Shows
The Distracted Dreamer#39: ‘Hard’ Is Part of the Dream: 6 Mindsets to Keep Going AnywaySend Carlene a textI know what it’s like for the dream to feel so much harder than you imagined. I’ve been there—facing fear, self-doubt, unexpected curveballs, and the deep exhaustion that comes from caring so much. Because the hard parts make you want to throw in the towel, question everything, and wonder if maybe you were wrong for wanting it in the first place. That’s exactly why I wanted to have this conversation with you.Today, I’m opening up about the behind-the-scenes moments of my own dreams and the six mindse...2025-07-2918 min
Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother24. Five Life-Changing Books for Moms on a Healing JourneyIf you’re a mom doing the hard work of healing while raising little ones, these five books belong on your shelf! Whether you’re navigating motherhood without the support you needed, working to break generational cycles, or learning to remother yourself with compassion, these life-changing books can offer the guidance, validation, and hope you’ve been craving.In this episode, Alyssa Carlene will briefly introduce you to five powerful reads that support your emotional growth and help you feel more grounded, empowered, and seen on your motherhood healing journey.Listen to the episode to answer...2025-07-2214 minThe Distracted Dreamer#38: When the Parenting Dream Collides with Reality: Letting Go of GuiltSend Carlene a textHave you ever carried that quiet guilt—the kind that whispers you're not doing enough, even when you're doing everything? You're not imagining it. Parenting today asks more of us than ever before—and it’s leaving a lot of us burned out, overwhelmed, and riddled with guilt.I used to think the stress was just part of the job. But then I looked at the numbers. And I realized—this isn't a personal failing. It's a system that’s stacked against us.In this episode, I’m diving into what ha...2025-07-2228 minThe Distracted Dreamer#37: Overthinking Your Dreams? Here’s What Other Dreamers Are Doing InsteadSend Carlene a textWhile you're stuck in your head, someone else is taking the next step toward your dream— or a version of it.I've been there — stuck in my head, overthinking every move, waiting for the perfect moment to start. But this week, I looked around and realized... while I was overthinking my dreams, other dreamers were out there doing the the thing. Planting gardens. Writing books. Starting messy.In this episode, I'm calling out the fear that keeps us stuck and sharing how real peop...2025-07-1312 minThe Distracted Dreamer#36: The 7 D’s: The Secret Distractions That Quietly Detour Your DreamsSend Carlene a textFeeling stuck, scattered, or creatively off track? In this episode, I’m sharing the 7 D’s of distraction—seven sneaky ways we lose focus on our dreams without even realizing it. Distractions aren’t always loud. Sometimes they show up as quiet whispers, gently pulling us away from what matters most. Using a simple self-rating tool, I’ll help you gently name what’s really pulling your attention away. Because when you can name it, you can change it. You’ll leave with more clarity, to help you refocus your...2025-07-0826 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother21. When Motherhood Feels Lonely: How to Care for Yourself & ConnectYou might be surrounded by your kids all day long and still feel incredibly lonely. Maybe you don’t have a strong circle of mom friends to lean on. And if you’re navigating motherhood without the support of your mom, that loneliness can feel even deeper. Do you experience this? Today, on Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother, Alyssa Carlene explores why loneliness is common to many mothers and important ways you can care for yourself. She also mentions simple ideas to connect with other mothers and create real, meaningful relationships. Listen to today's episode to ans...2025-07-0111 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother20. Ten Reasons to Join the Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother Facebook GroupAre you looking for a supportive space where you can vent, feel understood, and connect with other moms who truly get what it’s like to navigate motherhood without your mother? Today on the podcast, join Alyssa Carlene to hear TEN powerful reasons to join the Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother Facebook community! Finally, you'll have a place to build meaningful friendships, share your emotions without judgment, and feel empowered by moms who are walking a similar path. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Where can I find other...2025-06-2410 minThe Distracted Dreamer#35: Reclaim the Dreams You Tucked Away — Alicia’s Story of Courage and Heart Could Be the Nudge You’ve Been Waiting ForSend Carlene a textIf you’ve ever felt like you missed your chance—or that it’s too late to go after what you really want—this episode is for you. I sat down with Alicia Staley Johnson—a friend, photographer, and creative soul who stopped hiding the most authentic part of herself and reclaimed her dream at 59. She finally went all in on a dream she’d tucked away for years. And WOW... what happened next blew me away.This isn’t just her story—it’s your wake-up call. Her journey is proof tha...2025-06-2451 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother19. Why a Supportive Community is the Missing Piece to Navigating Motherhood Without Your MomIf you're navigating motherhood without your mother, a supportive community is your missing piece to healing, alignment, and validation! You were never meant to mother alone. And for moms without moms, that isolation can run even deeper. Join Alyssa Carlene on today's episode to hear some exciting news and seven specific reasons why confidence and empowerment grow faster and stronger in community. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Why do I feel so alone in motherhood, even when I’m surrounded by people? How do I find other moms who und...2025-06-1709 minThe Distracted Dreamer#34: Why You Compare (and 6 Ways to Use It to Your Advantage)Send Carlene a textHave you ever felt that quiet ache of not measuring up—like you’re always behind, no matter how hard you try? You know those moments where it feels like everyone else is ahead—more successful, more creative, more together?I used to believe that if I just learned more, worked harder, or polished everything to perfection, I’d finally catch up to…well, everyone else. But here’s what I know now: comparison was keeping me stuck. It was robbing me of my voice, my creativity, a...2025-06-1726 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother18. Five Steps to Navigating Motherhood Without Your MotherAre you stepping into a season of motherhood where you claim your power, even without the support you always deserved?Join Alyssa Carlene as she shares the exciting news about her free video training: Five Steps to Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother (which can be accessed below)! This training is all about her five-step ROOTS framework, the same five steps that she used to move from pain, shame, and survival…to purpose, joy, and rooted motherhood.Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Why does motherhood fee...2025-06-1006 minThe Distracted Dreamer#33: Why Adults Stop Dreaming: Healing the Childhood Messages That Keep You SmallSend Carlene a textIf dreaming feels silly, selfish, or out of reach — you’re not alone. In fact, you might just be hearing echoes of childhood messages that told you to stay small, play it safe, and be realistic.The messages we absorbed in childhood — about obedience, achievement, and staying “realistic” — still shape the way we show up as adults.In today’s episode (our first with a guest!), I’m joined by my longtime friend and counselor Becky Stevenson to talk about why adults stop dreaming… and how to get back in tou...2025-06-1046 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother17. Why Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother Feels So HardThere’s something people don’t talk about enough: how utterly alone, lost, and overwhelmed you can feel when you’re raising children without the presence or support of your mother. In today's episode, join Alyssa Carlene as she breaks down the emotional and psychological loss of navigating motherhood without your mother. Even though there is deep pain, there is also hope and healing!Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Why does it feel so devastating and tragic to navigate motherhood without my mom? Am I broken because I still lon...2025-06-0308 minThe Distracted Dreamer#32: It's Time to Charge What You're Worth: A Money Mindset Reset for DreamersSend Carlene a textIf you’ve ever whispered, “Who am I to charge for this?” or felt weird about putting a price on your work — this episode is for you.For so many of us creative dreamers — whether you’re offering personal services like coaching, selling a product you dreamed up, or sharing art you’ve poured your heart into — charging can feel deeply personal.In this honest conversation, we’re diving into self-worth, pricing, and the hidden fears that keep so many creatives undercharging. We’ll also explore why underpricing your work isn’t sustainab...2025-06-0325 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother16. Four Practices to Shut Down Negative ThoughtsAs a mom, do you ever feel like negative thoughts have taken over your headspace? In this quick episode, Alyssa Carlene shares four simple, real-life practices to help you shut down that inner critic and bring your mindset back to center—because motherhood is hard enough without your brain working against you. These bite-sized mindset shifts are perfect for busy moms who need a reset in five minutes or less. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Why do I keep thinking the worst about myself as a mom?How can I stop...2025-05-2709 minThe Distracted Dreamer#31: Can I Be Both? Choosing Your Dreams and Your Family in MidlifeSend Carlene a textIn this episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal moment that brought me face-to-face with a question I know many of us wrestle with: Can I be both? Can I be the mom who shows up, the grandma who’s present, the daughter who cares—and still say yes to my dreams?If you’ve ever felt like just as you were finally making space for your own dreams, life started pulling you in another direction, I see you. I’m right there with you.Today's conversation is like sitting do...2025-05-2719 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother15. How to Open Your Heart to ForgivenessHave you ever carried a hurt so deep that it changed the way you saw yourself or the world? Perhaps you've held on—not because you wanted to, but because you didn't know how to let go. In today's episode, Alyssa Carlene explores the power of forgiveness. She meets you exactly where you are through spiritual wisdom, honest reflection, and simple steps to start healing today.Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: What does forgiveness mean—and does it mean I have to forget what happened?How do I know if I’m tru...2025-05-2017 minThe Distracted Dreamer#30: How to Say No with Confidence (Without Guilt or Apology) and Protect Your Time, Energy, and DreamsSend Carlene a textSaying no is hard.Maybe you’ve felt it too—that tug-of-war between wanting to help and secretly knowing you’re already stretched way too thin. I’ve been there more times than I can count. If you’ve ever struggled to say no because you didn’t want to disappoint someone—you’re not alone.In fact, I’ve had so many of you reach out asking “How the heck do I say no without feeling guilty or ruining relationships?” That’s exactly what we’re talking about today....2025-05-2024 minThe Distracted Dreamer#29: Overthinking Is Killing Your Dreams: 8 Strategies to Break the SpiralSend Carlene a textIn this episode, I’m getting real about something that so many of us silently struggle with—overthinking. You know, those 3 a.m. spirals, the constant “what ifs,” and the endless loops that leave you feeling stuck and drained. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in your head, overanalyzing every decision, replaying conversations, or imagining every possible outcome before you even take the first step—you’re not alone.I’m walking you through the real cost of overthinking (spoiler: it’s your peace, your creativity, and yes—your dream...2025-05-1329 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother13. When Mother's Day Hurts: Honoring Your Feelings with GraceMother's Day can be a challenging holiday for a mom who is grieving her mother because of loss, distance, or estrangement. Does this resonate with you? Today's episode is for anyone who may find this day more painful than peaceful. Alyssa Carlene, your host, shares the importance of gracefully honoring your complex feelings and thoughtful ways to guard your heart this Mother's Day. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: How do I make space for my grief without feeling guilty? How can I protect my peace when social media and family gath...2025-05-0615 minThe Distracted Dreamer#28: It's Your Turn: Reclaiming Your Dreams After Years of Putting Others FirstSend Carlene a textDownload your guide below 👇Reclaiming Your Dreams Reflection GuideHave you spent years showing up and putting everyone else first - your kids, your partner, your parents - while your own dreams quietly waited in the wings? I get it. Just like you, I'm trying to figure out what this next chapter looks like - this in-between space where we're not quite who we were and not yet sure who we're becoming. What if you didn’t need permission to start again?What if this mo...2025-05-0618 minNavigating Motherhood Without Your Mother12. Grieving a Mother Who is Still AliveAre you grieving a mother who is still alive? This feels like mourning a maternal relationship that is unresolved, confusing, or missing something essential, like the love, safety, or presence you needed but didn’t receive from her. Today's important conversation, of Navigating Motherhood Without Your Mother is an invitation for you to honor this complicated grieving journey. Join Alyssa Carlene in processing all of these intense feelings and acknowledging your loss. Listen to the episode to answer the following questions: Why does it hurt so much when my mother is still alive? Can I grie...2025-04-2917 min