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Winter can feel especially hard for overstimulated moms — but that doesn’t mean you're lazy or there's something wrong. In this episode, I share sensory-based ways to support your body and nervous system during winter without pushing through or forcing productivity. From a sensory and nervous system perspective, winter brings:  less light more time indoors disrupted routines...and increased demands All of which can make regulation harder!  Join me to learn simple shifts toward warmth, gentle movement, rest, and compassion. All so you can find more joy & connection in your chaotic days. --- The internet is full of advice, but what if you had ONE next step to focus on? That's what your free Next Best Step consultation is all about-- less "shoulds" and more peace. Book yours here.  Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

There’s a lot of pressure right now telling moms they need a nervous system reset — especially if you’re feeling overstimulated, exhausted, or emotionally maxed out.  But what if your nervous system isn’t broken at all? In this episode, I’m gently unpacking why nervous system resets don’t always work, where this message comes from, and why so many overstimulated moms feel worse after trying to “fix” themselves.  We’ll talk about what’s actually happening in your body, how chronic sensory overload affects regulation, and why support works better than pressure. If you’re a mom who feels touched out, mentally overloaded, or stuck in survival mode — this episode will help you understand your nervous system through a calmer, more compassionate lens. No resets. No rigid routines. Just realistic nervous system support that fits real mom life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the idea of a “nervous system reset” is misleadingWhat overstimulation looks like in the nervous systemWhy regulation isn’t about fixing yourselfWhat helps overstimulated moms feel safer and more supportedThis episode is for homeschool moms, sensitive moms, and anyone who feels overwhelmed by constant noise, demands, and expectations — and is ready to stop chasing regulation and start responding to their body instead. Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

In the last episode of 2025, we’re going back to the basics of nervous system regulation — especially for moms who feel constantly overwhelmed, overstimulated, or stuck in survival mode. My guest is occupational therapist and nervous system coach Alex Viera, a mom of three who uses tough love, realistic tools, and functional routines to help moms get out of chronic stress and back into connection. Together we break down: What regulation and dysregulation actually meanWhat dysregulation looks like in everyday mom lifeWhy the holidays make everything feel harderThe sneaky signs your nervous system is stuck in survival modeThree simple but powerful  habits to support your regulation (even if you “don’t have time”)If your house feels chaotic, your reactions feel bigger than the situation, or the holidays tend to knock you off center — this episode is your starter guide. We'll be back January 15th 2026 with fresh vision and maybe a little more rested too-- here's to hoping. Be sure to hit follow so you don't miss it when it drops! --- Access Alex's resources here: https://alexandria-viera.mykajabi.com/ Find Alex on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/the.confident.parent/ --- Ready to start 2026 feeling supported and empowered with 1 thing to help you feel less reactive and more connected? Book your free Next Best Step consultation with Whitney here: https://www.sensationalmoms.com Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

This season has been a lot — for me and for so many highly sensitive, easily overstimulated moms. In this episode, I’m sharing what this busy fall has looked like inside my home, why I’ve been quieter than usual, and the shift that's helping me exhale. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, overstimulated by life, or already dreading the holiday season, then grab a warm drink & let's catch up! In this episode, we explore: • Why fall and shorter days can spike overwhelm for sensitive moms • How lack of margin affects your mood, energy, and regulation • Three powerful questions for a more meaningful mom-life • What happiness looks like for burned-out moms • How connection (or lack of it) can make or break your day • Three simple habits that help you feel grounded again Whether you’re a homeschooling mom, a highly sensitive mom, or a mom navigating chronic overload, this episode offers gentle insight and practical encouragement to help you move through fall with more ease. -------- Ready to more away from feeling like a reactive, chronically dysregulated mama? Book your free consultation for some support, just in time for the holidays. https://calendly.com/sensationalmoms --------- Want to be the first to know about new programs & resources? Sign up for the newsletter AND your free resources here! https://sensationalmoms.com Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD brain makes mom life & homeschooling harder, this episode is for you. I was thrilled to chat with Emily Bailey, a mom who’s learning to let go of “shoulds” and find peace in rhythms & strategies that actually fit her neurodivergent brain.  Together, we talk about what it looks like to homeschool when you’re overstimulated and stretched thin... Oh! And not to mention trying to support your own kid's neurodiversity. ✨ A gentle, real conversation for ADHD and overstimulated moms who crave connection & feeling enough, without pretending to be someone they’re not. In this episode, you’ll learn: How ADHD and overstimulation impact homeschooling and daily lifeWhy traditional homeschool structure often fails ADHD momsHow to create flexible homeschool rhythms that match your energy levelsSimple mindset shifts that turn ADHD “struggles” into strengthsWhat happens when you let curiosity, not comparison, lead your dayCheck out Emily's coaching resources here: https://homeschoolunscripted.myflodesk.com/subscribe Connect with her on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolunscripted/ Ready to kick-start your own self-regulation journey so you can ride that emotional roller-coaster instead of feeling like a wreck?  Grab yours for free here: https://sensationalmoms.com/free-resources-for-overstimulated-moms/ Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

If you’re an overstimulated mom who’s tired of being told to “just stay calm..." me too! We’re unpacking the Calm Mom Myth — the unrealistic pressure for moms to always be gentle, composed, and regulated, even when overwhelm & sensory overload are hitting hard. You’ll learn why “calm” isn’t always functional for an overstimulated or sensory-sensitive mom, how your nervous system naturally moves through waves of activation and rest, and why repair and reconnection matter more than staying perfectly calm. If you’ve ever thought, “I just can’t stay calm,” this conversation will encourage you to:  understand your body’s cues release the guilt... and redefine what "calm" really means for youIn this episode: The difference between being calm and being regulatedHow forcing calm can backfire for a sensory-sensitive nervous systemHow to repair after you lose your cool (without shame)Explore your own functional definition of calm for neurodivergent and sensory-aware momsPerfect for: Overstimulated moms, sensory-sensitive moms, and homeschooling moms who crave more connection and less guilt — even when the house feels loud and your life feels a little too much. ------------ 🎁Get your free "calm mom" reflection guide here. Does "calm" really mean what you think it means? If you're tired of being stuck in a cycle of mom guilt and setting yourself up with impossible expectations... start here.Read this blog post about your body's internal sense (interoception) here.Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

In this episode we’re getting personal with guest Amy Bodkin, an Autistic Adult who homeschools her 2 Autistic children. Amy is a passionate consultant and public speaker serving families worldwide with needs that fall outside the norm She joins me for an honest and heartfelt conversation about what it’s like to navigate motherhood, homeschooling, and autism— all at once! We talk about:  ✨ The journey from “something feels different” to receiving her autism diagnosis as an adult  ✨ How motherhood became the mirror that helped her see herself more clearly  ✨ The beauty (and mess!) of choosing connection over “faking it till you make it”  ✨ Why so many moms discover their own neurodivergence after their child’s diagnosis  ✨ How visual vs. verbal processing styles show up in learning and relationships  ✨ What it looks like to set the emotional tone at home — even when meltdowns happen Amy’s story reminds us that growth and self-understanding often come in the middle of the mess — and that our kids don’t need us to have it all figured out; they just need us to keep choosing connection. 🎁Need some help navigating the beautiful messy moments of motherhood? Be sure to grab your free "getting started with self-regulation" guide created especially with moms in mind at https://www.sensationalmoms.com ---- Amy Bodkin is a Consultant and Public Speaker serving families worldwide with needs that fall outside the norm. Amy is an Autistic Adult, has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology, and homeschools her two Autistic children. Amy believes in taking a Holistic Developmental Approach to support because children are full persons worthy of respect for individuality. "We like to say it is as easy as ABC: Ally, Boost, and Connect! Ally with Amy through her podcast, “Special Needs Kids Are People Too!” Get a Boost with her Educational Resources, including her book Special Needs Kids Are People Too: Seeing the Possibilities Through a Neurodiverse Lens. And Connect through her Membership Group and Private Consultations!" 🎁We are offering listeners an opportunity to get a free month of our membership group! The membership includes free yearly testing for the entire family, weekly events like book clubs, Minecraft on our private server, DnD, Art Club, Video Game Club, and Office Hours for ongoing support. The membership is more than a social club. It is an investment in your child's future!! The number one thing that holds parents back from giving their kids a good start on life is a lack of knowledge in Child Development, including brain development. By connecting with Amy, you can have all of that knowledge in your back pocket without having to learn it all yourself! Let Amy monitor your child's development so you can take one more thing off your list! Use the code: SENSATIONAL-FREE-MEMBERSHIP https://amybodkin.com/product/special-needs-membership/ Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

You thought the sensory overload would ease up once the baby and toddler years passed… but here you are, still feeling touched out, talked out, and overwhelmed.  In this episode, I unpack why motherhood doesn’t get less overstimulating with big kids — and what you can do about it.  Join me for this personal conversation and: pinpoint why you might feel that way (you're not crazy!)feel equipped with a few simple things to try to feel less overwhelmed& walk away feeling seen, describe what's going on, and ask for helpLet's talk about why it's not necessarily helpful to wait and see when it comes to feeling chronically overwhelmed by your kids. 💗 If you’ve been waiting for things to magically ‘get easier,’ I want you to know you’re not alone — and there’s real support for you. Book your free consultation at https://www.calendly.com/sensationalmoms so you can stop pushing through overwhelm and start finding joy in your days again. How movement affects overstimulation: https://sensationalmoms.com/moms-who-are-overwhelmed-overstimulated-need-to-feed-these-3-senses-everyday/ How hormones affect sensory: https://sensationalmoms.com/hormones-sensory-overload/ Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

I invite you to join me in this personal conversation with Teresa Wiedrick, a certified life coach. We get personal fast and dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of being a highly sensitive mom.  Teresa and I also discuss transformative moments in the shift from my kids' difficulties being the problem to realizing we are all on our own growth journey... and how our's as mom deeply impacts our children's.  In personal stories, we explore topics like: the importance of self-regulationthe impact of sensory processing on family dynamicsconflict management helppractical strategies for managing stressful moments how child-led learning has impacted our homeschool and relationship dynamicsThis is the first in my Fall series of chats meant to encourage moms of all different neurotypes in our parenting journeys. --->Be sure to check out Teresa Wiedrick's impactful resources especially for homeschool mamas at: https://capturingthecharmedlife.com/ --->You can also find her chatting about real life challenges and triumphs as a homeschoool mom on instagram @homeschoollifecoach ------------------------------ Want your own free guide for how to support yourself in your next overwhelming, overstimulating moment? Grab it here: https://sensationalmoms.com/free-resources-for-overstimulated-moms/ Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

Stress is inevitable in the life of a mom, but if you struggle with sensory overload and overwhelm... it's even more important that you address it before it compounds. In this episode, Whitney explores common reasons WHY moms have a hard time getting around to stress management & how to work around them. What is the stress cycle?How does stress relate to sensory overload?7 simple ways to address stress, even with your kids.Learn more about sleep in this episode: Season 2 Episode 3: https://sensationalmoms.com/podcast/ Want your 25+ Free Tips for what to do when you're STRESSED & over it? https://sensationalmoms.com/free-resources-for-overstimulated-moms/ Listen to Alex Viera's podcast episode about rest: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-14-theres-different-types-of-rest-yes-7-of-them/id1756368262?i=1000677014450 Watch alternate nostril breathing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VwufJrUhic Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

What does sound sensitivity and auditory processing disorder look like in real life for a family? Possibly melt-downs, hurting relationships, walking on eggshells, avoiding fun outings, attention struggles, social skill struggles, sleep difficulties, reading issues... the list goes on. Wait! Before you say "My kid hears just fine" or "My hearing is ok..." This is often an unidentified source of defiance, conflict, reading, social & attention difficulties... and more. You really might be surprised! Dr. Rae Stout joins me in this episode as we dive into APD & hearing sensitivites.  she helps us understand what APD, misophonia, and hyperacusis are in the first placewe discuss the real impacts we've seen in the homeshe shares how she's pioneering the effective use of low-gain hearing aids to make life-changing functional impacts that affect whole familieswe talk about other treatment options and how they fit in...and with an element of surprise and humor in the middle. The impacts include academics but reach far beyond. Functional listening difficulties impact family dynamics and can make even normal daily tasks feel monumentally hard... whether it's a kid or a grown-up who struggles-- or both! Dr. Rae Stout is a neurodivergent audiologist and mom of an AuDHD son, sharing both autism and ADHD diagnoses. She is a pioneer in the use of low-gain hearing aids for children and adults with normal or near-normal hearing who struggle with functional listening. Her specialties include auditory processing disorder, hyperacusis, tinnitus, and misophonia, with a focus on supporting children with autism, ADHD, and PDA profiles. Dr. Rae brings a neurodivergent-affirming approach to her work, combining clinical expertise with lived experience to help families create calmer, more accessible environments. Connect with her here & learn more about her wonderful services & the community she's created: Website: https://www.drraestout.com APD Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FFKPAfedd/ Watch this informative and heart-felt video about APD and LGHA's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea3XHUDIxIg ---- Book your free consultation with Whitney here or sign up for regular email with actionable strategies and stories of encouragement at https://www.sensationalmoms.com Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

Back to school means shifting routines & expectations, which can be really hard for some kids (and adults too!)... even homeschoolers.  A lot of the back to school excitement can be well-intended and is certainly happy for some... but for others of us, it's full of stress, emotions, & anticipation of tricky situations, like increased meltdowns and maybe refusals.  In this episode, we discuss: What is high sensitivity (yes, it's more than sensory sensitivity)?What can you do to support your kid? Hint: Small shifts are key.How can you get more peace in your home during these tricky times?Join Whitney as she shares how back to school has been tricky for her highly sensitive kid and what she's found that helps-- from an OT and a mom of 4. Read more about high sensitivity here.  https://sensationalmoms.com/highly-sensitive-person/ ------------- Understanding more about you or your kids' sensory processing and self-regulation might be the missing pieces for more calm & connection in your home.  If you want help putting those pieces together, book your Sensory Snapshot consultation today. Spots are limited to 5 families this back to school season.  Start this school year feeling supported and equipped to create a home environment where everyone can flourish-- you included. Learn more or book yours here. https://sensationalmoms.com/services-for-sensory-support-self-regulation/ Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

Did you know sensory stress doesn't have its own special "stress bucket" in the brain? Stress=stress... The good news is that simplifying other things helps improve your resilience with overstimulation too! In this episode, we break down some tried and true ways to simlify life as we head "back to school," regardless of how you educate your kids. home maintenancemealscar-time...plus some of my favorite tools (new and old)Listen along as we break things down into super practical steps and decide what NOT to do so that we can be present and enjoy our kids (most of the time). What would you add to the list? Join the conversation on Instagram @sensationalmoms ------ You're invited! Join us for Supporting Your High Needs Learner at Home! An online conference just for you to find encouragement and advice as we head into a new year. Pre-recorded AND live sessions! It's more than a conference, though. It's packed full of opportunities to "mingle" with other parents in your shoes, too... all from the comfort of home. Finally, other parents who "get it" too. All for $15! Register here Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

Let's normalize talking about our self-regulation & our senses! But it can feel awkward... so what better way than through a beautiful, engaging picture book? Join Sarah and me, Whitney, as we discuss her new book A Chameleon Tale: how it came abouthow it's already impacting familiessensory processing (especially vestibular and proprioceptive input!) Learn more here.self-regulation (learn more here)MOM's own sensory systems, too!When you talk to your kid about sensory processing or self-regulation, do you feel like you're talking OVER them instead of having a conversation? Or maybe you have a kiddo like mine who is not receptive to a lot of direct teaching about self-regulation. Jackie Adrian, Sarah's friend and co-author of A Chameleon Tale, said "Where's the book for this?" ... and they couldn't find one! So in true OT fashion, she helped make it. Find A Chameleon Tale (link) on Amazon or wherever books are sold.  Connect with Sarah: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/homeschool_ot/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/thehomeschoolot Linked In- https://www.linkedin.com/in/homeschoolot/ Website- http://homeschoolot.com Podcast- The OT is In on any podcast player- link to apple  Youtube- www.youtube.com/@homeschoolot A Chameleon Tale- A Colorful Sensory Story on amazon (though can be purchased at any book vendor) Find Jackie Adrian's art and books here: https://www.jackieadrian.com/ --- Join us for Summer Masterclass Series: Brain Body Parenting! If you need less struggle and more peace of mind as you enter fall... save yourself some closet space and money from wasted curriculum and try this instead. No more dusty, half-read parenting and brain books. 4 sessions via-zoomreal-time chat to ask your questions in betweenaccess to an OT & mom of 4 to answer your questionssupport from other moms in the trenchesRegister here or learn more: subscribepage.io/summermasterclass Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.

In this episode of the Sensational Moms podcast, we explore ways that moms who easily feel overwhelmed can make the most of their summer. Join me as I share personal experiences and offer practical advice on:  establishing routines incorporating movement prioritizing restpacing to-do listsfostering meaningful connections (co-regulation!) If you're easily overstimulated and summer strikes fear in your heart or flies by without those purposeful, happy moments... you won't want to miss this episode.  BONUS: You'll head into fall with some truly helpful habits supporting you and your family. Join us for Summer Masterclass Series starting June 25th! Email [email protected] to reserve your spot or ask more questions. 01:53 Tip 1: Establish a Simple Morning Routine 04:57 Tip 2: Incorporate Movement Despite the Heat 10:18 Tip 3: Prioritize Rest and Wellbeing 12:28 Tip 4: Pace Your To-Do List 13:35 Tip 5: Foster Co-Regulation and Meaningful Relationships 15:56 Conclusion: Enjoying Summer and Preparing for Fall Send Whitney a Text This podcast is not meant as medical advice or a substitute for any medical advice. Please contact your health professional with any mental health or physical health questions or concerns.