129. Motherhood as Leadership Training: Rethinking Ambition, Burnout, and Balance with Nicky Lowe

In this episode, I speak with registered music therapist Dr Elizabeth McLean about the role music can play in motherhood, not only in supporting connection between parent and child, but in supporting mothers themselves too. Elizabeth brings extensive experience working with infants, parents and families in acute paediatric, perinatal and early parenting settings, including neonatal and paediatric intensive care. We explore music and matrescence, how music can be a practical and accessible resource for regulation and co-regulation; lullabies, family lineage and the ways songs can carry connection across generations; the relationship between music, emotion and memory; and the possibilities music offers for playfulness and connection in family life.

In this episode, I’m joined by Mental Health Endorsed Occupational Therapist, Yoga Teacher, Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator and Motherhood Studies practitioner Hollie Swanton to explore matrescence, regulation, identity, and the transition into motherhood through the lens of occupational therapy.

*The Motherhood Studies Certification is currently open for enrolment, starting May 6th: https://drsophiebrock.com/motherhoodstudies

Have you ever felt two completely different emotions about motherhood at the same time?

This episode marks a return to the podcast after a profound personal loss. In September 2025, my mother died suddenly. Since then, my world - personally, professionally, relationally - has shifted in ways I’m still coming to understand. In this episode, I speak gently and honestly about grief, responsibility, and what it's meant to me to try and continue with my work without over-functioning or disappearing.