In this episode, I’m peeling back the glossy filter of Instagram to look at how it really affects our self-worth as mothers. Have you ever caught yourself comparing your daily reality to someone else’s perfectly curated feed? I know I have.

Instagram encourages this ‘superego’ version of ourselves—a version that’s flawlessly styled, always patient, endlessly creative. It’s the kind of idealised mothering we see in popular accounts like Ballerina Farm. But the more I look, the more I see how these pristine portrayals distort our perception of what it means to be a “good” mother. It leaves so many of us, myself included, feeling that whatever we’re doing isn’t enough.

In contrast to this, I’ve been exploring the concept of the ‘good enough mother,’ an idea introduced by psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, which celebrates the resilience and strength that emerge through imperfect parenting. This real-life mother doesn’t need to be flawless to foster a strong, connected family—she just needs to be present and engaged. So, what happens when this ‘good enough’ reality is placed next to Instagram’s relentless highlight reel? Does it make us doubt ourselves, or could it help us reclaim our stories?

I’m diving into the ways Instagram can warp our sense of self, especially as women and mothers, and what I’ve discovered about the balance between sharing authentically and simply living our lives, flaws and all. Join me as I unpack my own experience with this struggle and share insights on how we might untangle our self-worth from social media. Together, let’s take a closer look at why the real, unfiltered moments might just be the ones that make us truly enough.

If you’d prefer to read this post, you can do so here.

Warning: This podcast is not a highlight reel. (And I think that's a refreshing thing in a world of superficiality and false pretences.)

Go behind the scenes of my life as I build an online business, raise a family with intention, live abroad in a new country, and unpack trauma, programming, and reparent myself openly in the public realm.

In every episode, you’ll get insights into the depth of what it really takes to build a business, whilst being a present mama, living a life outside the box, and doing the work it takes to be who we’re meant to be.

My Mama Summer is my journey to becoming whole.

You can get the written version of this podcast in your inbox each Wednesday at ⁠⁠mymamasummer.com⁠⁠ and subscribe to the audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

Your Host

Aimee Q Devlin is an Australian writer, online business owner, and mother currently living in Mexico, committed to personal growth and evolution, and uncovering how slow motherhood looks in a fast-paced world.

Aimee is the co-founder of the Online Freedom Hackers community where she and her husband Brendan Murphy (⁠https://truthiverse.com), mentor unconventional parents to build freedom-based businesses that buy back their fun, family, and freedom in 5-10 hours a week. Get started here: ⁠⁠https://links.onlinefreedomhackers.com/mymamasummer

In this episode, I open up about the reasons why I have chosen not to homeschool my daughter—even as a “crunchy mum” with a love for unconventional, intentional, and alternative choices.

The conscious parenting community often urge mums like me to go down the homeschooling, worldschooling, or unschooling path, but I share why that’s not the best choice for my family. Balancing my roles as a mother, business owner, and partner has led me to some hard-earned truths about my limits, and I’ve come to understand that I can’t, and don’t need to, do it all.

Drawing from the insights of influential thinkers like John Taylor Gatto and Rudolf Steiner, I dig into the spectrum of educational choices available to us and explore why a middle ground exists between traditional schooling and raising our kids entirely on our own terms. I reflect on how Gatto’s critique of modern schooling and Steiner’s vision for nurturing a child’s unique gifts have impacted my outlook on education, influencing my decision to embrace the education path I have. A choice that provides rhythm, reverence, and values that resonate with me—while allowing me to step back and breathe.

As we navigate the complexities of parenting, the expectations to be all things to our children can feel overwhelming. Through my own journey, I’ve learned that sharing the role of teacher with trusted, like-minded educators has brought balance and joy to our lives, nurturing my daughter in ways I would struggle to sustain alone. Join me as I reflect on the concept of being “worthy of imitation,” the importance of intentionality, and the unexpected liberation that comes with acknowledging my own boundaries. I hope this episode offers reassurance to any parent wondering if they can, or even should, take on everything.

Warning: This podcast is not a highlight reel. (And I think that's a refreshing thing in a world of superficiality and false pretences.)

Go behind the scenes of my life as I build an online business, raise a family with intention, live abroad in a new country, and unpack trauma, programming, and reparent myself openly in the public realm.

In every episode, you’ll get insights into the depth of what it really takes to build a business, whilst being a present mama, living a life outside the box, and doing the work it takes to be who we’re meant to be.

My Mama Summer is my journey to becoming whole.

You can get the written version of this podcast in your inbox each Wednesday at ⁠⁠mymamasummer.com⁠⁠ and subscribe to the audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

Your Host

Aimee Q Devlin is an Australian writer, online business owner, and mother currently living in Mexico, committed to personal growth and evolution, and uncovering how slow motherhood looks in a fast-paced world.

Aimee is the co-founder of the Online Freedom Hackers community where she and her husband Brendan Murphy (⁠⁠https://truthiverse.com⁠⁠) mentor unconventional parents to build freedom-based businesses that buy back their fun, family, and freedom in 5-10 hours a week. Get started here: ⁠⁠https://links.onlinefreedomhackers.com/mymamasummer

In this episode, I open up about the emotional journey of moving from lakeside Ajijic to the colourful city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. From the moment I made the decision to leave behind a place I’d grown comfortable in, to the surprising emotional waves that hit me along the way, it’s been a ride full of unexpected twists. I share the grief of letting go, the challenges of uprooting my family, and how this bold move ultimately led to deep inner growth.

As I settle into this new chapter, San Miguel has brought fresh inspiration and a sense of renewal. In this episode, I talk about how the city’s vibrant energy, artistic culture, and rich social life have reawakened parts of me that had been asleep. I dive into the joy of making new friends, exploring local cuisine, and the special moments of bonding with my daughter in our new home.

But this move is about more than just a change in location—it's a story of rediscovering myself. I reflect on the lessons that change and movement can teach us, and how stepping into the unknown can reignite our passion, creativity, and sense of flow. This transition has reconnected me to a deeper purpose, bringing clarity to my personal journey.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, craved change, or wondered what it takes to shake things up, this episode is for you. I invite you to join me as I explore how a simple decision to move cities became the catalyst for a personal revival—proof that sometimes, the most profound transformations come from embracing the unfamiliar.

Warning: This podcast is not a highlight reel. (And I think that's a refreshing thing in a world of superficiality and false pretences.)

Go behind the scenes of my life as I build an online business, raise a family with intention, live abroad in a new country, and unpack trauma, programming, and reparent myself openly in the public realm.

In every episode, you’ll get insights into the depth of what it really takes to build a business, whilst being a present mama, living a life outside the box, and doing the work it takes to be who we’re meant to be.

My Mama Summer is my journey to becoming whole.

You can get the written version of this podcast in your inbox each Wednesday at ⁠⁠mymamasummer.com⁠⁠ and subscribe to the audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

Your Host

Aimee Q Devlin is an Australian writer, online business owner, and mother currently living in Mexico, committed to personal growth and evolution, and uncovering how slow motherhood looks in a fast-paced world.

Aimee is the co-founder of the Online Freedom Hackers community where she and her husband Brendan Murphy (⁠⁠https://truthiverse.com⁠⁠) mentor unconventional parents to build freedom-based businesses that buy back their fun, family, and freedom in 5-10 hours a week. Get started here: ⁠⁠https://links.onlinefreedomhackers.com/mymamasummer

In today’s episode of My Mama Summer, we dive deep into the awkward and vulnerable reality of making friendships as an adult. Since moving to San Miguel de Allende just a month ago, I’ve found myself navigating the complexities of forming new connections—and it's brought up feelings I hadn’t expected. It's almost like being a teenager again, filled with self-doubt and over-analysing every interaction.

I open up about the anxious self-talk I’ve been battling: questioning if I’m "too much" in my new friendships, the internal voice that picks apart my conversations after the fact, and the desperation for connection that comes after years of isolation. This episode isn’t just about friendships—it’s about self-reflection, unpacking childhood conditioning, and challenging the inner voice that tells us we aren’t enough.

I also talk about how this experience ties into the "good daughter syndrome" I’ve been working through—how that critical, internalised voice stems from a mother wound many of us carry. If you’ve ever felt anxious in new relationships, or if your inner critic has held you back, I think you’ll resonate deeply with this conversation. Let’s talk about the fear of being "too much," how motherhood impacts friendships, and what it means to show up fully as ourselves—messy parts and all.

Warning: This podcast is not a highlight reel. (And I think that's a refreshing thing in a world of superficiality and false pretences.)

Go behind the scenes of my life as I build an online business, raise a family with intention, live abroad in a new country, and unpack trauma, programming, and reparent myself openly in the public realm.

In every episode, you’ll get insights into the depth of what it really takes to build a business, whilst being a present mama, living a life outside the box, and doing the work it takes to be who we’re meant to be.

My Mama Summer is my journey to becoming whole.

You can get the written version of this podcast in your inbox each Wednesday at ⁠⁠mymamasummer.com⁠⁠ and subscribe to the audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

Your Host

Aimee Q Devlin is an Australian writer, online business owner, and mother currently living in Mexico, committed to personal growth and evolution, and uncovering how slow motherhood looks in a fast-paced world.

Aimee is the co-founder of the Online Freedom Hackers community where she and her husband Brendan Murphy (⁠⁠https://truthiverse.com⁠⁠) mentor unconventional parents to build freedom-based businesses that buy back their fun, family, and freedom in 5-10 hours a week. Get started here: ⁠⁠https://links.onlinefreedomhackers.com/mymamasummer

In this episode, I take you on a journey back to 2017, revisiting a deeply transformative period in my life — my Saturn Return. If you're familiar with astrology, you may know this as a pivotal time of reckoning between the ages of 27 and 29, when life calls us back to our true path. For those unfamiliar, think of it as a cosmic wake-up call, one that brings to the surface all the ways we're living out of alignment, demanding we confront what we've been avoiding.

For me, this was a turbulent time, full of immense challenges, loss, and ultimately, profound growth. In this episode, I read an article I wrote during that time, reflecting on the depth of the darkness I experienced and the lessons I learned. It’s now 2024, 12 years after my Saturn Return, and while life has shifted beautifully, reading this piece brings me right back to the intensity of those moments. It’s a raw reflection on stripping away everything I thought I knew — my job, relationship, home, city, and even my identity — to rebuild from the ground up.

I also share some insights into the myth of Inanna, the ancient Sumerian goddess who descended into the underworld and emerged fully integrated and empowered. Her story beautifully mirrors the process of shadow work — the necessity of facing our inner darkness to find wholeness. It’s a powerful reminder that we grow by embracing the parts of ourselves we've buried, and that true transformation requires stepping into discomfort, not shying away from it.

Whether or not you've experienced your own Saturn Return, I invite you to reflect on those moments in life where you were called to shed old layers, confront your deepest fears, and rise anew. My story is a testament to the power of that process, and I hope it inspires you to embrace your journey of transformation. Let me know how this resonates with you — and if you’ve faced your underworld, share your story with me. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Warning: This podcast is not a highlight reel. (And I think that's a refreshing thing in a world of superficiality and false pretences.)

Go behind the scenes of my life as I build an online business, raise a family with intention, live abroad in a new country, and unpack trauma, programming, and reparent myself openly in the public realm.

In every episode, you’ll get insights into the depth of what it really takes to build a business, whilst being a present mama, living a life outside the box, and doing the work it takes to be who we’re meant to be.

My Mama Summer is my journey to becoming whole.

You can get the written version of this podcast in your inbox each Wednesday at ⁠⁠mymamasummer.com⁠⁠ and subscribe to the audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

Your Host

Aimee Q Devlin is an Australian writer, online business owner, and mother currently living in Mexico, committed to personal growth and evolution, and uncovering how slow motherhood looks in a fast-paced world.

Aimee is the co-founder of the Online Freedom Hackers community where she and her husband Brendan Murphy (⁠⁠https://truthiverse.com⁠⁠) mentor unconventional parents to build freedom-based businesses that buy back their fun, family, and freedom in 5-10 hours a week. Get started here: ⁠⁠https://links.onlinefreedomhackers.com/mymamasummer

In this episode of My Mama Summer, join me as I explore the medicalised and ritualised birth machine and discuss why modern medicine must adopt a more holistic, mindful, and instinctive approach. Drawing from personal reflections and the experiences of countless women with negative encounters, I examine how the medical system often turns birth into a mechanised process, stripping away the instincts and wisdom inherent in every mother.

I’ll share my insights on navigating the complexities of birth within a hospital setting, the lessons we can learn, and the powerful shift towards reclaiming a more natural and empowering birth experience. We'll discuss the importance of trusting our bodies, the impact of interventions, and why the rise of birth keepers, free births, home births, and doula support represents a step towards honouring the true essence of childbirth.

In this episode, I also share a fictional story based on the modern, medicalised birth template, outlining the effects on mother, father, and baby. Join in the conversation and share with me how we can move from being seen as mere machines in the birth process to becoming mindful mothers who embrace and trust their inherent strength. If you’ve ever questioned the norms of modern birth practices or are looking for inspiration on how to reclaim your own birth experience, this episode is for you.

Grab a cuppa, pop in your headphones, and let’s journey together towards a more empowered and authentic birth experience.

Warning: This podcast is not a highlight reel. (And I think that's a refreshing thing in a world of superficiality and false pretences.)

Go behind the scenes of my life as I build an online business, raise a family with intention, live abroad in a new country, and unpack trauma, programming, and reparent myself openly in the public realm.

In every episode, you’ll get insights into the depth of what it really takes to build a business, whilst being a present mama, living a life outside the box, and doing the work it takes to be who we’re meant to be.

My Mama Summer is my journey to becoming whole.

You can get the written version of this podcast in your inbox each Wednesday at ⁠⁠mymamasummer.com⁠⁠ and subscribe to the audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

Your Host

Aimee Q Devlin is an Australian writer, online business owner, and mother currently living in Mexico, committed to personal growth and evolution, and uncovering how slow motherhood looks in a fast-paced world.

Aimee is the co-founder of the Online Freedom Hackers community where she and her husband Brendan Murphy (⁠⁠https://truthiverse.com⁠⁠) mentor unconventional parents to build freedom-based businesses that buy back their fun, family, and freedom in 5-10 hours a week. Get started here: https://links.onlinefreedomhackers.com/mymamasummer

In this episode of My Mama Summer, I’m diving into the personal and powerful reasons behind our family’s big decision to relocate from Lake Chapala, a peaceful retirement hub, to the bustling, vibrant streets of San Miguel de Allende. This move is about so much more than a change of scenery—it’s a deep, intentional shift that reflects where we are in life and where we’re headed.

I’ll share how we came to this decision after years of unease, and why living in a city with more energy and opportunity feels aligned with our bigger life vision. From transportation woes to the challenges of being a purpose-driven family in a retirement community, I break down what we’ve been missing and how we plan to create a more fulfilling, balanced life in our new home.

As I unpack the details of this move, I talk about the practical reasons too, like the struggle to access healthy foods, the chaos of public transportation, and the desire for more activities to engage our growing, energetic daughter. But more than that, this episode is about pressing play on my life again. After years of focusing solely on motherhood and business, I’m ready to reconnect with my hobbies, my health, and my community.

Moving cities isn’t just a physical shift; it’s an emotional and mental one too. It’s about rediscovering who I am outside of my roles as a mother and entrepreneur, and about intentionally creating the life I want for myself and my family. There’s excitement, joy, and, of course, the typical stress that comes with such a big life change—but in the end, it’s about creating space for a richer, more meaningful life.

So grab a cuppa and join me as I reflect on this exciting new chapter. If you’ve ever found yourself at a crossroads or wondered how to make a big life change, this episode is for you. It’s about trusting your intuition, recalibrating when needed, and having the courage to step into the life you’re meant to live.

Warning: This podcast is not a highlight reel. (And I think that's a refreshing thing in a world of superficiality and false pretences.)

Go behind the scenes of my life as I build an online business, raise a family with intention, live abroad in a new country, and unpack trauma, programming, and reparent myself openly in the public realm.

In every episode, you’ll get insights into the depth of what it really takes to build a business, whilst being a present mama, living a life outside the box, and doing the work it takes to be who we’re meant to be.

My Mama Summer is my journey to becoming whole.

You can get the written version of this podcast in your inbox each Wednesday at ⁠⁠mymamasummer.com⁠⁠ and subscribe to the audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

Your Host

Aimee Q Devlin is an Australian writer, online business owner, and mother currently living in Mexico, committed to personal growth and evolution, and uncovering how slow motherhood looks in a fast-paced world.

Aimee is the co-founder of the Online Freedom Hackers community where she and her husband Brendan Murphy (⁠⁠https://truthiverse.com⁠⁠) mentor unconventional parents to build freedom-based businesses that buy back their fun, family, and freedom in 5-10 hours a week. Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠https://links.onlinefreedomhackers.com/mymamasummer