Not Working Right Now

About Not Working Right Now

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.

Publisher

Melyse Skaarup and Alicia Jones

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Jun 2025

Latest episode

17 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Jul 2026

   S2E6: We didn’t mean to disappear…again.

   It’s been... a while. 😅 After accidentally convincing ourselves we’d only recorded one episode this year (spoiler: this is somehow episode six), we’re catching up on everything that’s happened over the last six months. This conversation is a real-time life update—from navigating motherhood and summer chaos to making career pivots, letting go of businesses, saying no to opportunities that aren’t aligned, and learning (again) that two things can be true at once. In this episode, we chat about: •    Why time has completely disappeared since February •    Summer schedules, camp life, and trying to slow down •    The pressure of the "shoulds" we carry as moms •    Melyse's life update and navigating a major new chapter •    Alicia's decision to pass NOLO on to another mom entrepreneur •    Choosing alignment over security (even when it's scary) •    Why "What's working right now?" continues to be the question that grounds us •    Celebrating the life we've intentionally been building—even when it still feels messy If you've been feeling like you're in the messy middle too, this one's for you. Thank you for sticking with us through the pauses, pivots, and plot twists. We're so glad you're here. ✨ Mentioned in this episode: •    The evolution of Not Working Right Now •    Summer with kids (and all the chaos that comes with it) •    Letting go of expectations and embracing what's true right now •    A teaser for our next conversation: Are we finally through burnout? As always, we'd love to hear from you: What's working right now... and what's not?

2. 

   6 Feb 2026

   S2E5: Before You Burn It All Down: Find The Grey Area

   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. 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. 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. In this episode, we cover: How burnout sneaks up on high-functioning women Why burnout isn’t cured by rest alone The “tunnel” feeling of being stuck with no clear exit Why working motherhood adds an invisible load How black-and-white thinking keeps us frozen The power of small, low-pressure reflection What the Before You Burn It All Down guide is (and what it isn’t) Why you don’t need a plan to take your first step Who this episode is for: Anyone feeling burnt out but unsure what to do next Women stuck between staying put and quitting everything Working moms carrying mental, emotional, and invisible labor Anyone craving clarity without pressure Resources mentioned: The Before You Burn It All Down (https://stan.store/VibewithMelyse/p/before-you-burn-it-all-down)guide Melyse's FREE Burnout quiz (https://stan.store/VibewithMelyse/p/the-burnout-quiz-?) Takeaway: 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.

3. 

   30 Jan 2026

   S2Ep4: Detours Become Directions; A conversation with Marisa Bernardo

   What happens when life forces a pivot you never planned for — and you still choose to keep going? 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. 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. Together, they explore: Why loving your job doesn’t always mean it’s sustainable or the right one, right now The quiet burnout that comes from underpaid “purpose-driven” work How health, fertility, and family realities can completely redirect your career The loneliness of navigating infertility and surrogacy — and why lived experience matters Building a flexible, values-aligned career without burning it all down overnight How small, consistent actions create momentum when everything feels uncertain 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.

4. 

   23 Jan 2026

   S2E3: Name It, Don’t Fix It.

   Feeling stuck in the messy middle? This episode is your pause button. In Season 2, Episode 3, Alicia and Melyse guide listeners through a simple but powerful self-reflection practice: What’s working right now — and what’s not. No fixing. No optimizing. Just naming. 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. 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. ✏️ The Practice: Name, Don’t Solve In this episode, you’ll be invited to: Set a 5–10 minute timer Create two columns: What’s working | What’s not working Write the first things that come to mind Resist the urge to fix or optimize Simply acknowledge what’s true right now This practice isn’t about changing your life — it’s about understanding it. 🔑 Key Takeaways Clarity doesn’t come from big plans — it comes from small awareness Naming what’s not working can create immediate relief What used to work may no longer fit this season You don’t need to optimize every area of your life Momentum starts with noticing, not doing more 💬 Why This Episode Matters If you’re: Transitioning out of a season that no longer fits Feeling low-energy, overwhelmed, or off-alignment Craving clarity without another “plan” Tired of fixing and just want to feel better This episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and try the practice alongside us. And remember: you’re not behind — you’re just in a season.

5. 

   16 Jan 2026

   S2E2: Behind the Porches - What Instagram Didn’t Show You

   What started as a slightly unhinged idea (buying grocery carts full of pumpkins) turned into a real business, and a crash course in the messy middle. In this episode, Alicia and Melyse go behind the scenes of My Happy Porch and share what it actually looked like to build something from scratch: the humbling moments, underpricing their labor, washing pumpkins in the driveway, finding unexpected joy, and learning what kind of work really fits this season of life. More importantly, they break it down into 3 lessons you can apply to your own messy middle, whether you’re starting something new or just trying to feel less stuck. 1️⃣ Stop overthinking. Take one small step. You don’t need clarity — you need motion. 2️⃣ Momentum builds confidence. Readiness comes after action, not before. 3️⃣ Accountability changes everything. Let someone in. Say it out loud. Don’t do it alone. If you’ve been feeling stuck, restless, or unsure what’s next — this episode is your reminder that the messy middle isn’t something to power through… it’s something you move through, one step at a time. 🎧 Listen now.

6. 

   9 Jan 2026

   S2E1: We're Back! (And the Messy Middle Got Messier)

   Happy 2026 — we’re back! If you’ve been here since Season 1, you might be wondering where we went. Short answer: life happened. Long answer? The messy middle got really messy. After telling you we weren’t going anywhere… we kind of disappeared. From September until now, we went quiet — not because we stopped caring about this community, but because everything else got loud. New businesses, career pivots, hard decisions, unexpected pauses, and a whole lot of figuring-it-out-as-we-went. In this episode, we’re not doing a full recap or tying everything up neatly. Instead, we’re talking about what it looks like when life pulls you into a season of action, pause, and recalibration — and why sometimes stepping back is part of moving forward. We talk about: Why we hit pause on the podcast (and why coming back mattered) What happens when you stop overthinking and just try the thing Building a “portfolio career” instead of chasing one perfect job Letting go of identity tied to titles, resumes, and productivity What working with your hands taught us about fulfillment Why part-time, fractional, and flexible work deserves a louder conversation Redefining success in seasons where time, presence, and energy matter more than income alone How asking “What’s working right now?” has become a daily practice This episode is about permission — to pause, to pivot, to experiment, and to admit you don’t have it all figured out (yet). We’re closer than we were before, and that counts. Season 2 is officially here. The mics are back on. The conversations are continuing. Thanks for being here with us in the messy middle. We missed you. 💛

7. 

   18 Sept 2025

   Ep 12: Your Questions, Our Chaos: Our First Community AMA

   This week, we’re doing something different — and something fun. We asked you, our Not Working Right Now community, to send us your burning (and sometimes random) questions, and wow, you delivered. In this special Community Ask Me Anything episode, Alicia and Melyse dive into your submissions with their trademark honesty, humour, and a whole lot of messy realness. From parenting hacks to government pay frustrations and to big transitions back to work, we cover it all. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: 🛑 The biggest quality of life shifts we’ve made in the messy middle 📊 How simple morning routine charts transformed our family chaos 👫 Strategies (that sometimes work) for handling constant sibling fights 💸 The unresolved saga of government pay (spoiler: still broken) ✈️ Why vacations are on pause for now — and what we’re doing instead 👩👦 The real talk on whether parenting gets easier as kids get older 💼 Alicia’s upcoming return to work — excitement, nerves, and boundary-setting ☕ And of course, our go-to Starbucks orders This episode is a mix of laughs, solidarity, and the reminder that none of us really have it figured out — but we’re figuring it out together. ✨ If you’ve ever reheated your coffee three times, felt guilty about mornings, or wondered if you’re the only one fumbling through this season — this one’s for you.

8. 

   11 Sept 2025

   Starting SSRIs: The First Week Feels 🫣

   This week on Not Working Right Now, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s like to start an SSRI for anxiety. Melyse is just 10 days into sertraline (Zoloft), and she’s sharing it all: why she decided to revisit medication, what the first week of side effects felt like (spoiler: it was a lot like first trimester nausea), and the surprising early wins she didn’t expect to see. We also talk about: Stigma, strength, and why moms often feel like medication is “a crutch” The physiotherapy-for-your-brain analogy that helped Alicia say yes to meds years ago Side effects in the first week: headaches, stomach issues, brain fog, and tbh farts Early signs it’s working (aka: basement lights & intrusive thoughts 👀) Talking to kids about medication, when it makes sense This conversation is messy, honest, and hopefully a reminder that you’re not alone if you’re considering support for your mental health.

9. 

   28 Aug 2025

   Ep 10: Summer, Sanity, and Saying No: A Messy Middle Pulse Check

   In this solo episode, Alicia and Melyse are back to share a pulse check on summer, talk about their sanity (or lack of!), and explore what’s next in their messy middle journeys. Melyse spills details from Mom Camp 2025—the highs, lows, and what she’ll do differently next year (hint: more camps, less chaos), what she’s learning in her coaching program, and her exciting next step: dipping her toes into supply teaching! Alicia opens up about the growth and healing she’s been focused on during her medical leave, how summer wasn't exactly what she had planned, and how she is getting better at living true to her values. Together, they dive into: ✨ The surprising joy of simple, low-cost summer activities (beach day > pricey water park) ✨ What therapy, occupational coaching, and boundaries have taught them about burnout ✨ How saying “no” (to events, commitments, and even co-hosting a baby shower) can be the ultimate form of self-care ✨ Big Fall plans for the Not Working Right Now community, including new events! It’s raw, it’s relatable, and it’s proof that even in the messy middle, growth is happening—and sometimes that’s exactly what’s working right now.

10. 

    21 Aug 2025

    Ep 9: Screens, Boredom, and Why Your Child's Education Requires Teamwork -- A Real Conversation with a Teacher and Mom

    In this episode of Not Working Right Now, we sit down with a grade school teacher Katie, who is also a mom, runner, yogi, and unofficial Christmas sweater influencer to dive into all things school and motherhood. Katie joins us to pull back the curtain on what really happens inside a classroom—and let’s just say, it’s not what most parents imagine. From managing 30+ kids (with only 40 minutes of prep time a day!) to answering to “Mom,” “Mrs. Teacher,” and “Miss Mommy,” Katie shares hilarious, honest, and eye-opening stories about teaching in 2025. We cover it all: ✨ The surprising overlaps between parenting and teaching ✨ Why patience, multitasking, and juggling mental to-do lists should all be Olympic sports ✨ The real challenges teachers face with oversized classrooms and limited resources ✨ What parents can actually do to help (hint: just reply to the email!) ✨ Why boredom matters, and how to help kids problem-solve instead of panic ✨ The best (and worst) teacher gifts ever received—yes, it involves Alfredo sauce in a Ziploc bag If you’ve ever wondered what your child’s day at school actually looks like, or if you’re looking for ways to support your kid’s learning without another workbook, this episode is for you.

11. 

    7 Aug 2025

    Ep 8: Burnout, Boundaries & Your Body’s Whispers — a Conversation with Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur

    In this episode of Not Working Right Now, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur, a Naturopathic Doctor who helps women stop running on stress and start feeling like themselves again, because "being a Mom is not a medical diagnosis" We talk about why so many moms hit burnout in the messy middle years, how our bodies signal when something’s off (hint: it’s not just about being tired), and why rest isn’t laziness—it’s medicine. Sarah breaks down the difference between being busy and being full, what it really means to listen to your body, and how to start feeling better without overhauling your entire life. Whether you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or just craving more from this season—this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and more in tune with what you need next. Show Notes** Dr. Sarah refers to her Missing Piece Lab Guide which you can get here: https://fatiguefixer.ca/freeguide/ (https://fatiguefixer.ca/freeguide/)

12. 

    31 Jul 2025

    Ep 7: Beach Chicken And Other Unhinged Parenting Hacks (That Actually Work!)

    This one’s for the parents just trying to survive. In this bonus episode, we’re stepping away from career pivots and diving into the gloriously chaotic world of parenting — specifically, all the questionable hacks we’ve used that definitely wouldn’t make it into a parenting book… but should. From dyeing Advil red to make it more appealing, to telling our kids that “Le Monsieur” shuts down the parks at night, to casually strapping them into their car seats just to get 3 minutes of silence — we’re laying it all out. We’re talking beach chicken, Pokémon card currency, bedtime outfits that double as school clothes, and the greatest trick of all: making your kids think your food tastes better than theirs. These might be mildly unhinged… but they’re highly effective. If you’ve ever looked around and thought, “How are we all just doing this without a manual?” — this episode is for you. 👉 And we want to hear from YOU. Submit your anonymous community confession — a parenting hack, a messy middle moment, or just something you need to get off your chest — by visiting the link in our Instagram bio. Your story might just be featured on a future episode.

13. 

    25 Jul 2025

    Ep 6: Work Got The Best Of Me, Home Got The Rest—A Conversation with Sara

    If you’ve ever felt like the version of you at work is shiny and put-together, while the version of you at home is running on fumes… this one’s for you. In this episode, we sit down with fellow messy mom and NWRN community member Sara, who recently hit pause on her HR career to face something that so many of us try to push through: burnout, postpartum depression, and the crushing pressure to be everything for everyone. Sara shares her deeply personal story — from colic babies and pandemic parenting to finally saying no (and realizing the world didn’t fall apart). We talk about the financial realities of going on leave, what it really feels like to stop achieving, and the hard but healing work of reimagining life on your own terms. Got a messy middle story or moment to share? Submit your anonymous community confession at the link in our bio on IG to be featured in a future episode.

14. 

    17 Jul 2025

    Ep 5: Let's Talk Money, Honey! 💸

    In this episode, we (Alicia + Melyse) open up about what finances actually feel like in this season of life — pausing careers, raising kids, and carrying the invisible weight of all those obligations while the bank account balance slowly shrinks. Spoiler: we are not financial advisors (and honestly, you probably shouldn’t take advice from us anyway). But we do know how heavy and lonely the money stuff can feel when you’re trying to make it all work — and we’re here to say you’re not alone. We share: ✨ What our current work + income situations actually look like ✨ How we decided (or didn’t) whether we “could afford” to pause ✨ The guilt of spending when you’re not earning ✨ How we’ve reframed our value beyond a paycheck ✨ Some questionable-but-fun money hacks we actually use (hello, price matching and thrifting) If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable, guilty, or just confused about your finances in the messy middle of motherhood and career transition — come sit with us in it. We don’t have the answers, but we’ve got the commiseration. ⸻ 📌 Links & Resources Mentioned: •    Flipp App (https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/flipp-flyers-shopping-deals/id725097967) for price-matching groceries •    Overdrive for free e-books (https://ottawa.overdrive.com) from the Ottawa Public Library: Don’t forget to check your city’s e-book offerings if you’re not in Ottawa! •    Book recommendation: The Power Pause (https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/the-power-pause-how-to-plan-a-career-break-after-kids--and-come-back-stronger-than-ever/9780593716182.html) by Neha Ruch (reframing your value in and out of work) •    Canada Strong Pass (https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-pass.html)for free or discounted museum admissions ⸻ 💌 Have a money-saving hack? A funny (or painful) money confession? Or just something you need to get off your chest? 🎤 Submit your anonymous community confession to be featured in a future episode by visiting the link in our Instagram bio. We’d love to hear from you. 📲 And as always, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and tag us if this episode resonated with you.

15. 

    10 Jul 2025

    Ep 4: What Is Working Right Now vs. What’s Still a Hot Mess

    This week on Not Working Right Now, we’re doing a little pulse check on life. In true messy-middle fashion, we sat down for a candid chat about what’s actually working for us right now… and what’s definitely not. No filters, no “perfect systems” — just two moms talking through the little wins, the ongoing struggles, and the hilarious in-betweens of trying to make life, motherhood, and work actually… work. If you’ve ever felt like you’re crushing it in one area while dropping the ball in another (sometimes at the same exact time) — you’re in good company. 💬 What we talk about in this episode: • A surprising list of what’s keeping us afloat right now • The stuff we keep trying (and failing) to make work • Why taking inventory like this feels oddly freeing • Permission to let some things just… not work for now We’d love to hear from you — what’s working and not working in your world? Send us a DM on Instagram or drop a comment on our latest post so we can laugh, nod, and commiserate with you. — ✨ Follow us on Instagram: @nwrightnow ✨ Rate & review the podcast wherever you listen — it helps us reach more moms in the messy middle. ✨ Want to confess your own hot mess moment? Submit it anonymously https://www.speakpipe.com/NWRNConfessions?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLcrMdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp-fs9qi9o_YYSHa74e4bSAiH0h-zIJf-e7Ytz7Cy3G7MYdE_mgdYim6SnFMw_aem_h4frgNJ3K2cup-45_PHDXA. Thanks for being here. And remember: it’s okay if it’s all a bit of a mixed bag right now. You’re not alone.

16. 

    30 Jun 2025

    Ep 3: Resting is Harder Than We Thought

    We used to think rest meant crashing on the couch after the kids went to bed or booking a vacation we were too burnt out to enjoy. But since hitting pause on work, we’ve had to totally rethink what rest actually is. In this episode, we’re unpacking the messy process of slowing down, how we’ve figured out activities we can do that give our brain the rest it needs, and how doing less is sometimes the bravest thing you can do. If you’re feeling tired in your soul, this one’s for you. And don’t forget—at the end of every episode, we share Community Confessions: real, anonymous moments from moms in the messy middle. Want to submit yours? DM us on Instagram or use the link in our bio. You’re not alone in this.

17. 

    24 Jun 2025

    Ep 2: When Life Was “Fine” (But Not Really)

    In this episode, we’re going back to before. Before the pause, before the unraveling, before we admitted that “fine” wasn’t cutting it anymore. We’re talking about what life looked like when we were juggling careers, kids, and expectations—and silently burning out under the weight of it all. If you’ve ever smiled through gritted teeth and said “I’m fine” when you were anything but… this one’s for you. We’re getting honest about the warning signs we ignored, the pressure to keep going, and the moment we realized something had to change. Plus: don’t miss the Community Confession at the end of the episode. You can submit yours anonymously at the link in our bio on Instagram @nwrightnow, or by email at notworkingrightnow2025@gmail.com.

18. 

    23 Jun 2025

    Ep 1: Life’s a Mess, Let’s Podcast

    Welcome to the very first episode of Not Working Right Now—a podcast for moms in the messy middle. You know the stage: you’re done having babies, but not done growing… and something about your current life just isn’t working right now. In this kickoff episode, we’re introducing ourselves, sharing how this whole thing started (spoiler: it began with a coffee and a “me too” moment), and opening up about why we felt called to create this space. Our hope is to build a community where women can be honest about burnout, career shifts, identity changes, and everything in between—without shame, pressure, or pretending we’ve got it all together. Plus, at the end of every episode, we’ll be sharing community confessions—anonymous stories from listeners who are in the thick of it too. You can submit yours anytime via DM or at the link in our bio on Instagram @nwrightnow. Thanks for being here. Let’s figure out what’s next—together.

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Spotify

4.9 / 5

17 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

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