The Hidden Shame of Motherhood (and How to Break It) — with Renee Brna
In this episode of I Wish They Taught That in School, I sit down with my wife, Renee Brna (http://reneebrna.com), to talk about something rarely discussed openly: the quiet shame many mothers carry.
Before entering the mental health field, Renee spent 20 years as a professional performer in theater, television, and music. She began working in crisis support and client services more than a decade ago, and after stepping back to raise her children, she returned with a focus on research and clinical training. She’s now a graduate student therapist pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Ahead of the release of her new book, A Happy Healthy Mom (https://benbellabooks.com/shop/a-happy-healthy-mom/?srsltid=AfmBOorlpLGi1VHjeYUz6-2o3oxcj3-1S5GitDIy7zHKQEMxa0KX1Xmb)—a revised and expanded second edition of Mother Nurture, co-authored with Rick Hanson, Jan Hanson, and Ricky Polycove—Renee shares insights into the emotional realities of modern motherhood.
We explore how unrealistic expectations—especially those amplified by social media—can leave new moms feeling like they’re falling short, even when they’re doing everything right. This conversation dives into identity, comparison, mental health, and how to redefine what it actually means to be a “good mom.”
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not measuring up—or love someone who feels that way—this episode is for you.
10 Jun 2023
Sachin Narayan—From Premed to a Purposeful Medical Career
Sachin Narayan is the founder and former CEO of Cathartic, a non profit company that focuses on preventative health of under-resourced populations. He is recent graduate from the University of Southern California and is matriculating as an MS1 this fall at the Stanford School of Medicine. In this captivating podcast episode, join me as I Read more about Sachin Narayan—From Premed to a Purposeful Medical Career[…]
27 Jul 2022
Dr. Chris Ekstam—Doctoring, Traveling, and Winging It
Chris Ekstam is a physician and entrepreneur living in Texas. After college at the University of Delaware, he went to New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and then did residency in Anesthesiology at Yale New Haven Hospital. In addition to practicing anesthesiology, he owns a patent for a medical invention he created. Chris shares his Read more about Dr. Chris Ekstam—Doctoring, Traveling, and Winging It[…]
13 Jul 2022
Collin Kachel — The Impact of Tech on Mental Health
Collin Kachel is an educator in Wisconsin, teaching tech education, automotives, robotics, machining, welding, electronics, graphic arts, computer aided design and drafting. He shares his thoughts on the impact of tech (smartphones as an example) on our well-being and the direction society is headed. In this 90 minute podcast, we go deep covering topics from fractured attention to comparing ourselves in the age of instagram. Specifically we try and understand what is happening to young men as they are more isolated and destitute than the previous generations. Are young men in desperate need of a healthy rite of passage?
Colin is a lover of technology but recommends using it as a tool rather than being controlled by it. He often uses analog products in his own home. An analog tool—a tape deck for instance— is specifically for one purpose and using such inventions are focused and brings a sense of tranquility not felt when using digital products.
We also converse about the difference between car-centric and people-centric cities. The latter of which is far more common and illustrates just one of many unhealthy types of communities in which we live. Cities like Boulder, Colorado and Madison, Wisconsin have well protected bike lanes and closed off streets allowing people to enjoy community expereinces where they are the focus rather than feeling threatened by vehicles.
Collin is ultimatley an optimist and thinks we can save ourselves by turning to the mentors of our own communities.
Books mentioned:
Fire in the Belly
The Wonder of Boys
6 Nov 2018
Go Vote California. What You Need to Know For the Midterm Election 2018
GO VOTE! NO EXCUSES! What is up California? Today is November 6, 2018 and the most important midterms of our lives is here. Please go out and exercise your right to vote. Don’t forget that your voice matters. The polls are open late and you have a federal right to get be released from your Read more about Go Vote California. What You Need to Know For the Midterm Election 2018[…]
6 Nov 2018
Shakti Patel On Patience While Applying to Medical School As a DACA Recipient
This is a special episode because I want to share a story with you, it’s a story about Skakti Patel, an immigrant from Zambia who now lives and works in California. Here’s the thing though, he’s been here since he was 5 years old and he’s a legal resident here. His status is called being Read more about Shakti Patel On Patience While Applying to Medical School As a DACA Recipient[…]
25 Oct 2018
HOW TO SAVE MONEY FOR TEENAGERS: BE DEBT FREE AND FRUGAL LIVING
HOW TO SAVE MONEY FOR TEENAGERS: BE DEBT FREE AND FRUGAL LIVING This week I get into a hot topic: money. Everybody has been asking about it. “What do we need to know about money and taxes?” Music Intro: Title: Solar Flares Artist: Silent Partner Genre: Dance & Electronic Mood: Solar Flares – Silent Read more about HOW TO SAVE MONEY FOR TEENAGERS: BE DEBT FREE AND FRUGAL LIVING[…]
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