The Discerning Mother

#15 | From Ministry to Motherhood to Manuscripts: Carrie Walker on Trusting God’s Timing & Writing Stories that Heal

In this episode of The Discerning Mother Podcast, Brigid sits down with Carrie Walker, a wife, mother of seven, former youth minister, and award-nominated author of Emma’s Hero. Carrie shares the incredible journey that led her from full-time ministry to full-time motherhood to writing her debut novel, inspired by a teen she once mentored whose baby defied medical odds.
Together, Brigid and Carrie explore:
What it means to truly discern God's timing for your family and your dreams
Carrie's experience with adoption and biological motherhood
How God placed a story on her heart and made a way when it seemed impossible
The tender topic of babies diagnosed as "incompatible with life" and how fiction can be a place of healing for grieving families
Why writing (and reading!) stories of hope and redemption matters more than ever
If you've ever struggled with discernment, grief, creativity, or wondering how to make space for your calling in the midst of motherhood, this heartfelt conversation will feel like a warm cup of coffee with two trusted friends.
Learn more about Carrie's book: Emma’s Hero
Learn more about Carrie. 
Connect with Brigid on Instagram. 

#14 | Birth Is a Doorway: What Did You Let In?

Birth opens us - body, mind, and soul. It’s one of the most powerful and sacred moments a woman can experience. But, it also leaves us vulnerable. In this episode, Brigid explores how birth can become a doorway to either trauma or grace, and how the enemy often uses that rawness to whisper lies about your body, your worth, and your strength.
 
It doesn’t have to stay that way!Your birth story can be reclaimed.Jesus and Mary want to meet you there.
Whether you’re freshly postpartum or still carrying wounds from years ago, this episode will gently invite you to revisit your story with truth, compassion, and the presence of God.
Because birth can crack you open for the enemy or for God. The door is already open. The choice is yours.
 
Interested in Restored by Grace?
Connect with Brigid on Instagram. 

#13 | The Original Crunchy Mom: Instinctual Mothering with Elyse Williams

What if you didn’t need a parenting manual?
What if you didn’t need a chart or a checklist or someone else’s permission to mother your baby well?
What if… the Holy Spirit and your God-given instincts were enough?
In this week’s podcast episode, I sat down with my friend Elyse Williams, a wise, beautiful mama of 8, to talk about what it really means to mother from a place of peace, presence, and deep trust.
Listening to your maternal instincts can feel impossible in the world that is constantly shouting at us. In this episode of The Discerning Mother, I sit down with Elyse Williams to chat about what instinctual mothering looking like before social media. 
We dive into:
A bit of history in the OBGYN's office
What to do when people won't stop telling you their opinions
Some amazing book recs to help you on your journey
...and more!
This conversation will help you lean into your instincts with renewed confidence and conviction. 
Connect with Brigid on Instagram.

#12 | Trusting Your Instincts in Birth and Motherhood: A Conversation with Jennifer Lauck

In this powerful episode of The Discerning Mother, Brigid Tebaldi is joined by author and speaker, Jennifer Lauck, as they discuss the importance of trusting your instincts during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Jennifer shares the deeply personal journey of her own birth experiences and how the medical system failed to honor her intuition. From the overwhelming pressure of the hospital system to the struggles of advocating for yourself as a mother, this conversation will resonate with any woman navigating her own motherhood journey.
Jennifer and I discuss her book "Show Me the Way" and how her own story of birth and transformation occurred. Through honest storytelling, Jennifer and Brigid explore how faith, intuition, and even the struggle against societal expectations shape the experience of motherhood.
We chat about:
The challenges of trusting your body and instincts in a medical system that often overlooks the personal needs of mothers.
The struggles women face when advocating for their birth plans and fighting for informed consent in the hospital setting.
Practical advice for discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit and your own intuition when navigating the challenges of motherhood.
Learn more about Jennifer’s books and courses here.
Connect with Brigid on Instagram.

#11 | Trusting Your Desires: Discerning God's Will with Laura Jean

How do you know if your desires are truly from God or just fleeting wants? In this episode of The Discerning Mother, I sit down with Laura Jean from Let’s Be Saints to talk about the difference between deep, God-given desires and the distractions of the world.
We dive into:The real meaning of "desire" (hint: it comes from the Father!)
How to trust your instincts and stop second-guessing yourself
Why Catholic moms especially struggle with trusting their own intuition
The importance of intergenerational friendships and community in discernment
Whether you're wrestling with decisions in motherhood, marriage, or your personal calling, this conversation will help you lean into God's plan with confidence.
Laura’s wisdom is like a breath of fresh air in a world full of noise!
Connect with Laura Jean: letsbesaints.com and on Instagram. 
Connect with Brigid on Instagram.

#10 | Nourish to Flourish: Healing After Birth with the Right Nutrition

In this episode, I dive into how nutrition plays a crucial role in healing after a challenging or traumatic birth. From protein to healthy fats and complex carbs, discover how the right foods can support your body’s recovery, balance your hormones, and even improve your emotional well-being. Whether you’re feeling drained, foggy, or overwhelmed, nourishing yourself properly is the key to feeling like you again. Tune in for practical tips and real-life advice on how to fuel your body for true healing.
 
Connect with Brigid on Instagram. 
 

#9 | Spiritual Warfare Is Real: My Wake-Up Call & God’s Faithfulness

⚠️ Warning: This episode is about spiritual warfare.
Have you ever let your prayer life slip a little… [I know I have :/] only to feel the consequences in ways you never expected? That happened to me recently, and in this episode of The Discerning Mother, I’m sharing a dream that shook me - one that reminded me just how real spiritual warfare is. And, how important it is to prioritize God. 
I had been wrestling with personal decisions, and in my vulnerability, the enemy tried to creep in. But, thankfully, God always wins.
In this episode, I talk about:
How the enemy tries to attack when we are spiritually weak
Why staying rooted in prayer is critical
How God remains faithful and always responds when we call
If you’ve ever experienced something like this, you’re not alone. Send me a message - I’d love to pray for you.
And if you’re ready to heal from birth trauma and step into the peace God wants for you, let’s chat.
Connect with Brigid on Instagram. 
Our Lady of Loreto, ora pro nobis.

#8 | Inside Your Husband’s Head: Understanding Masculinity & Asking for the Support You Need

Ever wondered why your husband does what he does? Or how to have those tough conversations in a way that actually brings you closer instead of pushing you apart?
In this episode of The Discerning Mother, I sit down with Kenneth of Catholic Men’s Coaching to unpack what it truly means to be a masculine man, how to communicate your needs effectively, and how to invite your husband into deeper support and love for you.
We dive into:
Why men think and act the way they do
How to approach hard conversations without frustration
What true support and love from your husband can look like
The power of understanding masculinity through a Catholic lens
✨ Bonus for Restored by Grace clients: When you enroll in Restored by Grace (Collective or VIP), your husband gets exclusive access to support from Kenneth.
If you’re ready to move past birth trauma and deepen your connection in marriage, let’s chat! Book a call today.
Our Lady of Loreto, ora pro nobis.

#7 | Healing Through Birth: My Personal Journey of Fear, Trauma, and Transformation

In this episode, Brigid opens up about her own birth experiences, from her first, fear-filled birth to the births that followed, filled with pain, doubt, and trauma. She reflects on the lessons learned, the healing that took place, and how these births transformed her perspective on what it means to trust your body and your instincts.
If you've ever felt scared or traumatized by your birth experiences, this episode will show you that healing is possible, no matter where you’re at on your journey. Brigid shares how the process of releasing fear and embracing peace not only changed her approach to motherhood but ultimately led her to the work she does today, encouraging women to heal their own birth traumas.
Join Brigid as she walks through her raw and real experiences, offering insights and hope for those who are still navigating their own birth stories.
Ready to heal and transform? Connect with Brigid on Instagram to share your story or learn more about her programs.
 
Not sure if your traumatic birth is still affecting you? Take the free quiz to find out. 

#6 | She’s Having Her 10th Baby - So Why Is She Still Scared to Give Birth?

What if you’ve given birth nine times and still feel terrified for baby number ten? In this episode, Brigid unpacks a powerful conversation with a mother expecting her tenth child, yet still battling fear and anxiety about labor.
Brigid discusses how they explored the deep-rooted fears that have followed her through each birth, from her first c-section to the “horrible” labors that came after. Why does the fear persist? And, more importantly, how can she finally let it go and step into birth with confidence, peace, and even joy?
This episode proves that no matter how many children you have, fear will keep showing up until you heal the root. If birth still feels scary to you, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Connect with Brigid on Instagram