting styles, self-care, and the societal expectations placed on mothers.

Join us as we embark on this journey together, celebrating the wins, learning from the challenges, and reminding every mom out there: you are not alone.

Be sure to follow KOTOT, subscribe and share your thoughts on what you’d like to hear, and connect with us on social media. Let’s create a community where every mom feels seen and supported.

Keeping on Top of Things (KOTOT) Motherhood is back for Season 2!

We’re back with a bang, mamas! After a little time away (and welcoming baby number 3 into the world ), I’m kicking off this season with a solo episode straight from the heart. This time, I’m sharing my latest birth story — one that didn’t go to plan but turned out even better than I could have imagined. I’ll be opening up about how this experience helped me heal from the trauma of my very first birth and how it’s shaped my journey as a mum today.

This podcast is our safe space, our cup-of-tea catch-up, and our reminder that none of us are on this motherhood journey alone. So, get comfy, press play, and let’s dive back into real, raw, and reassuring conversations about motherhood — just like chatting with a friend you’ve missed, because I HAVE DEFINITELY MISSED YOU!

In this week's episode, I'm joined by the lovely Nikki to unpack the truths of her birth story and what life looks like in the months that follow. From navigating recovery to figuring out daily routines, we reflect on how we’re adapting, one day at a time, and how having children has changed our perspective on what matters. We talk about how we’re learning to take things one day at a time. Expect the unexpected laughs, the relief of finding other mums who just get it, and how those friendships have helped us stay grounded (and sane). If you’re figuring it out as you go, this one’s for you.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there! Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate us—the heart and soul of so many families. Motherhood is a beautiful, fulfilling journey, but it also comes with its twists and turns. That’s why today, we’re talking about something that often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list: self-care.

We all give so much to those around you, and as hard as it can be sometimes, we need to remember, we can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s five minutes of deep breathing, a quiet cup of coffee, or a full day to yourself, taking time to recharge is not selfish—it’s essential!

Let’s take a moment for an honest reflection on how we’re managing self-care. How are we truly managing our self-care? Are we really setting aside time for ourselves amid the hustle of daily life? Are we giving ourselves the same love and attention we give to others?

In this episode, I share my thoughts on the importance of checking in with ourselves, understanding that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And remember, it’s never too late to start. Whether you’re looking to add small moments of peace into your day or planning a complete lifestyle shift, every step toward caring for yourself counts.

Wishing you a day filled with love, joy, and well-earned relaxation. Happy Mother’s Day! 

In this incredibly open and honest episode, I am joined by the wonderful Sabrina, a first-time mum, as she opens up about the many changes and challenges she faced when she became a mother. Sabrina shares her personal journey, shedding light on the unexpected emotional and physical shifts that come with motherhood.

She talks candidly about the struggles of balancing her own identity with the demands of being a new mum, and how she's been working to better understand herself amidst the transformation.

Throughout the conversation, Sabrina touches on the things that often go unspoken in motherhood—the feelings of isolation, guilt, and the constant pressure to be perfect. We dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood, discussing the moments of self-doubt and the small victories that make the journey worthwhile.

We also dip into the taboo subject of sex after childbirth. We talk about the challenges, the changes in intimacy, and the complexities of navigating physical and emotional connections with a partner while adjusting to motherhood.

In this deeply moving episode, I welcome Hazvi to the KOTOT sofa, a courageous mother who shares her powerful story of healing from trauma during pregnancy and childbirth. She opens up about the devastating loss of her baby, the emotional toll it took on her and her family, and the journey of finding hope again.

Hazvi also speaks on the importance of listening to your body, trusting your instincts, and advocating for yourself when you know something isn’t right—especially when navigating the medical system. She sheds light on the strength it takes to seek help, the impact of grief on loved ones, and the resilience of a mother’s heart.

Whether you’ve experienced loss, know someone who has, or want to be empowered in your own motherhood journey, this episode is a powerful reminder that you are not alone—and that your voice, your pain, and your healing all matter.

ITV Documentary:

https://www.itv.com/news/2024-05-02/its-like-the-end-of-the-world-surge-in-new-mums-getting-mental-health-care

Pregnancy and Post Partum Support:

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/support/

https://apni.org

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/useful-contacts/

https://pandasfoundation.org.uk

It's been a month of KOTOT. In this episode, we take a heartfelt look back at the KOTOT podcast journey so far—celebrating the stories, insights, and connections that have shaped our supportive motherhood community. Reflecting is a key for growth so I take a moment to discuss the importance of continuing to uplift and empower one another on this incredible path of motherhood. Plus, I have some special news to share with you all that can’t wait for you to hear! 💛

In this week’s episode, we sit down with the wonderful Kristina who shares her remarkable journey as a single mother. She opens up about the challenges she faces, from healing from depression to finding the courage to always go on for herself and her children.

Through candid and uplifting anecdotes, she recounts how she transformed her struggles into a source of strength, embracing the small joys of everyday life and discovering the beauty in creating lasting memories with her children. 

This episode is a testament to resilience, hope, and the boundless love that fuels motherhood, even in the face of adversity. Whether you're a single parent, know someone who is, or simply want to be inspired by a story of overcoming life's hurdles, this conversation is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and empowered.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of finding joy in small, meaningful moments
• How to prioritize mental health and self-healing as a parent
• Tips for building a fulfilling life despite limited resources or support
• Why resilience and love can help redefine challenges as opportunities for growth

Follow Kristina on TikTok

@kristinatrainauskaite 

Support Organisations 

MIND

NHS

In this intimate episode, its just me and you. There is value in vulnerability so I am  opening up about my personal journey of reconnecting with a family member after years of a difficult relationship. Motherhood is a journey filled with love, challenges, and growth. But sometimes, these strained relationships with loved ones can weigh heavy on our hearts. 💔

There have been emotional challenges and transformative lessons I’ve encountered while navigating forgiveness and understanding, especially in the face of dealing with serious health issues. 

Through candid reflections, I take a moment to explore how my role as a mother shaped my perspective on healing and family unity. I do hope this episode offers you an intimate glimpse into the complexities of family dynamics, the power of forgiveness, and the strength found in vulnerability during life's most challenging moments.

I am still on this journey and still navigating motherhood and the importance of cherishing loved ones, even when relationships feel fractured, and finding grace amid adversity.

For anyone facing cancer within their family and needs some support, below are some useful support organisations. There is power, strength and healing in talking. 

Ruth Trauss Foundation

MacMillan Cancer Support: 

Cancer Research UK

MIND