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It’s time to lighten the load

We are the experimental generation of mothers. Balancing careers, crèches, meetings, and me-time – we do it all, but we don’t do it alone.

We are not “exhausted mumsy” clichés. We’re modern multitaskers, empathetic leaders, powerful jugglers of life. We hold hands, hold meetings, and hold it together – sometimes barely, sometimes brilliantly.

Society may not have caught up with us, but that won’t stop us. We find joy in the chaos, meaning in the mess. And when it gets too much, we lean on each other.

Welcome to The Motherload – where we share the load, the laughs, and the love.

The Motherload Podcast

Hosted by IMAGE Editorial Director Dominique McMullan, The Motherload is a space where modern motherhood is explored with honesty, humor, and heart. This is not about perfection – it’s about connection. It’s about sharing stories, celebrating the wins, and supporting each other through the tougher moments. It’s a place for you to know that, no, you are not imagining it, and no, you are not the only one. 

Balancing careers and crèches? Listen to stories that resonate.

The Motherload will include weekly podcast episodes, dropping every Tuesday. You can listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay tuned for further details via our IMAGE Motherload newsletter

DON'T MISS OUT ON OUR
MOST RECENT EPISODES

Hannah Saunders and Sarah Battle - The real life, every day juggle - Live from Avoca

This week on The Motherload, Dominique sits down with Sarah Battle and Hannah Saunders at the first Motherload Live Event.

Hannah is the founder of Hannah Saunders PR, and the definition of a powerhouse, balancing campaigns in Dublin, New York, and London while raising little Brody (and fur-mum duties for Chip!). Sarah is mum to five (yes, five!), a former Home Ec teacher turned RTE Home of the Year contender and digital-creator extraordinaire.

Together, they dove into it all, from how to get out the door in the morning, to the myth of “balance”, to the sacrifices we make as mothers, the support systems we lean on, and the power of community. They also chatted about the tough times, how to find yourself again through grief and mental-health hurdles, and of course the importance of self-care – whether that means dip in the sea or a margarita and a blow dry! Whether you were there in person or are feeling the FOMO, listen now for laughter, tears, and the ultimate feel-good conversation.

Anna Whitehouse - Flex Appeal, finding love, and fighting for working mothers

This week on The Motherload, Dominique sits down with the incredible Anna Whitehouse – journalist, author, activist, and the powerhouse behind the Flex Appeal movement. In this deeply emotional and inspiring conversation, Anna shares her journey from campaigning for flexible working laws, to navigating divorce, rediscovering love, welcoming her daughter Lola, and reshaping what modern motherhood can look like.

From the labour ward to Number 10 Downing Street, from heartbreak to hope – this is an honest and uplifting conversation about resilience, reinvention, and refusing to be boxed in.

Courtney Smith - Growing your family, grief and personal style

Stylist, creative director, and all-round cool gal Courtney Smith is one of the most recognisable forces in Irish fashion. But beyond the bold colours and confident silhouettes, she’s also navigating life as a mum.

In this episode, Dominique is joined by Courtney and her four-month-old daughter Nova and they dive into what it’s really like to parent three small humans (spoiler: it’s quite a lot).

They talk about the decision to go again when life already feels stretched at the seams, about ‘mum guilt’, about grief and how it reshapes us, and about the quiet power of style as self-preservation. It’s a conversation about finding joy, even when you’re running on empty.

There’s gentleness in this episode. There’s a gurgling baby. There’s honesty. And there’s also the refreshing reminder that it’s okay not to have balance. That motherhood is layered and contradictory and often heartbreaking, but also beautifully transformative and fulfilling.

Indy Power - Hope, heartbreak and her long journey to baby number two

Indy Power is known for her thriving businesses, The Little Green Spoon and SINES candles, but behind the scenes, she was fighting a private battle that lasted years. After a straightforward first pregnancy with her son Teddy, Indy’s journey to a second child was marked by multiple miscarriages, emotional and physical exhaustion, and round after round of treatment.

In this deeply honest conversation, Indy opens up about the reality of fertility struggles, the toll it took on her, and the strength it took her to keep going. We talk about IVF, surrogacy, support systems, running a business through it all – and finally, the moment she held her second baby, after years of heartbreak.

This is a story of resilience, hope, and hard-won joy. And while everyone’s journey is different, we hope Indy’s story may offer comfort to those feeling alone in theirs.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of miscarriage and fertility loss.

Disclaimer : This is one woman’s personal experience. It is not medical advice. Please consult your GP or fertility specialist for individual support.

 

Sinead O’Moore - The *real* work-life balance debate, and how to actually support mums

In this episode of The Motherload, Dominique McMullan sits down with Sinead O’Moore. Sinead is a powerhouse in podcasting (listen to The 40s Stretch wherever you get your podcasts!), a business owner, a fierce advocate for women, and most importantly, a mum who knows firsthand the beautiful, messy reality of it all.

In this episode, Sinead and Dominique cover the real work-life balance debate; why ‘mum guilt’ exists (and how to finally shake it off); the way women’s ambition shifts after kids, and why that’s a good thing and the changes we actually need to see to support working mums. We do hope you enjoy it.

Louise McSharry - Neurodivergent motherhood, balance, and raising feminist boys

In this episode of The Motherload, Dominique McMullan sits down with Louise McSharry for an honest conversation about motherhood, balance, and raising boys with feminist values. Louise opens up about the realities of juggling a successful career and family, the pressures society places on mothers, and why she’s passionate about raising her sons to be kind, aware, and emotionally intelligent.

With her signature pragmatic wit, she shares the lessons she’s learned, and the joys and challenges she’s experienced along the way. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating motherhood. We do hope you enjoy it.

Events

We are excited to share that The Motherload will include four more nourishing community events in 2025.

Stay tuned for further details on the event and ticketing via our IMAGE Motherload newsletter .

 

 

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