Episode 28: Motherhood Without the Mask: Identity, Boundaries & Postpartum Truths with Marissa Zwetow
In this raw and empowering episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, therapist, author, and mother Marissa Zwetow returns for a deeply validating conversation about what motherhood really looks and feels like. Together with host Melissa Crook, Marissa peels back the layers of postpartum mental health, identity loss, emotional labor, and the hidden pressures placed on women to do it all—without ever asking for help.
Through honest storytelling and clinical insight, Marissa offers a vital reminder: you can love your children fiercely and still need rest, space, and support. Two truths can exist at once—and when we name those truths, we begin to heal.
Together, we explore:
Why we must normalize postpartum mental health
How “weaponized gratitude” keeps women silent
The truth about gender roles and emotional labor
The cost of ignoring your own needs
Finding your voice—and your worth—after motherhood
Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned parent, or someone rethinking what womanhood means to you, this conversation gives language and permission to feelings many are scared to say out loud. Let this episode be your reminder: you are not alone, and your needs matter.
Ways to Engage: What are your expectations for yourself? What are society's expectations for you? Is there overlap or are there some expectations you thought were your own but turned out to be someone else’s? Think about what you want out of life and what you expect for yourself without listening to what the outside voices want.
Timestamps:
Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:52 )
Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:57 )
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 14:57 )
Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 21:51 )
Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 30:12 )
Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 41:21 )
Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 44:32 )
Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 50:14 )
5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 53:10 )
5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 55:05 )
Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast - Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers? Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021 or complete our contact form here: https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact
Original FEEL Podcast Theme Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis