In this episode of The Mom Existence podcast, we’re joined by Sheridan Ingalls, a Canadian stay-at-home mother and blogger based in Nova Scotia. Originally from Ottawa, Sheridan now lives on the East Coast with her husband and their four children.

Through her blog, she shares candid insights into marriage, motherhood, and fashion, offering genuine reflections that resonate with parents everywhere.

Our conversation dives into the complex emotions of motherhood—from the often unspoken reality of hating pregnancy to navigating mom guilt and the conflicting feelings that coexist in parenting. Sheridan opens up about balancing family life and personal growth, managing the day-to-day as a mom of four, and how social media impacts her family.

We also explore the evolution of motherhood, the differences in raising sons versus daughters, and the importance of moms supporting one another.

Follow: @sheridaningalls

Learn more: https://www.sheridaningalls.com/

Motherhood is one of the most profound transformations a woman can experience—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But why is this transition so challenging in today’s world? In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Harrold, a coach, doula, and author who specializes in guiding women through major life transitions, including the shift into motherhood.

Jessie shares her personal experience with motherhood, the struggles of identity shifts, and the concept of matrescence—the process of becoming a mother that reshapes every aspect of a woman's life. We dive into the common challenges mothers face, why this transition feels harder than ever in 2025, and how societal shifts have changed the support systems available to new parents.

We also explore the power of rituals in grounding and guiding women through change, as well as Jessie’s insights from her work and her book, Mothershift. If you're feeling lost in the transition to motherhood or struggling to reconnect with your identity, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why the transition into motherhood is so difficult

• The concept of matrescence and how it shapes a woman’s life

• How long it really takes to "step into" motherhood

• The pressures of modern motherhood—financial, societal, and personal

• The role of rituals in navigating life’s biggest transitions

• Practical advice for mothers feeling disconnected from themselves

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a fellow mom who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Mom Existence for more real, raw conversations about motherhood.

About: https://www.jessieharrold.com/

Follow: @jessie.es.harrold

Book: https://amzn.to/42uRdx5

Kate McKenna is an award-winning television producer and broadcaster with extensive experience in the Canadian media industry. She has worked both behind the scenes and on camera for programs such as CTV's The Social, Your Morning, and MUCH's SIDES. Additionally, she has contributed as a writer and content creator for TSN, the CFL, CBC Sports, and The Hamilton Spectator.

Kate is the creator and host of The Social's digital series, Momlife Crisis, which explores the challenges and joys of motherhood. She is also a mother of two, balancing her dynamic career with family life while sharing relatable insights into parenting and professional growth. Parenting small children is an experience full of surprises, challenges, and emotional highs and lows. For many, like when transitioning to life with a second child, the reality often doesn't align with expectations. Preparing for the early days of motherhood feels nearly impossible, and navigating the hardest parts of raising kids—especially in a bustling city like Toronto—can feel overwhelming.

Learn more:

Today’s Parent article: https://www.todaysparent.com/family/we-need-to-be-more-honest-about-what-motherhood-is-really-like/

The Social’s Momlife Crisis series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQgboyi1NR3eo3JZq975X9SCfZWNoWYzW

Oprah’s special on motherhood: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBhkC4xJijU/?hl=en

Episode Sponsors:

Thank you Ducks Crossing for being an episode sponsor! Visit https://devoniancoast.ca/ducks-crossing-wines.html to learn more or stop by your local NSLC to shop all the Ducks Crossing varietals.