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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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🎪 It’s a Circus 🎙️

Step right up to the podcast that tells it like it really is—because parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s always worth the ride.

Hosted by entrepreneur and mom Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus brings you real, unfiltered conversations with parents who know what it’s like to balance the chaos of kids, careers, and everything in between. Through heartfelt interviews and personal storytelling, Elsa peels back the layers of parenting to reveal the messy, hilarious, and deeply human moments we all experience—but rarely talk about.

This isn’t a guide to having it all figured out. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to.

Tune in for laughs, confessions, and insights that will leave you feeling connected, comforted, and ready to take on the next act. Hit subscribe—because life in the circus is better when we’re in it together. 🎪✨