The Careers and Cartwheels Podcast

From Thriving to Just Surviving: An Open & Honest Conversation about Parental Burnout

In this episode, we're having a very real conversation about something so many parents are feeling...but not always talking about: Parental Burnout.
 
From losing motivation for things we once loved, to feeling constantly overstimulated, emotionally exhausted, and stuck in survival mode - this episode dives into the reality of trying to juggle careers, kids, relationships and the invisible mental load of motherhood.
We chat about:
What parental burnout actually feels like
The pressure of trying to "do it all"
The all-or-nothing cycle with health, fitness and food
Why afternoons and evenings can feel so overwhelming
The guilt that comes with needing time for yourself.
Small, realistic things that are helping us cope.
This isn't an episode about having all the answers. It's an honest conversation for the parents who feel like they're running on empty while still showing up every single day.
 
Because sometimes life looks less like thriving...and more like just surviving.

Turning 40, getting uncomfortable, planning ahead...and Zana's big news!

In this episode we talk about the term "Matrescence". If you want to know more, please follow our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Matrescence-Project/61575355774112/
Also, you can follow along on Substack
https://substack.com/@thematrescenceproject?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv0&fbclid=IwY2xjawQ9BoRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLYWtFNjJzUkFuUzh6Vlduc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiUveLr4syvO0w7pAgTu-AHeX_WLRXV82g6bYRw0i5FKQvlkvbyIXLq202OR_aem_3zMcp43swE04l_Hib2cLKQ 
 
 

Homeschooling journey with special guest Rhinannon

Quick heads up — this episode is a real and unfiltered conversation. That means there may be some swearing along the way. If you’ve got little ones around, you might want to pop in some headphones.
This week, we chat with the lovely Rhiannon about her homeschooling journey. From once not wanting children to now navigating business ownership and homeschooling her son, she shares the real and raw parts of her story.
To explore more of Rhiannon’s homeschooling journey and her work in business, connect with her on Instagram @rhithistlethwaite.

Introduction to Motherhood with Special Guest Szendi

Tn this episode, we’re bringing you a powerful and deeply honest conversation with our very special guest, Szendi. 
Her welcome to motherhood was far from what she imagined — raw, unexpected, and something she will never forget. She opens up about the reality that not everything goes to plan… and the strength it takes to navigate those moments.If you’ve ever felt the weight of the unexpected in your own motherhood journey, this one will truly speak to your heart.

Christmas Recap and plans for C&C in 2026

Living a Mindful Parenting Lifestyle with Special Guest Nina Visic

Wrapping up our final Careers and Cartwheels episode for 2025! What a year it has been, and for our last chat of the year, we’re joined by the amazing Nina Visic from Mindful Parenting Lifestyle. Nina works passionately to help parents and children build emotional strength, empathy, confidence and a positive outlook. Her mission? To empower families through mindfulness, awareness, self- compassion, and skilful communication. This conversation was both insightful and inspiring. If you’re curious to learn more about Mindful Parenting, this is the episode for you. We also chat about the mum-juggle, being gentle with ourselves, and why Weetbix Wednesday is 100% okay- because sometimes cereal is the perfect dinner when life gets busy.
 
Show notes:
Mindful Parenting Lifestyle contacts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful_parenting_lifestyle/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulparentinglifestyle
Podcast: https://www.mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au/podcast
Website: https://www.mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au
The Calm Summer Blueprint Masterclass: https://www.mindfulparentinglifestyle.com.au/school-holidays-masterclass
 
Dr Kyla Ringrose - Paediatric Dietitian: https://www.instagram.com/dr_kyla/

Life catch up - navigating the mum juggle

Hey there, Careers & Cartwheels crew! It’s been a hot minute since our last episode — the mum juggle has been real!
As we roll into the end of the year, we’re definitely feeling that burnout creeping in. But we know you’ve been waiting for a fresh chat, so here we are — ready to dive back in!
It's time for a life catch-up! From job changes to navigating the homeschool grind, the mum juggle is definitely keeping us on our toes!

Supporting Women throughout Pregnancy and Birth with Special Guest Alex part 2

Part 2
In this episode we continue our discussion a registered endorsed midwife who has supported countless women through pregnancy and birth—whether in hospital or at home. She’s a passionate advocate for choice, empowering women to decide where, how, and with whom they give birth, while always feeling safe, supported, and respected. For her, pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey are not just medical events, but deeply transformative experiences. With a holistic approach and unwavering compassion, she nurtures women through one of the most profound chapters of life—becoming a parent.

Supporting Women throughout Pregnancy and Birth with Special Guest Alex Part 1

In this episode we sit down with a registered endorsed midwife who has supported countless women through pregnancy and birth—whether in hospital or at home. She’s a passionate advocate for choice, empowering women to decide where, how, and with whom they give birth, while always feeling safe, supported, and respected.
For her, pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey are not just medical events, but deeply transformative experiences. With a holistic approach and unwavering compassion, she nurtures women through one of the most profound chapters of life—becoming a parent.

Behind the Birth: A Sneak Peek You Won’t Want to Miss