Validation Over Judgment: Showing Up as a "Mom’s Mom" with Dana James Artwork

The Sparkle Project

The version of motherhood we're sold looks nothing like the one we're actually living. That's by design.

The Sparkle Project is for the moms who are done pretending otherwise, and ready to reclaim the parts of themselves that got lost along the way. Hosted by Emily MacDonald, a single mom, feminist, and late-diagnosed ADHDer, each episode digs into the identity shifts, invisible labor, and systemic failures that make motherhood so hard. You'll hear from the experts, advocates, and real women who are finding their way back to themselves, so you can feel less alone in the hard parts and more like yourself in all the rest.

Somewhere between the mental load and the mom guilt, your shine is still there. The Sparkle Project is your space to find it.

(Formerly Worthy Mother Podcast)

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The Sparkle Project

Validation Over Judgment: Showing Up as a "Mom’s Mom" with Dana James

March 24, 2026 • Episode 188

0:00 | 43:22

Motherhood isn't supposed to feel lonely. In this episode of The Sparkle Project, Emily sits down with Dana James, nurse, mom of two, and the voice behind Mother Mentality. Dana describes herself as a “mom’s mom” and her mission is simple but powerful: create spaces where mothers feel seen, supported, and validated instead of judged.

Together they explore the healing power of hearing another mom say “me too,” and why community matters so much in modern motherhood. Dana shares her personal postpartum experiences, the realities of navigating mental health as a mother, and how those experiences ultimately led her to pursue a doctorate in psychiatric mental health.

This conversation dives into the emotional weight many mothers carry today. From the isolation of early postpartum seasons to the pressure of unrealistic expectations, Emily and Dana unpack why validation can be such a powerful antidote to shame and mom guilt.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough as a mom, this episode is a reminder that you’re not the only one asking that question.

🔗 Connect with Dana:

Instagram: @mothermentality
TikTok: @mothermentality_

📌 Resources & Mentions:

Mom Friends Collective
Dana's Busy Mom Book Club

✨ Let’s keep the convo going:

Follow Emily on Instagram → @honestlyemilyrose
Follow the podcast on TikTok → @thesparkleprojectpod

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