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Want to work with Elle? (Life Coaching) 🔗 ellerowley.com Season 3 Episode 9 | The 3 Stages of Caregiving in Motherhood In this episode, Elle explores the caregiver archetype and the three levels of development that shape how we love, give, and grow in motherhood. From overgiving and burnout to boundaries, empowerment, and generative care, this conversation offers a new lens on what it means to care for others without losing yourself. Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop 🔗 Elle's Links: https://substack.com/@ellerowley https://www.instagram.com/ellerowley ~ About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Want to work with Elle? (Life Coaching) 🔗 https://paperbell.me/elle-rowley#packagestarpk S3 E8 | The 3 Pillars of an Unshakable Mindset (For the Hard Days of Motherhood) In this episode, Elle shares the 3 pillars of an indomitable mindset — a framework for building resilience, clarity, and purpose in the middle of real life. Through the lens of Meaning, Belief, and Action, she explores how the way you interpret your life shapes how you experience it — and how intentional mindset shifts can help you navigate motherhood, challenge, and growth with greater strength and alignment. From defining your “why,” to choosing beliefs that serve you, to taking action even when motivation is low, this episode is a practical and empowering guide for any woman who wants to feel more grounded, capable, and connected to her life. Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop https://substack.com/@ellerowley https://www.instagram.com/ellerowley ~ About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Want to work with Elle? (Life Coaching) 🔗 https://paperbell.me/elle-rowley#packagestarpk S3 E7 | Maiden → Mother → Matriarch: The Map No One Gave Us In this episode, Elle explores a framework that brings clarity to the often confusing experience of becoming a woman: maiden, mother, matriarch. Drawing from psychology, myth, and scripture, she reframes the disorientation many women feel — especially in motherhood — not as failure, but as initiation into a deeper identity. From the maiden’s search for meaning, to the mother’s transformation through sacrifice, to the matriarch’s emergence as a source of wisdom and authority, this conversation offers language for a path many women are already walking… but don’t yet have words for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Want to work with Elle? (Life Coaching) 🔗 https://paperbell.me/elle-rowley#packagestarpk Season 3 Episode 6 | Letters from Down the Well: Finding Yourself After Motherhood (Postpartum, Identity & Overwhelm) In this episode, Elle introduces Letters from Down the Well — a new series where real questions from women and mothers open the door to honest, transformative conversations. From postpartum identity and overwhelm to marriage, mom guilt, and breaking generational cycles, Elle offers a grounded reminder: You’re not failing — you’re becoming. If you’ve felt lost, stretched, or unsure of who you are in this season of motherhood, this episode will meet you there with clarity, perspective, and encouragement. ~ We would LOVE your thoughts on this episode. Do you want more podcast episodes in this layout? You ask, I answer. Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop https://substack.com/@ellerowley https://www.instagram.com/ellerowley 00:00 - Welcoming Listeners 02:01 - Identity Struggles Postpartum 03:41 - Advice: Humility and Curiosity 05:49 - Starting Solibaby After Birth 07:34 - Open-Heartedness After Loss 10:13 - Mothering Without Your Mother 13:36 - Adjusting Homeschooling Expectations 16:44 - Connection During Toddler Phase 21:00 - Weekly Date Night Advice 27:02 - Meltdowns: Mothering Yourself ~ About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Want to work with Elle? (Life Coaching) 🔗 https://paperbell.me/elle-rowley#packagestarpk Season 3 Episode 5 | Reclaiming the Table: Why Gathering Matters In this episode of Down The Well, Elle Rowley sits down with cookbook author and Recipe Club founder Kelsey Nixon for an honest conversation about why gathering around the dinner table matters. Kelsey shares childhood memories, her personal journey through motherhood and loss, and practical tips for reclaiming family dinner—even when life is busy or imperfect. Together, they bust the myth of “perfect” hosting, discuss the real reason dinner matters, and inspire listeners to embrace simple, meaningful meals as a source of connection and love. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by dinner or hosting, this soulful episode is for you. P.S. If you haven’t tried meal planning through Recipe Club, stop everything and sign up for two weeks free (code: ELLE) to test it out. You’ll never go back. I still can’t decide if it’s because of the one-click Instacart shopping or the fact that my kids never complain about dinner now as long as it’s a “Kelsey recipe.” It has truly revolutionized dinner time at our house almost three years ago and I promise it will at your house too. Recipe Club - https://kelseynixon.com/ Kelsey's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kelseynixon/?hl=en Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop https://substack.com/@ellerowley https://www.instagram.com/ellerowley ~ About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Schedule a free coaching consult [email protected] Season 3 Episode 4 | Break The Cycle of Overwhelm and Resentment In Motherhood In this episode of Down The Well, Elle Rowley dives into the root causes of overwhelm and resentment in motherhood, revealing how the stories we tell ourselves can quietly define our experiences. Moving through scenarios of three mothers, Elle explores how old beliefs can keep us trapped. Have you had any of these thoughts before? “I am the only capable adult” "A good mother never has limits" "I have everything, I don't get to want more" If so, this episode is for YOU! With empathy and practical advice, Elle Rowley encourages listeners to rewrite these narratives, embrace healthy boundaries, and reclaim inner authority. This is an empowering guide for anyone ready to shift from martyrdom to self-leadership, and build a more aligned, fulfilling life as a mother. Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop https://substack.com/@ellerowley https://www.instagram.com/ellerowley 00:00 - Overwhelm Isn't Random, It's Story-Driven 01:07 - Phases: Maiden, Mother, Matriarch 03:52 – Overwhelm = Busy Mom Stereotype 04:55 – Overwhelm: Cognitive, Emotional, Existential 07:45 – Sarah: Only Capable Adult 14:51 – Maria: Never Has Limits 20:07 – Availability VS True Presence 28:55 – Architect Your Life, Intentional Choices ~ About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Schedule a free coaching consult - [email protected] Season 3 Episode 3 | Who She Became After the Waiting — 5 Lessons From Leanne Morgan In this episode of Down The Well, Elle Rowley takes listeners on a journey through the inspiring life and career of comedian Leanne Morgan, celebrating her as a modern-day matriarch whose humor and wisdom are hard-earned and deeply relatable. Through stories of motherhood, late blooming success, and finding comedy in the chaos of everyday life, Elle Rowley distills five powerful lessons from Leanne Morgan's journey—including the transformative power of humor, the quiet strength of gentleness, and the mythic value found in ordinary lives. With warm anecdotes, personal reflections, and snippets from Leanne Morgan herself, this episode is both a tribute to a beloved Southern voice and an uplifting reminder that it’s never too late to step into your own light. Leanne's Book: https://www.leannemorgan.com/book Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee: https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop https://substack.com/@ellerowley https://www.instagram.com/ellerowley 00:00 Introduction to Leanne Morgan 02:59 - Attending Leanne’s Netflix taping 05:03 - Leanne’s “Ordinary” Life Details 07:00 - Matriarchal Lessons: Right on Time 10:18 - Leanne on God’s Timing 12:40 - Humorous Motherhood Moments 18:00 - Mythic Power in Ordinary Lives 26:30 - Closing Lessons & Gratitude ~ About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Contact Elle, [email protected], to schedule a free coaching consult. Sz 3 Ep 2 | What if losing yourself in motherhood was only the beginning of your real story? In this powerful solo episode, Elle Rowley dives into the most common and painful experience shared by mothers everywhere: the feeling of disappearing into motherhood. Drawing wisdom from both her own journey and the collective voices of hundreds of moms, she unpacks the loneliness, exhaustion, and self-loss that so often come with parenting—and challenges the idea that these struggles are the end of your story. Through the lens of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, Elle reframes the descent into caretaking and invisibility as the first act of a profound transformation. This episode isn’t about escaping your life or returning to who you once were, but about reclaiming identity, integrating selfhood with care, and finding meaning and adventure in every messy, exhausting phase. You'll hear raw confessions, honest reflections, and practical strategies on how to embrace the “underground” seasons, trust the growth that’s happening beneath the surface, and courageously begin your re-emergence. From self-care rituals to reframing guilt and redefining what it means to be “enough,” this episode is an invitation to trust that you’re becoming someone larger and truer—right in the heart of motherhood. If you or someone you love is struggling to see the light at the bottom of the well, this chapter promises hope, clarity, and a way forward. Join Elle in rewriting your story—one that honors both the sacrifices and the reawakening that motherhood demands. ----- Down The Well Links: Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley Schedule a free coaching consult with Elle - [email protected] Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop ----- About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. ----- Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Exhaustion and isolation in motherhood 00:01:26 - Rewriting common motherhood narratives 00:07:42 - Cinderella as a transformation metaphor 00:11:09 - Rediscovering self-worth and identity 00:14:13 - Embracing phases and growth 00:16:41 - Personal descent and new beginnings 00:19:01 - Integration, not escape, in motherhood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Szn 3 Ep 1 | What if the biggest obstacle to joy isn’t your circumstances—but the stories you unknowingly tell yourself? In this season opener of Down The Well, Elle Rowley unpacks the true meaning of transformation, inviting listeners to bravely reexamine the narratives shaping their motherhood—and their lives. Through vulnerable storytelling and thought-provoking wisdom, Elle shares her own journey from feeling like “the party pooper” mom, always overshadowed by her husband’s fun energy, to intentionally rewriting her identity and rediscovering the magic she brought to the table. Whether you’re stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, feeling “blah” about mom life, or just hungry for real growth beneath the overwhelm, this premiere marks the start of a transformative six-part series dedicated to helping you reclaim authorship of your own story. You’ll leave with not only inspiration, but actionable questions and gentle encouragement to mother yourself as thoughtfully as you mother your children. If you’re ready to stop letting old stories run the show and begin a year of true, lasting transformation, this is the episode for you. Down the well we go—together. Show Links: Narrative Coaching by David B. Drake - https://www.amazon.com/Narrative-Coaching-Definitive-Bringing-Stories/dp/0996356312 Down The Well Links: Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley Schedule a free coaching consult with Elle - [email protected] Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop ----- About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sz 2 Ep 15 | What if you could rewrite your story, and finally step into the life you’ve been hoping for? In this end-of-year solo episode, Elle Rowley brings you her “25 Lessons from 2025”—equal parts practical wisdom and raw honesty. From the highs of parenting teenagers to the everyday struggles with self-judgment and comparison, Elle shares the insights she gained by analyzing her year with the help of ChatGPT (yes, really!) and looking back at how far she’s come. This isn’t just about resolutions or superficial transformation. It’s about the deeper work of noticing where you’re lying to yourself, wasting time, or letting someone else frame your story. Whether it’s learning to track your sleep, finding the courage for hard conversations, or finally embracing the goodness you’ve worked so hard for, Elle gets real about growth, marriage, motherhood, and the quiet power of optimism. You'll hear stories on how small shifts—like prioritizing family dinner, laughing more with your kids, or keeping teenagers off social media—make the biggest impact. Plus, Elle reveals how she’s learning to drop her survival mindset and lead with joy, not just fear. Simple, heartfelt, and game-changing—this episode will push you to take back the script of your life and let the chips fall where they may. Join Elle Rowley as she closes out the year and invites you to step into 2026 with clarity, courage, and hope. Down The Well Links: Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop ----- About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sz 2 Ep 14 | What if emotional overwhelm isn't coming from your life circumstances—but from the sentences running through your mind? In this intimate, practical conversation, Elle Rowley sits down with master coach Jody Moore to explore the roots of emotional suffering for mothers, especially in life's toughest seasons. Together, they bust the myth that overwhelm, anxiety, and guilt are caused by what’s happening outside of us, and instead reveal how our thoughts—and the judgments stacked on top of them—create our hardest moments. Jody Moore shares how practicing self-compassion, curiosity, and letting go of perfectionism transformed her experience as a mother, coach, and woman. She explains why striving to be a “good mom” can be counterproductive, and why embracing your “world’s okayest mom” moments might be exactly what you and your kids need. You'll hear real stories from Elle about navigating complicated grief, her early struggles with self-judgment, and how thought awareness opened the door to healing. Jody dives into practical concepts—from emotional adulthood and curiosity in hard conversations, to the power of raising your “minimum baseline” and owning your choice to stay connected, even when you want to quit. This episode is a compassionate guide to befriending your emotions, shedding unnecessary suffering, and building stronger relationships—starting with the one you have with yourself. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Emotions driven by self-compassion. 00:03:00 - Podcast helps mothers in grief. 00:07:00 - Overwhelm comes from our thoughts. 00:12:00 - Handling teen anxiety with validation. 00:16:00 - Bad days versus rough seasons. 00:21:00 - Celebrating "okayest mom" mindset. 00:27:00 - Set practical minimum baselines. 00:33:00 - Moments of connection over work. 00:40:00 - Embracing compassion and self-acceptance. 01:07:00 - Aspirations for matriarch phase. Episode Links: Jody's Website - https://jodymoore.com/ Down The Well Links: Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop ----- About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sz 2 Ep 13 | What if the true power of motherhood isn’t just surviving the day-to-day—but embracing the descent, the grief, and the transformation that follows? In this solo episode, Elle Rowley invites you to journey down the well of motherhood’s deepest myths, drawing wisdom from three iconic divine mothers: Mary (the mother of Christ), Demeter (Greek goddess), and Isis (Egyptian goddess). Through story and reflection, Elle reframes the narrative that so often reduces motherhood to mere busyness and duty, showing how our real growth comes when we allow ourselves to descend into uncertainty, pain, and mystery. This is not an episode about sugarcoating the hard parts of mothering. It’s about recognizing the sacredness of our struggle—the cycles of descent and rising, grief and renewal. Elle highlights five powerful lessons for mothers everywhere: Lesson 1: The mother brings forth the bridge between worlds Lesson 2: The mother must descend Lesson 3: Descent awakens the fierce mother Lesson 4: Death, loss, and the rhythm of return Lesson 5: Through suffering, the mother reshapes the world. Share this episode with a mother who may need it, and join the movement to reclaim an empowering, truthful narrative of motherhood. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Descent Is Part Path 00:00:49 – Memorable Thanksgiving Recap 00:02:30 – Purpose: Mothers’ Transformation 00:04:31 – Mary’s Hero’s Journey 00:06:57 – Demeter: Mother’s Grief 00:10:55 – Isis: Restoration After Loss 00:13:47 – Five Lessons from Myths00:22:14 – Embracing Motherhood’s Seasons Down The Well Links: Elle's Substack – https://substack.com/@ellerowley Elle's Instagram – instagram.com/ellerowley Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Szn 2 Ep 12 | What happens when the life you imagined disappears—and you say yes to what’s next, one small step at a time? In this deeply moving Portrait of a Matriarch episode, Elle sits down with Yvonne Sinclair, founder of Naru in Guatemala, whose story is part adventure, part quiet revolution. Yvonne’s life began in London’s marketing world, where stability looked perfect from the outside. But when her family life didn’t unfold as planned, she found herself stepping into the unknown—first through solo travel in Egypt, and then, unexpectedly, in the rural mountains of Guatemala. What started as a six-month commitment to help coffee workers became over two decades of living amidst cloud forests, serving thousands of malnourished children, and building bridges between worlds. Yvonne and Elle unpack the inner and outer journeys: from crafting an “escape bottom drawer” to discovering true purpose through service, simplicity, and relentless pragmatism. They discuss finding “enough,” releasing self-judgment, and the freedom that comes with aging and letting go. This episode is about transformation—not by grand design, but by answering one ordinary yes after another. You’ll hear about the joys and heartbreaks of living and working in remote Guatemala, the realities of sustainable change, and the deep meaning that comes from steady, grounded leadership. Whether you’re in the midst of personal loss, stuck in the waiting, or longing for purpose in unexpected places, Yvonne’s story will both comfort and challenge you. Timestamps: 00:00:51 – Episode Introduction 00:04:14 – The Turning Point 00:07:23 – Arriving in Guatemala 00:11:21 – Yvonne's Hero’s Journey 00:18:23 – Why Guatemala? 00:21:34 – The Malnourished Children 00:28:50 – Life in Guatemala 00:50:59 – The Wisdom of Enough Episode Links: Naru Guatemala's Website: https://naruguatemala.org/ Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop Down The Well Links: Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley ----- About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own souls. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Szn 2 Ep 11 | What if the next era of womanhood is actually the most powerful, joyful, and creative of all? In this heartfelt conversation, host Elle Rowley sits down with master coach Bev Aron to reimagine what it means to become the matriarch—not a martyr, but a woman rooted in wisdom, joy, and unwavering self-trust. Together, they explore how motherhood can be a journey of deep healing, not just for ourselves, but across generations. Bev Aron shares how her work as a coach was born out of her own transformation through motherhood, and why awareness—being a gentle observer of our own emotions—is the key to unlocking lasting change. From moving through overwhelm as a mom, to finally letting go of guilt and old patterns, Bev offers tangible practices to connect with your body, process emotions, and rediscover your light. This isn’t about having it all together. It’s about uncovering the joy and boldness that’s been inside you all along, no matter what age or stage you’re in. You’ll hear real talk about breaking cycles of self-judgment, tending to your own joy, outgrowing the need for outside validation, and embracing the creative possibilities that midlife brings. Timestamps: 00:02:25 – Motherhood sparked Bev’s self-discovery journey 00:06:26 – “Awareness is the portal to transformation” 00:09:39 – Generational healing begins with nurturing ourselves 00:11:04 – Layered healing brings natural joy, lightness 00:16:07 – "No thought police" means total mental freedom 00:17:16 – Bev embraces role as family matriarch 00:26:01 – Transition from active parenting to flexible support 00:43:08 – "Too late" is the most common limiting belief No matter what chapter of life you're in, this episode is a loving invitation to become the matriarch of your own life—full of possibility, light, and self-compassion. Show Links: Bev Aron's Deep Dive Coach Institute: http://bevaron.com/ Bev's daughter's blog on parenting books: https://myparentingpearls.wordpress.com/?fbclid=PAdGRleAMttQZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpy7SZqFRmz5p7pwVgXGvUlemZ1rAnr87MK_uYYx_-YfkgnuR4P_2FhmwMpE8_aem_MVa-0829NZpurW6eVtJj8Q Down The Well Links: Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee - https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop — About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sz 2 Ep 10 | What if the greatest act of heroism isn't conquering the world—but creating a home worth returning to? Elle explores the ancient art of homemaking as sacred work. Drawing from Homer's Odyssey, the Hero's Journey, and hospitality traditions spanning Greek xenia to Japanese omotenashi, she reveals how mothers and matriarchs don't just decorate spaces—they shape culture itself. Elle breaks down six powerful elements of creating refuge: rhythm, presence, peace, cultivation, welcome, and spirit. Through personal stories—from her grandparents' healing weekly routines to a friend's mother finding peace while caring for a non-verbal son—she shows how the work of tending a home ripples outward to repair the world.This isn't about Pinterest perfection. It's about meaning-making in a distracted world. Timestamps: 00:00 - Home as sacred act 02:33 - The Odyssey and xenia05:35 - Mother vs. Matriarch archetypes 10:41 - Element #1: Rhythm 13:45 - Element #2: Presence 16:19 - Element #3: Peace 20:22 - Element #4: Cultivation 23:25 - Element #5: Welcome 30:32 - Element #6: Spirit 34:09 - Closing thoughts Show links: Wall Street Journal / Wealthy Family Mission Statements / https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/wealthy-family-mission-statements-e08faabd?g[…]SW0O3ESdqHJbt2aaLeE01RCfIa0rUvSg7rl36cN69DHoBl2ARVmr2ySQQ%3D%3D Systematic Review: Routines and Child Development / https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jftr.12549?utm_source=chatgpt.com Down The Well Links: Check out Down The Well on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Down-The-Well Elle's Substack - https://substack.com/@ellerowley Elle's Instagram - instagram.com/ellerowley Support families in Guatemala by purchasing a 'World Peace Begins at Home' tee" https://www.the-humble-village.org/shop ----- About Down The Well: Motherhood should be full of joy and meaning. But it often isn't. Why is that? On Down the Well, Elle Rowley, talks through the mother's hero's journey, and why it's different from the one you might have learned in school or books. Unlike the traditional hero's journey, mothers have to descend into the depths of their own soul. No one comes out of motherhood the same, and with the right perspective and resources, we can make sure that transformation is for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices