Ever heard of the word Matrescence? Nope, most people haven't.
Matrescence at work explores the experience of parents, mostly mothers as they transition into parenthood and try to maintain their career and their sanity. Coincidence a lot of women end up starting a business? Maybe not?
Join me, Deborah Graham, in hearing about what other people are doing, how they make it work and what we all might need to know.
#46 Eleni Dracakis: How matrescence reshapes the brain, career, and confidence
Eleni Dracakis shares her journey to motherhood, the concept of matrescence, and how it influences her approach to work and life. We explore the impact of motherhood on leadership, workplace flexibility, and supporting women in their careers.
key topics
Eleni's journey to motherhood and stepmotherhood
The concept of matrescence and brain changes during motherhood
Impact of motherhood on leadership and workplace culture
The importance of flexible work arrangements for women and men
The role of organizational culture in supporting working mothers
The significance of community and support networks in motherhood
Strategies for transitioning back to work after maternity leave
The need for education on motherhood in psychology and leadership programs
www.elenidracakis.co (Www.elenidracakis.co)
Instagram: @elenidracakis (https://www.instagram.com/elenidracakis?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
LinkedIn: /in/eleni-dracakis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleni-dracakis-ab910b25?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios)
(https://www.instagram.com/matrescenceatworkpodcast/)
motherhood, matrescence, work-life balance, leadership, workplace flexibility, women in leadership, motherhood journey, organizational culture
28 Sept 2026
#45 Chelsea Solorzano on the hidden cost of pushing through in motherhood
Chelsea Solorzano, a licensed marriage and family therapist and maternal coach, shares her personal journey through motherhood, mental health, and the importance of self-care. This episode explores the emotional landscape of new motherhood, the impact of the pandemic, and practical approaches like internal family systems to support mums.
key topics
Chelsea's personal motherhood story
Impact of the pandemic on maternal mental health
Introduction to internal family systems therapy
The importance of self-care and kindness in motherhood
Challenges of postpartum mental health
Balancing work and motherhood during COVID-19
The evolution of identity through motherhood
Community and support systems for moms
Guest links
Instagram: @withchealseaformoms (https://www.instagram.com/withchelseaformoms?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
withchelseacoaching.com (https://www.withchelseacoaching.com/)
mapleseedcouseling.com (https://www.mapleseedcounseling.com/)
@matrescenceatworkpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/matrescenceatworkpodcast/)
motherhood, mental health, self-care, internal family systems, pandemic, postpartum, maternal mental health, coaching, therapy, motherhood journey
21 Sept 2026
#44 The surprising way that motherhood helped Whitney become the person she'd always wanted to be
Whitney joins Deborah Graham to talk through a motherhood journey that began as a surprise and became a profound identity shift. They explore what it feels like to move from uncertainty and grief around fertility into a new sense of self, and how parenting reshaped Whitney’s confidence, priorities, and daily life.In this conversation, Whitney also shares the practical realities of early motherhood, from sleep and feeding to the huge difference family support and flexible routines can make.
Key topics
Whitney’s unexpected pregnancy with her son Kai after being told fertility treatment might be needed
Living with PCOS, inconsistent periods, and the emotional shock of finding out she was pregnant
The weight of becoming pregnant while her sister was going through fertility treatment
How COVID, a new relationship, and family distance intensified the uncertainty
The shift from thinking she might not have children to realizing motherhood could shape who she became
Whitney’s long process of figuring out her own tastes, values, and voice after a 16-year relationship that blurred her sense of self
How motherhood brought up resentment at times, especially around lost freedom, travel, and being “on” all the time
Why moving out of the city to the peninsula changed the pace of family life and eased the pressure
The role of support systems, including Whitney’s mum living downstairs, childcare meals, and help from her sister
Her return to work as a group fitness instructor and the early signs that pointed toward helping other mums rebuild strength
Guest Links
Instagram: @fitt_siss (https://www.instagram.com/fitt_siss?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==)
fittsiss.com.au (https://www.fittsiss.com.au/the-postpartum-reset-guide)
@matrescenceatworkpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/matrescenceatworkpodcast/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Contact Matrescence at work
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
