Did you know that 1 in 10 women relies on sleep aids regularly? It's a staggering statistic, but it's hardly surprising. In today's fast-paced world, where we juggle demanding careers, relationships, never-ending to-do lists, hormonal shifts, and mental health challenges, even a mere six hours of sleep can seem like an unattainable dream. What might surprise you, however, is the potential danger hidden within those seemingly harmless sleeping pills.

Today, I have the privilege of being joined by a remarkable guest on the podcast—a TEDex Speaker, the accomplished author of Stash: My Life in Hiding, and a fellow podcaster, Laura Cathcart Robbins. Laura's memoir takes us on a riveting journey through addiction and recovery. She opens up about her struggles, how she navigated a high-profile Hollywood marriage and divorce, all while facing the challenges of parenting in a world marked by privilege and racism.

Laura generously shares her perspective on the multiple rock-bottom...

 Watch the podcast, above, or listen below. 

Today I talk with Sarah about how the empty nesting went last year and how I'm feeling now that both of my kids are home for the summer. 

Just one year ago on the podcast, I shared the reality of empty nest syndrome, including my apprehension and grief around my children leaving for university and the sale of their childhood home.

But their time away brought many unexpected gifts, and I found myself enjoying the agency and freedom that came with the un-parenting. I traveled loads by myself, and my husband and I downsized to a fun downtown neighborhood.

There was an adjustment period around how to both parent and “un-parent” from afar, and now with my kids back at home for the summer, there’s another re-adjustment happening for all of us as full nest syndrome sets in.

Topics include: 

• understanding your own needs and...

 Watch the podcast, above, or listen below. 

This week I am joined by Maureen Benkovich. Maureen shares her moving personal story as she and I have an honest discussion about infertility, pregnancy loss, grief, depression, and women’s drinking. 

Maureen has experienced the pain of infertility and failed adoption and knows firsthand how easy it is to get stuck in a cycle of shame and blame when it comes to grief, depression, and drinking. For years, she used alcohol as a way to cope with these challenges, and it only made things worse.

But with help, compassionate support, and the latest neuroscience-based techniques, Maureen was able to break free from her patterns and transform her life. Now, as a life coach, she is committed to helping others do the same.

Topics include:

•  Maureen’s journey through multiple miscarriages and fertility treatments
• The painful decision to stop treatment
• Her failed adoption and the grief that followed
• Using alcohol to...

 Watch the podcast, above, or listen below. 

Today I talk with Jay Fields, an educator, coach, and author who has taught the principles of embodied social and emotional intelligence to individuals and organizations for twenty years.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get better at sitting with your emotions, instead of drinking, eating, or scrolling to escape them, Jay’s got the practical three-step solution.

We discuss the importance of feeling your emotions instead of “fixing” them, and how learning to do this using Jay’s approach allows us to respond instead of react, which in turn leads to deeper, more meaningful connections and personal relationships.

Topics include:

- how people-pleasing arises from a common childhood blueprint (“never make anyone else feel uncomfortable”)

- how trying to “fix” an emotion instead feeling and accepting it can lead to overwhelm and burnout

-...

This is my favourite mocktail!

Mix over ice:

2 tbsp+ elderflower syrup (IKEA sells this, as do many specialty markets and food stores - add to desired sweetness)

juice of 1/4 lime

a 1/4 cup or so of fresh mint leaves, muddled or crushed a bit

soda water to fill the glass

garnish with more lime.

Watch the podcast, above, or listen below.

Guest Ally Garber, successful career woman, mom of two, and lover of running, shares her personal story of mental health challenges, alcohol dependence, and recovery -- with honesty, insight, and a great sense of humour.

Ally and I discover we have a lot in common in terms of our shared stories, including the decision to stop drinking during the last year of a parent’s terminal illness.

This easy conversation includes a new take on “mommy wine culture”, a discussion of the pitfalls of moderation, advice for sober-curious “gray-area drinkers”, and the unexpected joys of becoming alcohol-free.

Want to start exploring your relationship with alcohol? Maybe drink a little less? No need to commit to anything, start with my FREE 3 video series, here: www.wendymccallum.com/myths

Watch the podcast, above, or listen below.

Are you a gray-area drinker? Join the club! Over 80% of North Americans drink and about 70% of them wish they drank less.

How do you know when it’s time to make a change? 

I explore this question in today’s episode, highlighting some of the signs that it may be time to start exploring your relationship with alcohol. 

I also talk about the one question we ask ourselves that doesn't really matter, and the one we need to be asking ourselves more often.

Finally, I give listeners a jumping-off point for starting to dig into their own relationship with alcohol with a simple coaching exercise.

Wish you drank a bit less? There's no need to commit to anything more than getting a little curious. I'd suggest you start by digging into your own beliefs around alcohol with  my 3 FREE alcohol belief-busting videos at www.wendymccallum.com/myths

Watch the podcast, above, or listen below.

Jessica Landon was a successful Hollywood actress living a charmed & glamorous life, but it all fell apart when she spiraled into full-blown alcoholism at age 26 which led to jail, then living on the streets, weighing just 78 pounds. She lost it all, but somehow, after 9 trips to rehab, she found the will to leave alcohol behind and build a life she didn't need to escape from. 

She now lives in Los Angeles with her fiancee and beautiful baby boy, and is an advocate and coach for moms in recovery.

Jess shares her powerful story with raw honesty, including the role that laughter, gratitude, and connection played in her own recovery.

Jessica and I discuss gray-area drinking, the sober curious movement, mommy wine culture, and the critical importance of community and connection for women when it comes to healing and recovery.

Follow Jessica on instagram at @jessicalandon12 and find out more about Sober Mom Squad meetings...