In this episode of I Wish They Taught That in School, I sit down with my wife, Renee Brna, to talk about something rarely discussed openly: the quiet shame many mothers carry.
Before entering the mental health field, Renee spent 20 years as a professional performer in theater, television, and music. She began working in crisis support and client services more than a decade ago, and after stepping back to raise her children, she returned with a focus on research and clinical training. She’s now a graduate student therapist pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Ahead of the release of her new book, A Happy Healthy Mom—a revised and expanded second edition of Mother Nurture, co-authored with Rick Hanson, Jan Hanson, and Ricky Polycove—Renee shares insights into the emotional realities of modern motherhood.
We explore how unrealistic expectations—especially those amplified by social media—can leave new moms feeling like they’re falling short, even when they’re doing everything right. This conversation dives into identity, comparison, mental health, and how to redefine what it actually means to be a “good mom.”
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not measuring up—or love someone who feels that way—this episode is for you.
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