My First Ever Podcast Interview… and It’s With My Mom

I never imagined I’d be sitting down with my mother for a raw, honest, and deeply personal conversation like this—especially not on a podcast. But here we are.

In this episode of The Heart of Parenting, I’m introducing you to my first-ever guest: my mom, Shelley. It’s only fitting that the person who shaped so much of who I am is the one joining me for this milestone. But this isn’t just a mother-daughter chit chat—it’s a story about pain, misunderstanding, and ultimately, healing.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

The paradox of our relationship—how my mom’s greatest gift to me was also the root of our deepest struggles

A glimpse into our dynamic through childhood memories (including my infamous “old hooker” comment as a toddler—yes, you read that right)

The hard truths my mom had to face about herself and how her past trauma shaped the way she parented me

The moment she realized she had to stop trying to control me and instead, just love me

Why this conversation wouldn’t have been possible even ten years ago

For Anyone Struggling With a Mother-Daughter Relationship…

This episode isn’t just about us. It’s about you—the daughters who feel unseen, the mothers who feel like they’re losing their child, and anyone who has ever thought, Is this relationship beyond repair?

Healing is not instant. It’s messy. It’s painful. And yet, it is possible

What does a fulfilling life look like to you? How do you define success—not just for yourself, but for your kids?

In this episode of The Heart of Parenting Podcast, we’re diving deep into the expectations we carry for our children—where they come from, how they shape our parenting, and why they might be worth rethinking. You’ve spent years managing the chaos of daily life, guiding your kids, and making decisions to keep everything on track. But as they grow, are you still holding the reins a little too tightly?

I’ll challenge you to reflect on questions like:

• When did your dreams for your child begin, and whose dreams are they really?

• Are you parenting to prevent your own regrets, or to nurture your child’s unique path?

• Does your definition of success align with who your child truly is?

We’ll explore the myth of the “one right path,” why the college-success formula isn’t as reliable as we’ve been led to believe, and how loosening your grip can actually strengthen your bond with your child.

By the end, you might find that your expectations have changed—and that’s a good thing.

Curious? Good. That’s where growth begins. Let’s dive in.

Connect With Me Here:

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EMail: hello@inspirehercoaching.com

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If you’ve ever watched your daughter struggle with motivation, procrastination, or just feeling stuck, you’re not alone. As parents, we want to see our kids thrive—but what if the way we think about achievement is actually holding them back?

In today’s episode, we’re taking a fresh look at goal-setting, motivation, and what it really takes to help our daughters build confidence and follow through. We’ll explore a powerful reframe that shifts the focus from pressure to purpose, helping our kids (and ourselves) break free from the cycle of setting goals that don’t stick.

If you’ve ever wondered:

Why do some goals feel impossible to accomplish?

How do I help my daughter stay motivated without nagging?

What’s missing from traditional goal-setting advice?

Then this episode is for you.

Tune in to discover a new way to approach goals—one that actually works.

Connect with Aimee:

Website: InspireHerCoaching.com

Email: hello@inspirehercoaching.com

Instagram: @inspirehercoaching

If your daughter gets irrationally upset over small things (like what's for dinner), there is something much deeper happening beneath the surface. The real issue is never the issue.

In this episode, we dive into the surprising truth about anger, why it's often misunderstood, and how it can actually strengthen your relationship with your daughter if you know how to respond. I'll share personal stories, neuroscience-backed insights, and practical strategies to help you navigate those fiery moments with calm and confidence.

You'll Learn:

Why anger is often a mask for deeper emotions

The biggest mistake parents make when trying to calm an angry teen

A simple but powerful way to de-escalate emotional outbursts

How to turn moments of anger into opportunities for connection

If you've ever felt lost when your daughter lashes out, this episode is for you. Listen now and discover a whole new way to approach her anger!

Let's Connect!

Website: InspireHerCoaching.com

Email: hello@inspirehercoaching.com

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave a review, it helps more parents find this support!

In 1977, Dolly Parton sat down for an interview with Barbara Walters. What should have been a conversation between two successful women turned into an unsettling display of condescension and veiled insults. Yet, in the face of passive-aggressive comments and attempts to diminish her, Dolly remained calm, confident, and unshaken. Her response serves as a masterclass in handling female aggression—something many girls and women struggle with throughout their lives.

In this episode of The Heart of Parenting, I dive into the nuances of female bullying, relational aggression, and social exclusion—how they differ from the more physical, direct bullying seen among boys and why they leave such lasting scars. I share my own personal experiences, including an unsettling Starbucks encounter and a workplace betrayal, to illustrate just how insidious these dynamics can be.

Girls don’t just “fight”—they undermine, exclude, and sabotage. This kind of bullying flies under the radar and can deeply impact self-esteem, mental health, and long-term relationships. Today, we unpack:

How female bullying operates differently than male bullying

Why relational aggression is often overlooked by parents and educators

How exclusion and social sabotage shape girls’ self-worth

The psychological impact of female aggression and bullying

What research tells us about the long-term effects of bullying on girls

Strategies to help your daughter stand strong, set boundaries, and build resilience

Why teaching our daughters to support, rather than compete with, other girls is crucial

This episode is a must-listen for parents who want to equip their daughters with the confidence to see through intimidation, stand their ground, and surround themselves with the right people.

Key Takeaways

Bullying is not just physical—it’s psychological. Girls often engage in covert, relational aggression through exclusion, rumor-spreading, and reputation damage.

The stats are alarming. Suicide rates among girls aged 10-14 have increased by 60% over the last decade, and nearly 98% of girls 14-19 report experiencing bullying tied to appearance.

Relational aggression is more than “drama.” It leads to anxiety, self-doubt, and a deep fear of social exclusion—sometimes lasting into adulthood.

Teach your daughter to call it out. Confidence is the biggest defense. Saying, “I see what you’re doing, and it’s not okay” takes the power away from bullies.

Encourage your daughter to find her true friends. Instead of seeking validation from toxic relationships, teach her to invest in friendships that uplift her.

Model the behavior you want to see. The way we, as women, treat each other in front of our daughters sets the tone for how they engage with their peers.

Dolly’s Wisdom for the Win

In the words of Dolly Parton: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” Confidence is the antidote to intimidation, and our girls deserve to grow up knowing they don’t have to shrink themselves to make others comfortable.

Resources & How to Connect

**Need help teaching your daughter how to build confidence and resilience and be herself no matter what? Connect with me here:

Aimee's Website

Aimee's Email: hello@inspirehercoaching.com

In this episode of The Heart of Parenting, we’re breaking down the cultural obsession with instant gratification and its impact on our lives, our definition of success, and the way we parent. From impulse shopping and comfort food to chasing societal milestones, we unpack how these habits often mask deeper emotional struggles. Aimee Byrum shares her personal journey of striving for external achievements and material success—only to discover that true fulfillment comes from within.

Together, we’ll redefine success and explore how to help ourselves and our kids build emotionally resilient lives that we don’t feel the need to escape from.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How instant gratification affects emotional health and decision-making.

• The societal definition of success—and why it leaves so many of us feeling empty.

• How to recognize when you’re operating outside your window of tolerance.

• Tools for building emotional resilience and staying present with discomfort.

• A redefined concept of success that centers on inner fulfillment and authenticity.

• How to help your kids navigate life with confidence and a growth mindset.

Key Quotes from the Episode:

• “Success isn’t about what you have—it’s about building a life you don’t have to escape from.”

• “When we chase achievement and material success, we’re often running from emotions we don’t know how to process.”

• “Our definition of success determines the legacy we pass on to our kids. What do you want to teach them?”

Resources Mentioned:

• The concept of the “window of tolerance” for emotional regulation.

• Jim Carrey’s quote: “I wish everyone could get rich and famous so they can see it’s not the answer.”

• Mel Robbins’ insight: “How we spend our time and energy determines our experience in life.”

Connect with Aimee:

• Website: InspireHer Coaching

• Instagram: @inspireherteencoaching

• Facebook: InspireHer Teen Coaching

If you found this episode meaningful, please share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps us reach more parents looking to strengthen their relationships with their kids.

In this episode of The Heart of Parenting Podcast, Aimee Byrum gets real about one of the hardest aspects of parenting—letting go of control. Through personal stories and reflections, Aimee shares how her journey with her son Grant taught her the transformative power of stepping back, trusting the process, and allowing natural consequences to guide growth.

She dives into the emotional toll of micromanaging, the surprising lessons hidden within anger, and how embracing the Circle of Control can help parents find peace and foster deeper connections with their kids. This isn’t just about parenting—it’s about self-discovery, understanding triggers, and creating space for healthier, more compassionate relationships.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How trying to control your child’s every move can create distance rather than connection.

• The concept of the Circle of Control and how to apply it to parenting.

• Why natural consequences are powerful teachers for kids.

• How letting go of control can strengthen the bond between you and your child.

Key Takeaways:

• Anger often reveals deeper insecurities or fears about ourselves.

• Trying to control things outside your circle of control (like your child’s choices) leads to exhaustion and tension.

• Stepping back doesn’t mean abandoning your role—it means trusting your child to learn through their own experiences.

• Letting go creates space for unexpected moments of joy and connection.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Aimee and her work at InspireHerCoaching.com

• Contact Aimee directly at hello@inspirehercoaching.com

• Follow The Heart of Parenting Podcast for more episodes that dive deep into the challenges and joys of parenting.

Welcome to The Heart of Parenting Podcast, where we’re on a mission to create deeper connections with our kids. In this episode, host Aimee Byrum dives into a personal and relatable topic: social anxiety. From the efficiency of the “Irish Exit” to the profound impact of social isolation during adolescence, this episode unpacks how social anxiety shows up, why it matters, and how parents can help their kids navigate it.

Practical Ways to Support Your Teen Struggling with Social Anxiety:

• Normalize and Validate: Create a safe space to discuss feelings without judgment.

• Encourage Gradual Exposure: Help them set small, manageable goals for social situations.

• Model Social Behavior: Show them how to connect with others by doing it yourself.

• Use Visualization Techniques: Prime their brain for success by imagining positive outcomes.

• Focus on Internal Growth: Teach resilience and how to embrace imperfection.

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Help them reframe intrusive thoughts and misinterpretations.

• Teach Calming Techniques: Introduce tools like box breathing to manage physical symptoms.

When to Seek Help:

• How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help overcome social anxiety.

• Why asking for professional support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Resources Mentioned:

• Box Breathing Techniques

• Research on the impact of adolescence and social isolation

• Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Join Us Next Episode::

Calling all control freaks—our next episode explores The Circle of Control, a transformative concept for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life. Don’t miss it!

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Produced by InspireHer Teen Coaching. Written and hosted by Aimee Byrum.