Actress and activist Jurnee Smollett on mom guilt and changing the narrative

“Kids are fun. You’ve got to enjoy them. They wanted them to be something that — most of us aren’t..."

We can’t control everything, but we can control what we choose to hold on to, and what we choose to let go of. 

To the world, she’s a cultural icon, a musical powerhouse, and one of the most influential women of our time. But at home, Beyoncé is simply “Mom.”

If we want to save moms from burnout, we have to start by addressing the invisible labor that’s quietly breaking them.

"So because I’m the 'safe one' everyone gets the best versions of my kids and I get the worse."

The mom-guilt is real, but this seems doable.

You call your mom. She saves you because she’s been here too, and she sees you.

Trustworthy and reliable support liberated me, liberated my marriage and allowed me to enjoy motherhood.

Kristen Bell and Jackie Tohn have been best friends since they met as young singers and actors more than 15 years ago. Now, they are collaborating on a new Amazon Original animated kids series — Do, Re & Mi — which premieres this week. Liz checked in with them to talk about the universal power of music, why they want to "sneak teach" music to your kids, what their collective village looks like, and why close friendships are so important for both kids and parents.

Artist Harmonia Rosales, talks to Liz about how her daughter inspired her paintings, pursuing a creative career path after having her children, and why she hopes her art reshapes the narrative of what power and beauty looks like, putting women - and particularly women of color - at the center. She also talks about the parallels between creating art and motherhood and encourages mothers to remember that it is never too late to pursue a dream.

Amanda Sudano Ramirez, one half of the musical duo, JohnnySwim, and star of an upcoming reality show on Joanna and Chip Gaines' Magnolia Network, talks about what she's learned about embracing chaos from life on the road touring with kids, how she and her husband juggle being both musical partners and parents, and why "home" will always be her family.

Liz speaks with actress and activist Jurnee Smollett -- star of Birds…

Liz speaks with geneticist and hyperemesis gravidarum researcher Dr. Marlena Fejzo about her groundbreaking work on the condition that impacts six million women globally during pregnancy and is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, and in severe cases, death. Dr. Fejzo also talks about her own tragic experience with HG and shares her thoughts on why she believes there is still so little research on women's health concerns.

Liz talks to Rachel Hollis, best-selling author, motivational speaker, blogger, podcast host, and mom of four about her new book 'Didn't See That Coming', her recent divorce, and how she overcame her childhood trauma. Rachel also shares tips on how women can maintain an identity outside of motherhood and marriage.

In this episode, Gabby Bernstein, bestselling author, a motivational speaker, and life coach opens to Liz up about her postpartum depression, why she advocates for mental health medication when it is necessary, and why motherhood has been an ongoing spiritual journey. She also shares one of the methods that helped her during some of her darkest moments. Following Gabby's interview, we also hear from a listener about her own experience with postpartum depression. Warning: This episode mentions suicidal and self-harm ideation, which we know can be upsetting or triggering for some listeners. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also call 911 or go to an emergency room. Please know that you are not alone.1 in 7 mothers will experience postpartum depression. At Mother.ly we have more resources on the topic. You can visit www.mother.ly/postpartumhelp. There you'll find articles on the signs of postpartum depression, other helpful resources, and phone numbers to call for support. Please know you are not alone.

In this episode, Liz and Caterina talk about how Caterina processed her daughter's condition, and learned to embrace her daughter's differences rather than view them as "disabilities."