Shows / The Good Enough Mother
The Good Enough Mother
The role of being a Mother offers us the potential for incredible expansion, growth, and power, while also being one of – if not THE – most challenging, undervalued, and taken for granted roles in the world. Motherhood Studies Sociologist, researcher, and single Mother, Dr Sophie Brock hosts The Good Enough Mother (TGEM) podcast with an aim to change how Motherhood is culturally defined and individually experienced. TGEM draws its name from a theorist and pediatrician Winnicott, who highlighted…
Episodes
The Good Enough Mother131. Making Space for Who We're Becoming: The Four Elements of Matrescence with Jessie Harrold
In this episode, I'm joined by Jessie Harrold, coach, doula and author of MotherShift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of Passage, to explore matrescence as a…
- The Good Enough Mother
130. Music and Matrescence: Connection, Identity and Regulation in Motherhood with Elizabeth McLean (PhD, RMT)
In this episode, I speak with registered music therapist Dr Elizabeth McLean about the role music can play in motherhood, not only in supporting connection…
The Good Enough Mother129. Motherhood as Leadership Training: Rethinking Ambition, Burnout, and Balance with Nicky Lowe
In this episode, I’m joined by Nicky Lowe - award-winning Executive Coach, Founder of Luminate Group - to explore the intersection of paid work, leadership…
The Good Enough Mother128. Matrescence Through the Lens of Occupational Therapy with Hollie Swanton
In this episode, I’m joined by Mental Health Endorsed Occupational Therapist, Yoga Teacher, Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator and Motherhood Studies…
- The Good Enough Mother
127. When It Feels Like You’re Not Doing Enough
*The Motherhood Studies Certification is currently open for enrolment, starting May 6th: https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies In this solo episode, I’m…
The Good Enough Mother126. The Loving Moments and Bitter Truths of Motherhood – Maternal Ambivalence with Dr Margo Lowy
Have you ever felt two completely different emotions about motherhood at the same time? Moments of deep love and connection… alongside frustration, resentment…
The Good Enough Mother125. Lessons From My Mum - Grief and Love
This episode marks a return to the podcast after a profound personal loss. In September 2025, my mother died suddenly. Since then, my world - personally…
The Good Enough Mother124. When It All Comes Up: The Body, Hunger, Perimenopause and Mothering - with Dr Cristina Cavezza
What happens when the emotional, hormonal, and cultural shifts of perimenopause intersect with the daily realities of motherhood? In this episode, I’m joined…
- The Good Enough Mother
123. 'When Good Moms Feel Bad': IFS, Motherhood, and the Healing Power of Parts Work with Jessica Tomich Sorci
In this episode I’m joined by Jessica Tomich Sorci, LMFT - a Level 3 Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, Certified Perinatal Mental Health…
The Good Enough Mother122. When Motherhood Feels Like Too Much AND Not Enough
I explore the emotional complexity that motherhood brings in the context of post-Mother’s-Day – and how we can feel both deep love and deep exhaustion, often…
- The Good Enough Mother
120. In Conversation with Prof Andrea O’Reilly: The Revolutionary Emergence of Motherhood Studies
Join us for a groundbreaking conversation with Professor Andrea O'Reilly, the internationally renowned pioneer who founded the field of Motherhood Studies. In…
- The Good Enough Mother
119. Perinatal Suicidality: A Conversation with PANDA CEO Julie Borninkhof and Dr Laura Biggs
Content note: perinatal suicidality In this episode Sophie speaks with midwife and Research Fellow Dr Laura Biggs, and CEO of PANDA Australia, Julie Borninkhof…
- The Good Enough Mother
118. My Matrescence Festival Talk & Some Motherhood Studies News
I share some updates and some talks I’m giving soon, along with the recording I took of when I was practicing my talk for the Matrescence Festival, organised…
The Good Enough Mother117. When a Mother Reclaims her Space: Tehla's Story and a Permission to Pause
In this episode, I speak with mother of two and writer Tehla Bower about her book, "A Mother's Space: Permission to Pause." Tehla candidly shares her…
- The Good Enough Mother
116. Motherhood as Leadership: Transforming Through Matrescence with Babette Lockefeer
In this episode with leadership facilitator and founder of Matermorphosis, Babette Lockefeer, we explore the powerful intersection of motherhood and…
The Good Enough Mother115. Shaping the Future of Postpartum Care: A Conversation with Julia Jones on Postpartum Education
Julia Jones has over 15 years of experience as a postpartum doula, educator, and best-selling author and has trained over 1500 postpartum professionals in over…
- The Good Enough Mother
How a Footnote Changed Everything: Last Call for The Motherhood Studies Certification, Legacy Edition
In this solo episode, I share the story of how an accidental footnote in my sociology degree led me to discover my life's work and create the world's first…
- The Good Enough Mother
113. When Everything Changes: Motherhood, Grief, and Self-Care with Suzy Reading
In this episode, I have a personal and powerful conversation with Suzy Reading, a mother of two, an author, Chartered Psychologist and Coach. Suzy shares her…
The Good Enough Mother112. The Rebellion and Refuge of Motherhood: Bodies, Boundaries and Power with Amanda Montei
In this episode, we're joined by Amanda Montei, the author of "TOUCHED OUT: Motherhood, Misogyny, Consent, & Control." Amanda's work, which spans from The New…
The Good Enough Mother111. The Care Career Conundrum (checklist): The Sociological Roots of Our Struggle
*Download your free checklist here: https://drsophiebrock.com/checklist *The Mothers at Work program starts August 26th, 2024. Learn more here…
- The Good Enough Mother
110. Redefining Motherhood: A Conversation with Libby Ward from Diary of an Honest Mom
In this conversation, I speak with digital creator, speaker and mental health advocate Libby Ward from Diary of an Honest Mom, whose work has touched millions…
The Good Enough Mother109. What Play Therapy Can Teach us About Ourselves and Our Children, with Dr Sam Casey
In this episode I speak with Dr Sam Casey, an integrative child therapist who specialises in play therapy, trauma informed practice and maternal mental health…
The Good Enough Mother108. Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Transform Our Mothering, with Dr. Jennifer Hacker Pearson
In this episode, we speak to the PhD-qualified Neuroscientist, psychotherapist, meditation teacher, maternal mental wellbeing consultant, international…
The Good Enough Mother107. Liberation from Patriarchal Motherhood? Reflections On Power, Agency & Motherhood Studies 2024
*The Motherhood Studies Certification 2024 is open for enrolment until April 19th* What possibilities exist beyond patriarchal motherhood? How can sociological…
- The Good Enough Mother
106. Understanding Ourselves & Our Children as Mapmakers: Parenting for Humans with Dr Emma Svanberg
In this episode I speak with Dr. Emma Svanberg, an award-winning clinical psychologist and author of the recently released, "Parenting For Humans." Dr. Emma is…
- The Good Enough Mother
105. When Community Sparks Creativity: 'The Mum Who Found Her Sparkle' with Jessie & Mary
In this episode, you’ll hear from Jessie Ann Elliot and Mary Sotiropoulos who share their personal journeys through early motherhood and postpartum in building…
- The Good Enough Mother
A little update from Sophie
I share a brief life update of what's been present for me over the last few months, talk about transitions, honouring the stage we're in, taking our time, and…
- The Good Enough Mother
104. The Science of Baby Brain: Social & Biological Influences on Mothers with Dr Sarah McKay
In this episode I speak with neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay about her latest book: Baby Brain - The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood…
- The Good Enough Mother
103. How to Dismantle Patriarchal Motherhood? 8 Reflections
The Motherhood Studies Certification 2024 is currently open for early enrolment, and in the context of launching next year's round of the course, I'm…
- The Good Enough Mother
102. Using Compassion To Navigate Challenges In Motherhood With Zoe Blaskey
In this episode I am joined by Zoe Blaskey, founder of Motherkind and host of The Motherkind Podcast. Zoe is a transformational coach and a mother of two who…
- The Good Enough Mother
101. Breaking the Rules, Living in Our Values: A Conversation with Tracy Gillett of Raised Good
This conversation is with Tracy Gillett, passionate advocate of natural parenting and creator of the award-winning blog and community Raised Good. Tracy was a…
The Good Enough MotherInvitation into Free Training - Private Podcast Episode
I've created a free resource for mother-supporting professionals and those working in motherhood-support to learn what patriarchal motherhood is, and why…
- The Good Enough Mother
100. What is the Essence of 'Good Enough'? Bridging Child and Adult Psychology with Dr Tanya Cotler
In this episode, we dive into the concept of the "good enough mother" from the perspective of Dr Tanya Cotler, who is a Clinical Psychologist, author, and…
- The Good Enough Mother
99. Embracing Challenges Beyond The ‘Early Years’ of Motherhood with Amy Taylor Kabbaz
In this episode, Amy Taylor-Kabbaz and I delve into the intricacies, beauty and challenges of mothering ‘beyond the early years’, and share parts of our own…
- The Good Enough Mother
98. Birth, Trauma, and Maternity Reform: Alecia Staines on Her Decade of Advocacy
*Please note that this podcast discusses obstetric violence, rape, and trauma. ** If you would like to lodge a submission to the Birth Trauma Inquiry via The…
The Good Enough Mother97. Nurturing the Next Generation: A Revolution in Infant Mental Health with Dr Greer Kirshenbaum
In this episode I speak with Dr Greer Kirshenbaum - a neuroscientist, doula, educator, and author of her newly released book: "The Nurture Revolution: Grow…
The Good Enough Mother96. The Economy of Motherhood and Being Played the ‘Fool’ with Tess Wilkinson-Ryan
Are we being ‘duped’ by our current cultural conception of what it means to be a mother? In this episode, I speak with Tess Wilkinson-Ryan who is a law…
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95. Decoding Cultural Messages of Motherhood and The Good vs Bad Mother
In this episode I reflect on the context of Mother's Day and how cultural messages are communicated to us about motherhood and how this affects our sense of…
The Good Enough Mother94. Undoing & Recreating: A Mother's Journey from 1 to 2 Children with Emily Adler Mosqueda
In this episode I speak with Emily, bilingual/bicultural mamá of two, pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Assistant Professor and Supervisor of…
The Good Enough Mother93. The Gift of Maternal Ambivalence: Embracing Complexity to Build Connection with Dr Margo Lowy
In this episode, I talk with author and psychotherapist Dr Margo Lowy, exploring the concept of maternal ambivalence – an often-silenced but integral part of…
- The Good Enough Mother
92. When you feel like you’re drowning in Motherhood - with Amanda Connell
Often, there can feel as though there is a conflict between the ways we would like to parent, and the social and structural forces that shape and influence our…
- The Good Enough Mother
91. The Importance of ‘Failing’ Our Children
In this episode I speak to some criticisms of the concept and application of ‘good enough mothering' as an approach to parenting. Some of us can have a…
- The Good Enough Mother
90. Getting to know our new babies, and our new selves with Julianne Boutaleb
This episode takes sections from podcast episode 32 with Julianne Boutaleb – a consultant perinatal psychologist and Director of Parenthood in Mind. Julianne…
- The Good Enough Mother
89. Moving Beyond The Perfect Mother Myth – what next? (re-release)
There is a piecing-back-together that we are called to do after we go through a journey of pulling apart the version of motherhood we've been sold. To ask…
- The Good Enough Mother
88. How culture 'creates' Motherhood and why it matters (The Fish Tank Model)
This episode is a training Sophie delivered, translating the predominant theoretical finding from her PhD research - the 'fish tank of motherhood' model. This…
- The Good Enough Mother
87. For Mothers During The Festive Season (re-release)
In this solo re-released episode I reflect on the ways the festive season brings with it an amplification of the perfect mother myth. I explain how and why the…
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86. Reclaiming our Motherhood from the ‘shoulds’ this holiday season with Anna Mathur
Today’s conversation is with author, psychotherapist, speaker, and Mum of three, Anna Mathur. Anna and I dive into reflecting on the complexities of motherhood…
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85. Somatic Tools for Congruent Parenting with Yara Heary
This conversation is with psychologist and motherhood coach Yara Heary. Yara shares ways to come home to our bodies in those moments when mothering can bring…
- The Good Enough Mother
Ep 84. Mothering ourselves through shame and perfectionism with Catherine Counihan
This conversation on shame and perfectionism is with mother and psychotherapist, Catherine Counihan. Catherine and Sophie both share from their own personal…
The Good Enough MotherOur movement towards Motherhood Liberation... can we 'jump out' of the tank?
In this short episode I share some of my reflections about the creation of my latest program The Liberating Motherhood Experience. This is a program that I've…
The Good Enough Mother83. Creative Community Making for Mothers with Rachael Rose
Today I speak with doula, mentor and women’s circle facilitator Rachael Rose. Rachael works to build community around motherhood, and is driven by a desire for…
- The Good Enough Mother
82. Identity shifts in motherhood with Jessie Harrold
Today I talk with doula, coach and mother, Jessie Harrold. Jessie is passionate about navigating the transition into motherhood with trust and confidence…
- The Good Enough Mother
81. The innate wisdom of childhood with Zoe Haack
Today’s episode is with author and child activist Zoe Haack. We discuss Zoe’s work supporting parents to navigate the critical period of birth to 5 years, as…
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80. The Perfect Mother Myth and Social Construct of Motherhood
What does it actually mean to say that motherhood is 'social' or 'constructed' through our culture? Why should we care about motherhood-culture and how does it…
- The Good Enough Mother
79. Redefining our careers and purpose as mothers with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz
Redefining our careers and purpose as mothers with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz In this episode I speak with best-Selling author, speaker, journalist, Matrescence…
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78. Mindful Mothering and Internalised Mothering Myths with Dr Caroline Boyd
In today’s conversation I talk with perinatal clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd, discussing the topics in her recent book ‘Mindful New Mum: A Mind-Body…
- The Good Enough Mother
77. Seasons of Matrescence with Nikki McCahon
In this episode I’m speaking with matrescence educator Nikki McCahon about her work, journey into motherhood, and framework for understanding and navigating…
- The Good Enough Mother
76. Honouring the creative potential in becoming a Mother with Kat River
In today’s podcast conversation with Kat River, we explore the question of ‘how can we disrupt our ideas of what motherhood means, to redefine it for…
The Good Enough Mother75. Who is the 'bad mother'? Unpacking The Lost Daughter with Julianne Boutaleb
This podcast episode is an unpacking and discussion of the recent Netflix production The Lost Daughter, based on the novel of the same name by the pseudonymous…
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74. Resourcing ourselves to carry the load of motherhood with Sophie Burch
This episode is designed to be a little tonic; a moment of presence and space to breathe. I am talking with Sophie Burch (aka The Mamma Coach). Sophie is a…