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)
The Sparkle Project
Mom Guilt Explained: The Hidden Pressure Society Puts on Mothers
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In this episode of The Sparkle Project, Emily dives into one of the most common and complicated experiences in motherhood: mom guilt.
Many mothers feel like they’re constantly falling short. Whether it’s working too much, not working enough, losing patience, or simply wanting time for themselves, the feeling of guilt seems to follow moms everywhere.
But what if mom guilt isn’t actually about you at all?
Emily explores how the pressure mothers feel is deeply tied to societal expectations that are often impossible to meet. She breaks down the difference between guilt and shame, explains why so many moms internalize unrealistic standards, and shares how recognizing these cultural messages can change the way we relate to motherhood and to ourselves.
If you’ve ever wondered why motherhood can feel so heavy, this conversation offers a new way to understand those emotions and begin redefining what being a “good mom” really means.
✨ Let’s keep the convo going:
Follow Emily on Instagram → @honestlyemilyrose
Follow the podcast on TikTok → @thesparkleprojectpod
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