Motherhood isn't supposed to feel lonely. In this episode of The Sparkle Project, Emily sits down with Dana James, nurse, mom of two, and the voice behind Mother Mentality. Dana describes herself as a “mom’s mom” and her mission is simple but powerful: create spaces where mothers feel seen, supported, and validated instead of judged.

Together they explore the healing power of hearing another mom say “me too,” and why community matters so much in modern motherhood. Dana shares her personal postpartum experiences, the realities of navigating mental health as a mother, and how those experiences ultimately led her to pursue a doctorate in psychiatric mental health.

This conversation dives into the emotional weight many mothers carry today. From the isolation of early postpartum seasons to the pressure of unrealistic expectations, Emily and Dana unpack why validation can be such a powerful antidote to shame and mom guilt.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough as a mom, this episode is a reminder that you’re not the only one asking that question.

🔗 Connect with Dana:

Instagram: @mothermentality
TikTok: @mothermentality_

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Mom Friends Collective
Dana's Busy Mom Book Club

✨ Let’s keep the convo going:

Follow Emily on Instagram → @honestlyemilyrose
Follow the podcast on TikTok → @thesparkleprojectpod

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Motherhood can bring out emotions many moms never expected: rage, guilt, resentment, and the overwhelming feeling of not being “good enough.” In this episode, Emily sits down with therapist and author Jessica Tomich Sorci to unpack why even the most loving, devoted mothers often feel like they’re failing. Drawing from her work in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and her book When Good Moms Feel Bad, Jessica introduces the concept of “mom parts” and explains what's behing the internal voices that show up in motherhood.

Together, they explore why motherhood can activate old wounds, why intense emotions like rage and resentment are more common than we think, and how understanding your inner parts can lead to deeper compassion for yourself.

This conversation covers:
• Why good moms often feel like they’re failing
• The psychology behind mom rage and mom guilt
• How motherhood activates old emotional patterns
• What “parts work” is and how it can change the way you see yourself
• Why tending to yourself is essential for both you and your kids

This episode is an invitation to stop judging your reactions and start getting curious about them.

🔗 Connect with Jessica:

Instagram: @jessicatomichsorci
Website: www.jessicasorci.com and www.momparts.com

✨ Let’s keep the convo going:

Follow Emily on Instagram → @honestlyemilyrose
Follow the podcast on TikTok → @thesparkleprojectpod

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If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow mom and leave a 5-star review!

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In this episode of The Sparkle Project, Emily dives into one of the most common and complicated experiences in motherhood: mom guilt.

Many mothers feel like they’re constantly falling short. Whether it’s working too much, not working enough, losing patience, or simply wanting time for themselves, the feeling of guilt seems to follow moms everywhere.

But what if mom guilt isn’t actually about you at all?

Emily explores how the pressure mothers feel is deeply tied to societal expectations that are often impossible to meet. She breaks down the difference between guilt and shame, explains why so many moms internalize unrealistic standards, and shares how recognizing these cultural messages can change the way we relate to motherhood and to ourselves.

If you’ve ever wondered why motherhood can feel so heavy, this conversation offers a new way to understand those emotions and begin redefining what being a “good mom” really means.

✨ Let’s keep the convo going:

Follow Emily on Instagram → @honestlyemilyrose
Follow the podcast on TikTok → @thesparkleprojectpod

Subscribe + Review:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow mom and leave a 5-star review!

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