Nicole turns the mic toward, Shannon, and it gets real fast. We go back to the small-town kid who thought her older brothers were the coolest, held an eighth-grade triple jump record, and learned early what it looks like when a single mom is in full survival mode. We talk about the kind of childhood you don’t fully remember until someone asks the right question and how family, neighbors, and grandparents quietly formed a village that feels rare now.

Then we jump to motherhood, where expectations get demolished. I share what labor felt like with Lucy and Thomas, the shock of postpartum intensity, and that protective, panicky feeling that makes daycare drop-off feel impossible. We also unpack the hard stages that don’t get posted online: battling with little people you love more than anything, trying to regulate your own emotions, and carrying mom guilt when you yell or forget the million tiny details schools expect you to track.

We also talk about identity, creativity, and why joy counts. I finally admit I’ve always loved interior design, from rearranging my childhood bedroom to putting my “stamp” on every home, and how sharing that passion helped me feel like me again. We end with our rapid-fire segment for a laugh, including thrifting wins, unread email chaos, and the story of me getting into the wrong car.

If you’ve ever thought, “What is wrong with me?” we’re here to say it's not you, it's motherhood. Subscribe to Mom Com, share this with a mom friend who needs a breath, and leave a review with the part that hit you hardest.

The content of this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not licensed therapists, doctors, or medical professionals, and we do not provide medical or mental health advice. Any opinions expressed are based on personal experience. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare provider or licensed professional for advice regarding their individual needs, diagnoses, or treatment.