It's A Circus - Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of self care

Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of self-care.

Hosted by Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus pulls back the curtain on the beautiful chaos of parenting. Through raw conversations with mothers, entrepreneurs, and women of all walks, the show explores what it really means to raise kids while holding onto yourself.

Each episode is part confession, part community — reminding you that you’re not alone in the madness. From the heartbreak and humor of matrescence to the little rituals that keep us sane, this podcast is equal parts relatable, vulnerable, and empowering.

✨ Motherhood may be a circus, but here you’ll find clarity, connection, and the confidence to step back into your own spotlight.

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It's A Circus - Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of self care

Matrescence and Motherhood with Courtney

August 12, 2025 • Season 2 • Episode 11

0:00 | 1:41:29

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Join host Elsa in this episode of It's a Circus, as she welcomes Courtney, a mother of two, entrepreneur, and advocate, to discuss the intricate journey of motherhood. They delve into Courtney's personal experiences, from childhood caregiving to navigating the challenges of miscarriages and motherhood later in life. Courtney shares insights on the physiological and emotional changes mothers go through, emphasizing the importance of understanding matrescence and regulating the nervous system. They also touch on the dynamics of raising boys, being an 'older' mom, and the evolving nature of partnership and intimacy in parenting. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with candid moments, practical tips, and heartfelt reflections.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:42 Meet Our Guest: Courtney's Background

02:51 Courtney's Journey to Motherhood

04:56 Navigating Early Motherhood

06:38 The Impact of Miscarriage

16:28 Blending Families and Stepparenting

19:56 Understanding Matrescence

40:23 Community and Support Systems

48:56 Understanding the Nervous System

49:21 Mindfulness and Overstimulation

49:43 Grounding Techniques and Tools

52:13 Mom Rage and Nervous System Connection

55:29 Partner Support and Communication

56:35 Parenting Tips and Techniques

59:11 Reflections on Motherhood

01:11:13 The Journey of Older Motherhood

01:35:21 The Importance of Partnership

01:41:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Courtney's IG: https://www.instagram.com/courtinlove/

Meet Courtney Vaughn Petersen — mom of two, Sales & leadership trainer, and the kind of woman who can run a meeting and a carpool with equal skill. She’s celebrating 10 years at Synchrony Financial, and she’s the founder of SPEAK Cosmetics — a beauty brand on pause but still very much alive in her heart. Courtney’s passionate about matrescence, wellness, and helping moms figure out what truly keeps them grounded in the beautiful chaos of raising kids.

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Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care

These stories remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos. And if you’re ready to take the next step from conversation to transformation, explore Svea – The Beauty Edit. It’s my signature service that helps women edit the noise, simplify their routines, and reclaim confidence through radiant, effortless self-care.

🎙️ More stories: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/podcast
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Embrace the chaos. Reclaim yourself.