For moms in the messy middle—done having kids, but not done figuring out what’s next. We’re talking burnout, big pivots, identity crises, and building a life that actually fits. Honest convos, laughs, and zero hustle-culture B.S.
Not Working Right Now
Claim This Podcastby Melyse Skaarup and Alicia Jones
17 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇨🇦
Podcast Overview
For moms in the messy middle—done having kids, but not done figuring out what’s next. We’re talking burnout, big pivots, identity crises, and building a life that actually fits. Honest convos, laughs, and zero hustle-culture B.S.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
6/23/2025
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Recent Episodes
February 6, 2026
S2E5: Before You Burn It All Down: Find The Grey Area
<p>Burnout has a way of making everything feel black and white: stay miserable, or burn it all down. In this episode, Alicia sits down with Melyse — this time in the hot seat — to unpack the inspiration behind her newly released guide, Before You Burn It All Down.</p><p>Together, they explore what burnout actually looks like (hint: sleep won’t fix it), why so many women feel stuck in all-or-nothing thinking, and how small, intentional reflection can create clarity without adding more pressure. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unfulfilled, or quietly asking yourself “is this really it?” — this episode is for you.</p><p>This isn’t about fixing your life or making drastic decisions. It’s about slowing down, naming what’s not working, and giving yourself permission to explore the grey.</p><p><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong></p><ul><li><p>How burnout sneaks up on high-functioning women</p></li><li><p>Why burnout isn’t cured by rest alone</p></li><li><p>The “tunnel” feeling of being stuck with no clear exit</p></li><li><p>Why working motherhood adds an invisible load</p></li><li><p>How black-and-white thinking keeps us frozen</p></li><li><p>The power of small, low-pressure reflection</p></li><li><p>What the Before You Burn It All Down guide is (and what it isn’t)</p></li><li><p>Why you don’t need a plan to take your first step</p></li></ul><p><strong>Who this episode is for:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Anyone feeling burnt out but unsure what to do next</p></li><li><p>Women stuck between staying put and quitting everything</p></li><li><p>Working moms carrying mental, emotional, and invisible labor</p></li><li><p>Anyone craving clarity without pressure</p></li></ul><p><strong>Resources mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li><p>The <a href="https://stan.store/VibewithMelyse/p/before-you-burn-it-all-down" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Before You Burn It All Down </a>guide</p></li><li><p>Melyse's <a href="https://stan.store/VibewithMelyse/p/the-burnout-quiz-?" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">FREE Burnout quiz</a> </p></li></ul><p><strong>Takeaway:</strong><br>You don’t need to burn your life down to feel better. Sometimes the most powerful move is simply paying attention to what isn’t working — and giving yourself permission to explore what could.</p>
January 30, 2026
S2Ep4: Detours Become Directions; A conversation with Marisa Bernardo
<p><strong>What happens when life forces a pivot you never planned for — and you still choose to keep going?</strong></p><p>In this deeply honest conversation, Alicia and Melyse sit down with Marisa, founder of Defining Journeys, to unpack what happens before the pivot — and what can grow on the other side when life changes the plan.</p><p>Marissa shares her winding, multi-path career journey — from early childhood education and working within the school board, to returning to school (again and again), to navigating a cervical cancer diagnosis, infertility, and ultimately becoming a parent through surrogacy. What began as a career pivot rooted in family planning became something much bigger: a calling shaped by lived experience.</p><p><br></p><p>Together, they explore:</p><ul><li><p>Why loving your job doesn’t always mean it’s sustainable or the right one, right now</p></li><li><p>The quiet burnout that comes from underpaid “purpose-driven” work</p></li><li><p>How health, fertility, and family realities can completely redirect your career</p></li><li><p>The loneliness of navigating infertility and surrogacy — and why lived experience matters</p></li><li><p>Building a flexible, values-aligned career without burning it all down overnight</p></li><li><p>How small, consistent actions create momentum when everything feels uncertain</p></li></ul><p>This episode is for anyone in the messy middle — especially if your pivot wasn’t a choice, but a necessity. It’s a reminder that detours can become directions, and that the life you build after the plan falls apart can be even more aligned than the one you imagined.</p>
January 23, 2026
S2E3: Name It, Don’t Fix It.
<p>Feeling stuck in the messy middle? This episode is your pause button.</p><p>In Season 2, Episode 3, Alicia and Melyse guide listeners through a simple but powerful self-reflection practice: <strong>What’s working right now — and what’s not.</strong> No fixing. No optimizing. Just naming.</p><p>This episode is a check-in designed to help you take one small, gentle action that builds momentum. Because action builds momentum, momentum builds confidence — and you don’t have to do it alone.</p><p>Grab a piece of paper, open your Notes app, or just listen along as Alicia and Melyse model the practice in real time, sharing honest examples from work, parenting, money, health, routines, and relationships.</p><p><strong>✏️ The Practice: Name, Don’t Solve</strong></p><p>In this episode, you’ll be invited to:</p><ul><li><p>Set a 5–10 minute timer</p></li><li><p>Create two columns: What’s working | What’s not working</p></li><li><p>Write the first things that come to mind</p></li><li><p>Resist the urge to fix or optimize</p></li><li><p>Simply acknowledge what’s true right now</p></li></ul><p>This practice isn’t about changing your life — it’s about understanding it.</p><p><br></p><p>🔑 <strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li><p>Clarity doesn’t come from big plans — it comes from small awareness</p></li><li><p>Naming what’s not working can create immediate relief</p></li><li><p>What used to work may no longer fit this season</p></li><li><p>You don’t need to optimize every area of your life</p></li><li><p>Momentum starts with noticing, not doing more</p></li></ul><p>💬 <strong>Why This Episode Matters</strong></p><p>If you’re:</p><ul><li><p>Transitioning out of a season that no longer fits</p></li><li><p>Feeling low-energy, overwhelmed, or off-alignment</p></li><li><p>Craving clarity without another “plan”</p></li><li><p>Tired of fixing and just want to feel better</p></li></ul><p>This episode is for you.</p><p>🎧 <strong>Listen now and try the practice alongside us.</strong><br>And remember: you’re not behind — you’re just in a season.</p>
17 total episodes available
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