E + E Podcast Episode 122: The Identity Shift of Motherhood: Knowing Your Worth with Dr. Marisa G. Franco
Listen to Episode 122
ABOUT THE EPISODE
Motherhood can bring a profound identity shift, often bringing insecurities and questions about self-worth to the surface in ways women never expected. Krystle sits down with Dr. Marisa G. Franco, psychologist, professor, New York Times bestselling author of Platonic, and author of Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment, to explore the science behind self-worth, attachment, and our relationships with ourselves and others. Dr. Franco explains the difference between self-esteem and self-worth and why constantly striving to be better, more productive, or more “good” can actually keep women stuck in the belief that they have to accomplish something or be a certain way to feel worthy.
Krystle and Dr. Franco dive into how childhood experiences and past relationships can shape the way women see themselves, receive compliments and support, respond to their children’s emotions, and navigate the enormous expectations that come with motherhood. They discuss attachment styles, why the goal isn’t necessarily to become perfectly “secure” contrary to the trend, and how acknowledging anxious or avoidant parts of ourselves with compassion can create greater internal safety. Dr. Franco also shares how working with difficult memories can help reshape the stories we carry about ourselves and create more room for possibility, presence, and authenticity. For moms who have ever felt like they need to do more, be better, or fit a certain version of what a “good mom” looks like, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: worth isn’t something to achieve, it’s something that is already inherent in who we are!
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, we would love it if you could share it to your Instagram stories and tag us, @drmarisagfranco and @expectingandempowered. As we like to say, knowledge is power, and we just really want to give more people the information that they may need on their motherhood journey!
LINKS & RESOURCES:
Follow Dr. Franco on Instagram
Dr. Franco’s Website
Order Dr. Franco’s newest book, Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment
Get your copy of Dr. Franco’s Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make - and Keep - Friends
Expecting and Empowered App - Enter code 'PODCAST25' at checkout
Expecting and Empowered Website
Expecting and Empowered Instagram
This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.